After last week's article about taxes and IRS audits, I thought I should write about something more cheerful and help get everyone's spirits up. After all, spring is here and nicer weather is coming to most of the country. So let's be upbeat this week!
On the road recently I've been meeting with a number of entrepreneurs. One conversation in particular sticks with me and it was with an individual who is attempting to start a new company. This person has a stable "day job" but his passion lies elsewhere and he is working in his own time to create a new company that he believes will be successful and fulfilling.
Last week we discussed the popular myth that you need to have a world-changing idea before you start a business. I talked about the need to know the industry you are trying to get into and look for ways to improve it or make life easier for people in it, rather than inventing the next revolutionary technology. If you find a problem and develop an easy way to solve it, your business will have a good shot at success.
Every successful entrepreneur I know is also an avid reader. Most are regulars in business aisle at their local bookstore and are devoted readers of Forbes and other business publications. Successful entrepreneurs are typically hungry for knowledge and there is a wealth of it to tap into. With the start of a new year, here are some great books that will either inspire, instruct or maybe do a little of both. So if you're looking for a book to read on an upcoming business trip, or are looking for a little extra motivation for 2014, here are some books that I found helpful recently, especially when I've faced business challenges.