Best Books for Entrepreneurs & Side Hustlers: Read Your Way to Success

So, you've caught the entrepreneurial bug. Whether you’re building an empire from your garage, flipping products for profit, or side-hustling your way to financial freedom, one thing is clear: success leaves clues—and those clues are often hidden in books.

The right book can be a mentor in your pocket, a coach in your hands, and a blueprint for success—all without having to awkwardly DM billionaires on LinkedIn for advice. So, if you’re ready to level up, here are some must-read books for entrepreneurs and side hustlers that will change the way you think, work, and build your dream life.

1. "The $100 Startup" – Chris Guillebeau

The Art of Turning Passion into Profit

If you think you need a million-dollar investment to start a business, Chris Guillebeau is here to tell you, nope! The $100 Startup is packed with real-life case studies of people who started businesses with little to no capital and made them wildly successful.

Why you’ll love it:

  • It proves you don’t need an MBA or deep pockets to succeed.
  • Perfect for side hustlers looking to bootstrap their way to freedom.
  • Actionable steps to take your idea from "just a thought" to a money-making machine.

Best for: New entrepreneurs and side hustlers who want a no-excuses, step-by-step guide to launching a profitable business.

2. "The 4-Hour Workweek" – Tim Ferriss

Escape the 9-to-5 & Work Smarter, Not Harder

If the words "retirement" and "vacation" feel like distant dreams, this book might just change your entire perspective on work. Tim Ferriss shares how he went from working 80-hour weeks to making a full-time income with just four hours of work per week. (Yes, you read that right.)

Why you’ll love it:

  • Teaches automation, delegation, and time management hacks to free up your life.
  • Shows how to ditch the traditional job mindset and build a life-first business.
  • Packed with strategies on outsourcing, passive income, and lifestyle design.

Best for: Aspiring digital nomads, freelancers, and anyone tired of trading hours for dollars.

3. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" – Robert Kiyosaki

Mastering Money & Thinking Like an Entrepreneur

If there were a personal finance Bible, this would be it. Kiyosaki breaks down the difference between how the wealthy think about money vs. the average person—and why working a job forever is NOT the way to financial freedom.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Shifts your mindset from "work for money" to "make money work for you."
  • Explains the power of assets, investing, and financial independence in a way that actually makes sense.
  • Ideal for side hustlers looking to turn their income streams into long-term wealth.

Best for: Anyone who wants to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and start building wealth.

4. "Atomic Habits" – James Clear

Small Changes, Big Results

Let’s be real—starting a business (or side hustle) is not just about big ideas, it’s about consistent execution. James Clear’s Atomic Habits teaches you how to reprogram your daily habits to maximize productivity, focus, and long-term success.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Teaches the power of tiny, consistent improvements over time.
  • Helps eliminate bad habits that hold you back (goodbye, procrastination).
  • Shows how to build unstoppable momentum in business and life.

Best for: Entrepreneurs struggling with motivation, focus, or consistency in their hustle.

5. "The Lean Startup" – Eric Ries

Launch Faster, Fail Smarter, Succeed Sooner

Ever feel like you need everything to be perfect before launching? This book will snap you out of that mindset real quick. The Lean Startup teaches you how to test ideas fast, adapt quickly, and build a business that actually works—without wasting time or money.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Teaches how to launch before you're "ready."
  • Focuses on real-world feedback over endless planning.
  • Perfect for side hustlers who want to test ideas with low risk and high potential.

Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to launch and scale without making costly mistakes.

6. "Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days" – Chris Guillebeau

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Extra Cash

If you’re too busy for a full-time business but still want to make extra money, this book is for you. Chris Guillebeau lays out a 27-day plan to go from zero to side hustle, without quitting your job.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Helps you find profitable side hustle ideas quickly.
  • Breaks everything down into simple, daily action steps.
  • Focuses on low-risk, high-reward income streams.

Best for: Busy professionals, parents, and anyone who wants extra income without the overwhelm.

Final Thoughts

The right book at the right time can completely change your mindset, business, and life. Whether you're just starting out, looking to scale, or trying to escape the 9-to-5 grind, these books offer real-world strategies to help you win.

Now it’s your turn! Pick a book, start reading, and take action. Because at the end of the day, the best business strategy is actually doing the work—and these books will show you exactly how to do it.

Got a favorite book that changed your side hustle game? Drop it in the comments!

And hey, if you’re looking for great deals on business tools, gadgets, and side hustle essentials, check out DaveyDooDeals—where smart hustlers shop for less!

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