10 Entrepreneurial Books For Creatives: Summary, Quotes & Key Takeaways

As a creative person I have found reading these entrepreneurial books to be extremely beneficial both for my marketing acumen as well as my confidence as an artist to be able to make a living from what I love doing.

We live in an information age where there is so much help available. No longer do you have to feel like you are separate from the business world just because you are an artist.

Below follows a list of 10 books that I have found especially effective in helping me level up my business & marketing knowledge but also broaden my horizons to think in different terms.

I have listed each book with a small summary followed by the top 10 quotes from the book as well as some key takeaways and ideas so you can decide quickly if it resonates with you and if you would like to read it.

This post contains some affiliate links. You know the drill…

1. The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

Summary:

Eric Ries’ book “The Lean Startup

Top 10 Quotes:

• “The only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else.”
• “Innovation is a bottoms-up, decentralized, and unpredictable thing.”
• “The goal of a startup is to figure out the right thing to build – the thing customers want and will pay for – as quickly as possible.”
• “A startup is a human institution designed to create a new product or service under conditions of extreme uncertainty.”
• “The job of the entrepreneur is to take the vision and break it down into actionable steps.”
• “In a lean startup, it’s not just about what you build, but why you build it.”
• “If you cannot fail, you cannot learn.”
• “The most successful entrepreneurs are not risk-takers; they are risk-mitigators.”
• “The best startups are the ones that are the most agile and can pivot quickly.”
• “Startups are not about executing a business plan; they are about discovering a business model.”

Key Takeaways:

• The lean startup methodology emphasizes experimentation, rapid iteration, and customer feedback as key drivers of success.
• Startups should focus on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) that can be quickly tested and improved based on customer feedback.
• A startup should continuously assess its business model and pivot as needed to stay relevant and competitive in the marketplace.
• The lean startup methodology is applicable to a wide range of businesses, including both technology and non-technology startups.
• Entrepreneurship is not just about taking risks; it’s about mitigating risks and continuously learning from failure.

2. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

Summary

In “The E-Myth Revisited,” Michael Gerber argues that most small businesses fail because their owners are technicians rather than entrepreneurs. Gerber encourages small business owners to adopt a systems-based approach to their businesses, creating standardized processes that can be replicated and scaled. By working on their businesses rather than in their businesses, small business owners can create successful enterprises that can grow and thrive.

Top 10 Quotes:

• “The E-Myth is the myth of the entrepreneur. It runs deep in this country and rings of the heroic. But the myth is not the person, it’s the legend that builds up around the person.”
• “Most entrepreneurs are merely technicians with an entrepreneurial seizure. Most entrepreneurs fail because they are working IN their business rather than ON their business.”
• “The business owner’s job is to design the business, the technician’s job is to work the business.”
• “If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business—you have a job. And it’s the worst job in the world because you’re working for a lunatic!”
• “The purpose of going into business is to get free of a job so you can create jobs for other people.”
• “The model for business success is McDonald’s. Ray Kroc didn’t invent the hamburger, but he did invent the system that made McDonald’s successful.”
• “The entrepreneurial model requires that the owner be able to work ON the business rather than IN the business.”

• “Systems run the business, people run the systems.”

• “The true product of a business is the business itself.”
• “A business without a system is like a car without a steering wheel.”

Key Takeaways:

• Many small businesses fail because their owners are focused on doing the work rather than building systems and processes that can be scaled.
• Successful businesses are built on systems, not just individual talents or skills.
• Small business owners should focus on creating standardized processes and procedures that can be replicated and improved over time.
• Business owners should work on their businesses, not just in their businesses.
• The goal of business ownership is to create a system that can generate income and provide value to customers even if the owner is not present.

3. Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

Summary

Built to Last

Top 10 Quotes:

• “Visionary companies are premier institutions—the crown jewels—in their industries, widely admired by their peers and having a long track record of making a significant impact on the world around them.”
• “Visionary companies are not just more successful than other companies; they are fundamentally different.”
• “The core ideology is the glue that holds an organization together as it grows, decentralizes, diversifies, expands globally, and develops new products and services.”
• “Preserve the core/stimulate progress.”
• “Good-to-great companies are more disciplined than their competitors.”
• “The companies that endure are the ones that make a habit of doing what they do well.”
• “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.”
• “The primary role of a leader is to create a culture of discipline.”
• “The best leaders are not those who are in love with themselves, but those who are in love with their companies.”
• “A visionary company is like a great work of art.”

Key Takeaways:

• Successful, visionary companies are built on a foundation of core values and a clear sense of purpose.
• The most successful companies are disciplined, focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• The most enduring companies are able to balance their commitment to their core values with a willingness to innovate and take risks.
• Great companies are led by leaders who prioritize the success of the company over their own egos.
• Companies that are built to last are able to create a culture of discipline and maintain that discipline over time.

4. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Summary:

In “Good to Great,” Jim Collins investigates what makes some companies outperform others. Collins and his research team identified several common characteristics of “great” companies, including a focus on disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. Collins argues that great companies are able to create a culture of discipline that allows them to succeed in the long term.

Top 10 Quotes:

• “Good is the enemy of great.”
• “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.”
• “The purpose of bureaucracy is to compensate for incompetence and lack of discipline.”
• “The Hedgehog Concept is a simple, crystalline concept that flows from deep understanding about the intersection of three circles: What you are deeply passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine.”
• “When in doubt, don’t hire, keep looking.”
• “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
• “You can’t manufacture passion or ‘motivate’ people to feel passionate. You can only discover what ignites your passion and the passions of those around you.”
• “In a world of rapid and discontinuous change, leaders cannot predict the future, but they can create it.”
• “A culture of discipline is not just about action. It is about getting disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and who then take disciplined action.”
• “It is not the company with the ‘best’ strategy that wins; it is the company with the best execution of the chosen strategy.”

Key Takeaways:

• The most successful companies are able to create a culture of discipline that allows them to succeed over the long term.
• Great companies are able to focus on their core strengths and passions and find ways to monetize them.
• Leaders should prioritize hiring and developing passionate, disciplined employees.
• Great leaders are able to create a culture of discipline and inspire their employees to pursue excellence.
• In a rapidly changing world, companies must be willing to adapt and change their strategies to stay competitive.

5. The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

Summary

“The Art of Possibility

Top 10 Quotes:

• “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.”
• “The universe is abundant with examples of people who have been transformed by shifting their attitudes.”
• “It’s all invented.”
• “We give up our power to invent the future when we stop looking for opportunities to create it.”
• “The practice of giving an A allows you to see people in terms of their potential and encourages them to grow into that greatness.”
• “Leading is about creating a climate where people feel that it is safe to experiment and speak their minds.”
• “The essence of the practice of contribution is giving what you have to offer without reservation or hesitation.”
• “In the face of significant events, the human spirit can turn to one of two stances: the downward spiral, or the path of possibility.”
• “We can be, do, and have anything we wish.”
• “What might happen if everyone lived as though they were giving an A?”

Key Takeaways:

• By embracing a mindset of possibility, individuals can overcome limiting beliefs and achieve their goals.
• It is important to recognize that much of our experience is shaped by our own perceptions and beliefs.
• Great leaders create a climate where people feel safe to experiment and speak their minds.
• The practice of giving an A allows individuals to focus on their potential rather than their limitations.
• Anyone can be, do, and have anything they wish if they embrace a mindset of possibility.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Summary

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Top 10 Quotes:

• “Begin with the end in mind.”
• “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
• “Sharpen the saw.”
• “To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.”
• “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
• “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
• “The way we see the problem is the problem.”
• “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
• “The only way to change someone’s mind is to connect with them from the heart.”
• “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are–or, as we are conditioned to see it.”

Key Takeaways:

• Effective people are able, to begin with the end in mind and focus on their goals and priorities.
• To be an effective communicator, it is important to seek first to understand, then to be understood.
• Continuous self-improvement is key to long-term success.
• Perception shapes reality, and changing our perceptions can lead to profound changes in our lives.
• Effective people are able to prioritize their time and focus on what is most important.

Overall, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a timeless classic that provides valuable insights and actionable advice for personal and professional growth. By focusing on developing habits that promote effectiveness, such as prioritizing and continuous improvement, readers can improve their own lives and achieve greater success.

7. Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

Summary

“Blue Ocean Strategy

Top 10 Quotes:

• “The only way to beat the competition is to stop trying to beat the competition.”
• “Value innovation is the cornerstone of blue ocean strategy.”
• “Instead of focusing on dividing up existing demand, the blue ocean strategy is about growing demand.”
• “Don’t benchmark against the competition; benchmark against alternatives.”
• “To create a blue ocean, you must have the courage to trust your intuition and take the path less traveled.”
• “Blue oceans are not about technology innovation. They are about value innovation.”
• “The more crowded a market, the more bloody the competition.”
• “In a world of commoditized products and services, the only way to differentiate yourself is to innovate.”
• “Never underestimate the power of a bold idea.”
• “Don’t let the limitations of your industry define your business. Redefine your industry instead.”

Key Takeaways:

• The key to success is not to beat the competition but to create a new market space with little or no competition.
• Value innovation is critical for creating a blue ocean and capturing new demand.
• Focusing on dividing up existing demand is a limiting strategy while creating new demand is key to growth.
• Benchmarking against alternatives, rather than the competition, can lead to innovative solutions.
• Creating a blue ocean requires courage and the willingness to take the path less traveled.
• Blue Oceans are not about technology innovation, but about creating new value for customers.
• Crowded markets can be brutal and bloody, while blue oceans offer the opportunity for growth and profitability.
• Innovation is essential for differentiation in commoditized markets.
• Bold ideas can lead to new opportunities and growth.
• Redefining the industry is a powerful strategy for creating a blue ocean.

Overall, “Blue Ocean Strategy” offers a fresh perspective on business strategy and provides practical guidance for identifying untapped market opportunities and developing innovative strategies to capture them. By focusing on value innovation and creating new demand, readers can break free from the limitations of existing markets and create their own blue ocean of opportunity.

8. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Summary

“Getting Things Done” is a productivity and time management book that provides a step-by-step framework for increasing efficiency and reducing stress. The author, David Allen, argues that most people are weighed down by a constant stream of tasks, projects, and commitments that occupy their minds and distract them from focusing on the present moment. His solution is a simple yet powerful system for organizing and managing tasks and projects that allow individuals to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Top 10 Quotes:

• “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”
• “The key to mastering your time is to systematically focus on the importance and suppress urgency.”
• “The biggest problem with stress is that people don’t recognize it as stress.”
• “The better you get, the better you’d better get.”
• “The more options you consider, the better your decisions will be.”
• “There is no right or wrong way to use the GTD system, only the way that works best for you.”
• “The two-minute rule: if it takes less than two minutes, do it now.”
• “Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax.”
• “Your head is for having ideas, not for holding them.”
• “In a world where change is inevitable and uncertainty is the norm, the ability to adapt and learn is paramount.”

Key Takeaways:

• Most people are weighed down by a constant stream of tasks, projects, and commitments that occupy their minds and distract them from focusing on the present moment.
• The key to mastering time is to focus on what’s important and suppress urgency.
• Stress can be insidious, and it’s important to recognize when it’s impacting your life.
• Continuous improvement is essential for personal growth and development.
• Considering multiple options can lead to better decision-making.
• The GTD system is flexible and can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences.
• The two-minute rule is a simple yet effective way to manage small tasks and reduce clutter.
• Relaxation is essential for maintaining energy and focus.
• Ideas should be captured and organized outside of your head to reduce mental clutter.
• Adaptability and learning are critical in a constantly changing and uncertain world.

Overall, “Getting Things Done” provides a practical and effective system for managing tasks and projects that can help individuals feel more in control and less overwhelmed. By implementing the GTD system and focusing on what’s important, readers can increase productivity and reduce stress in their daily lives.

9. The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

Summary

“The 4-Hour Work Week

Top 10 Quotes:

• “The goal is not to simply eliminate the bad, but to pursue and experience the best in the world.”
• “Most people are fast to stop you before you get started but hesitate to get in the way if you’re moving.”
• “Focus on being productive instead of busy.”
• “People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty.”
• “The opposite of love is indifference, and the opposite of happiness is boredom.”
• “Being busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action.”
• “The 80/20 principle: 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort.”
• “Eliminating the unnecessary is the most productive thing you can do.”
• “The question you should be asking isn’t, ‘What do I want?’ or ‘What are my goals?’ but ‘What would excite me?'”
• “The timing is never right, but action beats inaction every time.”

Key Takeaways:

• The traditional 9-5 workweek is outdated and inefficient.
• Outsourcing, automation, and digital nomadism can provide greater flexibility and freedom in work and life.
• Productivity is not about being busy, but about focusing on what’s important and eliminating the unnecessary.
• Uncertainty can be scary, but it’s important to take risks and pursue what excites you.
• The 80/20 principle can be applied to many aspects of life and work.
• Eliminating the unnecessary can be the most productive thing you can do.
• Pursuing the best in the world should be the goal, not simply eliminating the bad.
• Happiness and excitement come from pursuing what you truly enjoy.
• Action is more important than waiting for the perfect timing.
• Laziness can manifest as busyness and indiscriminate action.

Overall, “The 4-Hour Work Week” provides a provocative and unconventional approach to work and productivity. By challenging traditional notions of work and emphasizing the importance of flexibility and freedom, Ferriss offers a new way of thinking about success and happiness. While some of the advice may not be practical for everyone, the book encourages readers to think critically about their work and life and to design a lifestyle that truly reflects their values and desires.

10. The Business of Being an Artist by Daniel Grant

Summary

“The Business of Being an Artist

Top 10 Quotes:

• “Success as an artist doesn’t just happen, it requires a combination of talent, hard work, and business savvy.”
• “Artists must approach their careers as entrepreneurs and be willing to take risks.”
• “Art is not just about making something beautiful, it’s about making something that has value.”
• “Artists must understand the value of their work and learn to negotiate for fair compensation.”
• “Networking is essential for artists to make connections and build their careers.”
• “Artists must create a brand and a unique identity to stand out in the crowded art market.”
• “Social media is a powerful tool for artists to promote their work and connect with audiences.”
• “Artists should be proactive in seeking out opportunities and creating their own opportunities.”
• “Having a strong support system and community is crucial for artists to succeed.”
• “Continuous learning and professional development are important for artists to stay relevant and competitive.”

Key Takeaways:

• Success as an artist requires a combination of talent, hard work, and business savvy.
• Artists must approach their careers as entrepreneurs and be willing to take risks.
• Understanding the value of their work and learning to negotiate for fair compensation is crucial for artists.
• Networking and building connections are essential for artists to build their careers.
• Creating a unique brand and identity is important for artists to stand out in the crowded art market.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for artists to promote their work and connect with audiences.
• Being proactive in seeking out opportunities and creating their own opportunities can help artists advance their careers.
• Having a strong support system and community is crucial for artists to succeed.
• Continuous learning and professional development are important for artists to stay relevant and competitive.
• The art market is complex and ever-changing, and artists must stay informed and adaptable to navigate it successfully.

Overall, “The Business of Being an Artist” is a valuable resource for artists looking to build successful and sustainable careers. The book provides practical advice and tools for navigating the art market and building a professional network and emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and continuous learning. While some of the information may be specific to the art world, many of the lessons and strategies can be applied to other creative industries as well.