As an accomplished corporate advisor with decades of experience, Don Manifold has
gained a wealth of knowledge and insights that have contributed to his success.
Throughout his career, he has also drawn inspiration and guidance from various
business books. Here are Don Manifold’s top five business books that every
entrepreneur should read to gain valuable insights and strategies for success.
1. “Scaling Up” by Verne Harnish
- Don Manifold
highly recommends “Scaling Up” as one of the most practical
guides for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. The book
provides actionable strategies for managing the four critical areas of
business: people, strategy, execution, and cash. Don Manifold appreciates
how the book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters
and provides a clear roadmap for scaling a business.
3. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
Another book that
Don Manifold finds essential is “Good to Great.” This classic
business book explores how companies can transition from being good to achieving
greatness. Don Manifold is particularly drawn to the concept of the
“Hedgehog Principle,” which emphasize s the importance of focusing on
what a company can be the best at. He believes that entrepreneurs can learn
valuable lessons from the book’s research-backed insights.
4. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
“The Lean
Startup” is a must-read for any entrepreneur, according to Don Manifold.
The book introduces the concept of the lean startup methodology , which
emphasizes rapid prototyping, validated learning, and iterative development.
Don Manifold appreciates how the book provides practical advice on how to build
a sustainable business by testing ideas quickly and efficiently.
5. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by
Clayton Christensen
Don Manifold
considers “The Innovator’s Dilemma” to be an essential read for
entrepreneurs who want to stay ahead of the competition. The book explores how
successful companies can fail by focusin g too much on sustaining innovations
and neglecting disruptive technologies. Don Manifold finds the book’s insights
valuable for understanding the challenges of innovation and how to navigate
them effectively.
6. “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan
Kim and Renée Mauborgne
“Blue Ocean
Strategy” is another book that Don Manifold highly recommends. The book
presents a systematic approach to creating uncontested market space and making
the competition irrelevant. Don Manifold appreciates how the book provides a
strategic framework for finding new opportunities and unlocking growth
potential in a crowded market.
In conclusion,
these five books have had a significant impact on Don Manifold’s career and
offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. By
reading and applying the principles outlined in these books, entrepreneurs can
gain the knowledge and tools needed to achieve lasting success.