What better way to welcome a new employee than by setting them up for immediate success with a book about the industry? That’s why we asked 14 members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) what they always have waiting on new hires‘ desks.
Q. What is the best startup-related book to give a new hire on their first day?
1. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Zero to One helped inspire me to really stand out above the crowd and go above and beyond. We truly have to create a company that isn’t just doing what everyone else is doing. Going from zero to one takes a human that’s willing to test something that hasn’t been done before. We need more employees like that! – Peter Daisyme, Host
2. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinmeier Hansson
Rework, by Basecamp co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinmeier Hansson, is required reading for all of our employees on their first days. It’s a fantastic book that helps break a lot of bad (read: corporate) habits, debunk myths and set the stage for an environment where people work smarter, not harder. It’s very likely the best book I’ve ever read for startups, and I’ve readhundreds. – Brittany Hodak, ZinePak
3. 7 Principles to Live a Champion Life by John Di Lemme
With over 11,000 downloads and a 4.72 star rating, John Di Lemme’s book 7 Principles to Live a Champion Life is a terrific gift for a new hire. As it’s not business related it won’t seem like homework. In fact, it teaches readers how to live a richer, more fulfilling life, which I firmly believe will positively impact your business. – Nicolas Gremion, Free-eBooks.net
4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
I recommend that all new hires entering the startup world readBen Horowitz’s book, The Hard Thing About Hard Things, prior to their first day. It helps paint a new picture with the thrills and chills of the roller coaster journey we’re all riding together to achieve our business goals. – Kelsey Recht, VenueBook
5. The Art of the Idea by John Hunt
The Art of the Idea by John Hunt helps to rid new employees of mental blocks they may have encountered over the years. The essence of a startup is about a fresh way of filling a void or solving a problem. Often ideas are bubbling up frequently and incorporate just as quickly. Allowing ideas to flow and flourish is an essential concept to learn in order to assimilate into a startup seamlessly. – Kim Kaupe, ZinePak
6. Traction By Gabriel Weinberg
Traction is the user acquisition bible for startups. It walks through 19 different customer acquisition methods, explaining the costs and benefits of each method, and outlines a framework for determining which acquisition channels are most appropriate for growing your business. – Sathvik Tantry, FormSwift
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About Young Entrepreneur Council
The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched StartupCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.