9 Books to Have on your Bookshelf When Starting a Tech Business

Keen to be ahead of the game when it comes to launching a new tech start-up? Well, knowledge is power and staying ahead of the game is vital in business. So, what do you need to know?

From how to socialise professionally to how to keeping on track with industry trends, this must-read list, written by Where The Trade Buys Print, specialists in commercial book printing, features the top books you need in your possession if you want to run a successful tech business…

The Start-Up: It’s a Blood Sport

Written by Warren Kirby, this book shows you the science and practicality behind making your start-up a commercial success. Covering six, crucial themes, you’ll learn what is truly important in business including: strategy, development, creativity, engineering, finance, processes, and staff.

Whether you’re B2B or B2C, this book is for you. Showing you how to tackle the obstacles in front of you as you grow your new company, The Start-Up: It’s a Blood Sport is a bible for tenacious and determined business people.

Gain insights from some of the most influential figures in business, before digesting some tips on how to make your business grow quickly. For tips on creating innovative campaigns to accelerate the growth of your company, this book should be top of your list.

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

Everyday, it seems that there are multiple new products and ways of doing things in tech. With this book, you get a glimpse of the next three decades, such as how technological forces will connect, mix and rely on each other — essential to know if any of these trends relate to your company.

Kevin Kelly discusses AI, VR and the effects of technology. How will these parts of technology affect how we live, work and purchase goods? If you want to stay ahead, these are things you need to know.

How Google Works

Get to know one of the biggest brands in technology. Learn just how exactly it became the giant it is, and implement some of the strategies Google used in your own business.

This insightful piece of literature was written by Google executives, Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, this book explores strategy, culture, business philosophy, and the crucial decisions that have made the brand. Instil Google’s innovation and spirit in your new venture with How Google Works!

Networking Like a Pro

Want your business to grow but not sure how to network efficiently? Need a few tips to boost your skills and confidence? This is it.

From the people that you need to target to knowing what conversations to strike up, Networking Like a Pro gives you the tools to boost and perfect your networking strategy, making invaluable business connections that may make the difference between success and failure in the future.

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

Brought to us by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler, divided into three sections, the first walks you through how new firms transform from ‘initial concept’ to ‘multi-million-pounds business’. What’s more, you’ll learn how innovations like 3D printing and robots could impact on development in the sector.

Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is Shaping Our Future

If you’re in the tech industry, you have to read up on the incredible Elon Musk. A controversial yet inspiring figure, he was born in South Africa and is the innovator behind PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. Determined to send people to space, help the planet and colonise Mars while making money, Musk has a captivating outlook and character that may change how you even deal with day-to-day business opportunities.

Despite experiencing a tough upbringing, Musk went against the odds excelled academically, before launching two dot-com successes — including PayPal. Opting to go it alone and investing in rockets and electric cars, technology took over Musk’s life and this book by reporter, Ashlee Vance, details the exciting, whirlwind personal and business life of Elon Musk.

Conscious Capitalism

Despite the negative connotations attached to the word ‘capitalism’, this book looks to dispel the theory that capitalism is only for the ‘people at the top’.

The way in which you communicate with those that come into contact with your business is very important. With details about UPS, Google and Amazon, Conscious Capitalism looks at infusing your business with positivity and a good workplace culture.

Conscious Capitalism will help you achieve creativity and innovation in your employees and steer your business to a positive future that not only turns a profit, but also attracts quality employees who are looking for a positive place to work and develop their skills, an important trait to have for an aspiring growing business.

The Upstarts

Airbnb and Uber are some of the biggest and fastest growing brands in the world right now and Brad Stone weaves an incredible story of innovation and determination involving these two. You’re now an entrepreneur and this book will help you make a standout brand that people will remember. From how people travel to what they expect from accommodation, Uber and Airbnb are true innovators that have altered consumer behaviour. What can your business do to change the world?