Business experts say that anyone thinking about starting a business should seek advice from seasoned professionals. This advice holds true for both men and women, however, answers to the unique challenges that women face in business are typically not found in top business books or addressed by business leaders. The best business guidance for future women entrepreneurs comes from women. Female professionals who can give their perspective on the climb to the top and how they overcame some of their biggest challenges to attain success. The 5 books listed below are “must-reads” for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur
by Carrie Green
This “how-to” book by Green offers a strategy to help emerging female entrepreneurs develop a business approach. She offers practical, actionable steps for women to sharpen their ideas and create a useable business strategy to get ready for launch. If you are looking for a place to start, Green’s book may be the roadmap you need.
Work Party: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams
by Jaclyn Johnson
Johnson’s book provides wisdom and insights from the best women in the business, who address the unique challenges women face when becoming a business owner and boss. She encourages women to redefine work on their own terms, and when you own the business, on their own turf. Women often need “permission” to be their own person and cultivate their ideas, so Johnson sheds light on how to make that happen.
Girl Code: Unlocking Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur
by Cara Alwill Leyba
Girl Code makes the case that the most powerful action a female entrepreneur can take are those that support other women. Leyba believes that when women watch out for one another, they are unstoppable. While this book is not a step-step action list for starting a business, it contains vital information to help women connect, be more confident, and demonstrates the power of “Us”.
Earning It: Hard Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World
by Joann S. Lublin
Lublin’s book, Earning it, is a treasure trove of wisdom collected from more than 50 glass-shattering women across a diverse array of industries. Former CEO’s such as Mary Barra (GM), Carly Fiorina (HP), and Brenda Barnes (Sara Lee) provide insights and career guidance for women in all stages of their business career. This book is for women who appreciate learning from someone else’s trials, tribulations, experiences, and most importantly, secrets to success.
The Confidence Code
by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay
Shipman and Kay’s book is definitely for the nerds in the crowd. The book examines the confidence gap experienced by women in business and uses science to explain why this gap exists and what can be done to close the gap. The authors take a look at cutting edge neuroscience directed at the “confidence gene” and how our brains dictate and respond to confident actions. In the last chapter, psychologist provide advice about how choice and actions can change our physical wiring and help overcome confidence issues.
Rita Simmons, Ph.D., is the founder and lead consultant of Novelle, where she provides business and research consulting to companies across a variety of industries. Dr. Simmons leverages her drive for innovation and excellence along with her extensive executive and military experience to help companies grow their business, drive revenue, and achieve strategic goals. When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, contact Dr. Simmons at info@novelleonline.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.