We’re often asked about what reading material we’d recommend for the new entrepreneur – aside from The Startup Playbook, of course. Here’s our current list of essential books and articles for the first-time entrepreneur. It strongly follows the guidelines from The Startup Playbook that state that it’s not ideas that make great startups, but great execution.

In this list, you’ll find information on how to build and run organizations; how to think about growth and competition; how to avoid pitfalls; and how to motivate yourself and those around you. When you become an expert in these areas, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful company.

Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist – Brad Feld, Jason Mendelson

Jack Welch & The G.E. Way: Management Insights and Leadership Secrets of the Legendary CEO – Robert Slater

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More – Chris Anderson

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference – Malcolm Gladwell

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t – Jim Collins

Crossing the Chasm – Geoffrey Moore

Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts – Annie Duke

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win – Jocko Willink, Leif Babin

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B. Cialdini PhD

Wooden: A Coach’s Life – Seth Davis

Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors – Michael Porter

One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees? – Frederick Herzberg