What you need to read before launching your tech start-up

Just starting out in the tech industry and need to amass all the knowledge you can to ensure you make a success of your company? Have you been scrolling through articles like the ones on Salesforce to find out tips and tricks on a successful business? Knowledge is power in business, and in the rapidly evolving sector of technology, staying ahead is critical.

Insightful, enlightening and motivational, this list of top tech business books is sure to get you guiding your new company in the right direction. From how to create the optimum working environment for creative minds, to the world’s next consumer-changing trends, there’s a lot you don’t know yet about entrepreneurship and the tech industry…

Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the World

The captivating and perceptive book, Bold, was written by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. If you want to get off on the right foot in business, this three-part book is perfect. The first section gives you an incredible insight into how start-up companies are today going from ‘initial concept’ to ‘multi-million-pounds status’ quicker than ever, and how tech – like 3D printing and androids – might be influencing this trend.

Want to know how Richard Branson became the massive business tycoon he is today? In Bold, you read extraordinary comments and trade secrets from successful business people before you reach the section that might interest you the most. Bold‘s finale discusses the various, actionable ways you can build your company, with tips on creating lucrative campaigns designed to rocket your start-up to the top. A must-read for the big dreamer.

The Industries of the Future

This book by Alec Ross is a New York Times bestseller and it’s clear to see why from the first page. Ross delivers an extensive insight into your industry’s most important advances, from cybersecurity and robotics to genomics and big data, using input from global leaders.

But who is the author and how do they know so much about what you need to know? Well, Ross was once the senior advisor for innovation to the former Secretary of State in the US, Hillary Clinton. His extensive travel has given him access to the some of the most powerful people in business, and his book is packed with astute observations regarding opportunities for growth and the unknown tech forces that are changing – or will change – the world.

The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future

Tomorrow remains a mystery, never mind the next three decades. However, it’s crucial that, as a tech entrepreneur, you have an idea of future trends and products – and this book is ideal for this. Written by the former executive editor of Wired magazine, The Inevitable explores how multiple tech trends will transform how we live over the next 30 years. The best part of The Inevitable is how it paints a picture of ways in which technological forces will overlap, mix and come to co-depend on each other – crucial to know if any of these trends relate to your business.

Get ahead of the game and get your company ready for what lies ahead in tech. From home-based virtual reality to manufacturing-focused AI, author, Kevin Kelly, discusses the long-term effects of technology and how they could affect the generations to come.

Networking Like a Pro

Written by Ivan R. Misner, Networking Like a Pro is specifically for new-to-the-industry people, which makes it a must-read if you want to avoid the common pitfalls. Read this book, and you’ll boost your knowledge of overcoming various networking hurdles that could hold you back as your company grows.

Networking and making business contacts can make your company – so learning how to do this is key. From making useful contacts to develop your business, to implementing an effective referral marketing campaign; Networking Like a Pro offers tools, templates and a results-measuring system to help you action your networking strategy and make valuable business connections.

The Lean Start-Up

Another trusty read for anyone who may want more guidance in business is The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries. This book looks at how new companies can launch, adapt and grow within an industry that has fierce competition. Offering real examples of setting up a new business, you get a great insight into how to make a success of your business and avoid the typical snags and errors.

Your One Word

Your One Word is a truly inspirational read to get you excited for the future of your business. Evan Carmichael, the author, launched and sold his biotech company at just 19 years old and his book helps new entrepreneurs analyse their businesses, verify their aims and unlock their potential. If you need a boost of confidence and an injection of motivation to start making your tech-business dreams come true, immerse yourself in the powerful words of Carmichael.

The Upstarts

Brad Stone’s The Upstarts is a top read for anyone wanting to check out how to stay innovative using true-to-life examples. The best thing about this book is the incredibly detailed account of two global companies: Uber and Airbnb. Reading this book, you find out how these giants began and developed to become two of the most respected and innovative brands in the world.

Your consumer is always changing, however slight, and this book shows you how standard practices – such as how people travel and what they expect from accommodation – can adapt. What can your business do to change the world?

How Google Works

Google has to be most people’s inspiration when it comes to tech companies – but have you ever wondered how it started and stayed at the top of the game?

How Google Works is an exciting read that tells you everything you’d want to know about the firm. Written by Google executives, Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, you can find out about the corporate strategy, workplace culture, decision-making, and management philosophy of the brand. Renowned for its innovation, creativity, and ability to bounce back from errors (remember Wave?), this glimpse into the birth and evolution of Google is a must for anyone who wishes to emulate even a part of its success.

Conscious Capitalism

Can capitalism benefit everyone? That’s the argument put forward by author, Raj Sisodia, and CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey, in this book.

Having knowledge regarding how to treat consumers, staff and associates is essential to running a successful business. Referencing several other leading companies – such as UPS, Google and Amazon – Conscious Capitalism gives an insightful and expert analysis of how you can infuse your business environment with positivity for the optimum workplace culture (an essential component of Google’s success and almost expected by many people working within the innovative tech industry today).

Not sure if this one is for you? Give it a read and boost creativity and originality to help your business reach success in the first few years of its life.

This article was researched and created by Where The Trade Buys, a leading print company and provider of quality booklet printing in the UK.