Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#1

Post by techiferous » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 1:15 AM UTC

I'm a programmer and I don't know much about business but I'd like to start my own venture. What are some good resources (books, websites, etc.) for learning the basics of business?

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#2

Post by NonEUCitizen » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 1:26 AM UTC

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In ISBN-10: 0140157352 ISBN-13: 978-0140157352

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#3

Post by kaz » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 1:51 AM UTC

The E-Myth (the E stands for Entrepreneur): http://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-Abou...

Derek Sivers has a good collection of his notes (and many other biz-centric books) here: http://sivers.org/book/EMythRevisited

His opening line nails it: "Everything needs to be a system. Think of your business as a franchise prototype. You should be able to hand the "how-to" manual to just anyone, to do it as good as you."

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#4

Post by webwright » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 1:54 AM UTC

Made to Stick http://www.madetostick.com/

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#5

Post by Paton » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 1:57 AM UTC

What kind of business are you interested in?

If internet/tech... read TechCrunch and Mashable. Watch "This Week in Startups" by Jason Calacanis.

Watch some picthes from TC50. (Click the logos to see their pitch): http://www.techcrunch50.com/2009/

Business Week and Money magazines are decent, but less tech related.

That said, you'll still learn the most by experience. That is, trying things, making mistakes, and learning from them. There is a learning curve involved, but if you have the determination you'll be fine.

Good Luck

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#6

Post by gte910h » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 2:03 AM UTC

MicroISV

Anything by Eric Sink

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#7

Post by byrneseyeview » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 2:05 AM UTC

http://www.amazon.com/Buffett-American-Capitalist-Roger-Lowe...

This is the best business book I've ever read. Buffett is methodical, implacable, and brilliant -- but too smart to overthink anything.

The nice thing about Buffett is that being a little more like him will make you a little more money (unlike emulating, e.g., Gates -- if you want to be like Gates, you have to be completely ruthless and smart; 90% won't do.)

Re: Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer?

#8

Post by Mz » Wed, Nov 18, 2009, 2:07 AM UTC

NonEUCitizen wrote: post #2

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In ISBN-10: 0140157352 ISBN-13: 978-0140157352

And when you are ready for something more in depth but also research-based, go with The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Heart-Negotiator-Leigh-Thompson/d...

Getting to Yes and Mind and Heart were the two required texts for a class I had on negotiation. Both are excellent books.