Best Books For Women Entrepreneurs In 2021…. So Far
As I write this, we are at the end of May in 2021, and as far as I know, there may be a future influx of fabulously written and information-packed books that are the best books for women entrepreneurs. And I can’t wait to read them. But these are the best business books for women, in my opinion.
As you may know, I love to interview female entrepreneurs in my column at ForbesWomen. It is so much fun to highlight women entrepreneurs that are doing outstanding work in business. I believe it is vital for women to support other women in business.
I also thoroughly enjoy interviewing entrepreneurs, male or female, on my podcast, The Business Society. Every entrepreneur and business owner has their own unique story and path to success. Some have made their businesses successful, some are maintaining their businesses to stay successful, and some are still a work in progress.

Regardless of where you are in the entrepreneurial journey, it is essential to enjoy the journey. It needs to be fun or by the time you reach the destination you will be so bitter from the challenges that you met along the way you will be burnt out and not have any joy.
Entrepreneurs take chances, we’re a crazy kind of breed, and we live for the exhilaration that entrepreneurism provides. There is never a dull moment. And it’s a lot of work.
I have put together a list of the best books for women entrepreneurs that I think provide valuable information. I’m not looking at four-hour workweeks or the laptop travelling blogger, because I don’t believe that those businesses can actually be built and sustained on only four hours of work per week. Building, growing, and maintaining a business is hard work.
And when was the last time you saw a laptop blogger on the beach in Bali or some other sandy beach? Beaches and laptops do not go together, they just don’t.
Some of my favourite books that I consider to be the best books for women entrepreneurs, and authors who are women entrepreneurs themselves, that I have been lucky enough to meet on my journey and I wanted to share that list of them with you today. This list is in no particle order, and these books I have really enjoyed this year.

Ali Kriegsman – How to Build a Goddamn Empire
Ali Kriegsman is a co-founder of Bulletin.co, which is a premium commerce community where retailers discover, meet, and shop the best brands on the planet. And Ali wrote a book, How to Build a Goddamn Empire, to which I have both the audio and hardcover. I thoroughly enjoy this book as Ali gives it to you straight.
She does not sugar coat the challenges and difficulties of starting a new business, or the special challenges of a brick and mortar business, and I love her frank and candid narration.
I also had the privilege of interviewing Ali on The Business Society Podcast (formerly the Think Like a CFO Podcast). Have a listen and you will understand for yourself why I admire her straight talk and no fluff attitude.

Ellen Bennett – Dream First Details Later
Ellen is another author who shows honesty about her entrepreneurial journey. This book is so colorful and is packed with illustrations, that if you were to purchase the book I highly recommend a physical copy over the audio version. I love how colourful this book is.
I also enjoy the stories and honesty that Ellen portrays about her entrepreneurial journey as well. It wasn’t all roses and easy for her to start up, in fact, she jumped in with both feet without even having a plan. Yet, she succeeded and built a massive apron empire.
You can catch my interview with Ellen on The Business Society Podcast (formerly the Think Like a CFO Podcast) right here.

Victoria Labalme – Risk Forward
This is a shorter book and I definitely recommend the physical copy of this one, as it is full of illustrations. The reason I love this book so much is it came to me at a perfect time, where I was at a bit of a pivot in my business and feeling nervous and jumpy about it. So what came through my anxious state was Victoria common sense words of wisdom.

Rebecca Minkoff – Fearless
Rebecca’s book doesn’t officially get released until June 15th, so if you are reading this beforehand, I strongly suggest you preorder your copy.
I had the honour of speaking with Rebecca on The Business Society Podcast (formerly the Think Like a CFO podcast) where she showed vulnerability and honesty and shared with us how the pandemic had affected her business. Have a listen to the episode here.
I preordered a copy of her book and once I read it I will return here and edit my comments, but I expect her book to be even more empowering than the talk we had on The Business Society Podcast, formerly the Think Like a CFO podcast.

Mike Michalowicz - Profit First
Now due to the fact that I am an accountant and I want to see more, or actually ALL, business owners know their business numbers and be involved in their business finances, I have to add a book to the list written by Mike Michalowicz, Profit First.
Now here’s a disclaimer, I am not a huge fan of the profit first method, because it doesn’t make sense to me to learn a different method when accounting is the universal language of business. To me it’s like reinventing the wheel.

And my argument is if you are able to learn the Profit First method, then you can learn the accounting method. Therefore, I see no need for the profit first method. This is my opinion.
However, there are few entrepreneur books that promote the fact that you need to manage your money as a business owner.
I am currently writing my own book right now that will address this desperate need in the market, but until that is published, I will recommend Profit First, with that disclaimer.
The bottom line is I don’t recommend fluffy, purposeless books for business. Yet, I also don’t claim to know all the excellent books that have been written. If you have a book that you’d love to see added to the list, either reach out to me or leave a comment. I would love to hear about your favourite business book!
