When I started my side hustle, I didn’t have a mentor, a big social media following, or any startup capital. I just had a drive to help people find great careers, and advice from some of my favorite books. In 2022, I quit my six-figure recruiting job at Amazon to grow my YouTube channel and launch my business, PayBump. I make videos about remote work and unique income streams, and create kits to help people make their resumes and cover letters shine. Today, my business brings in $143,000 a month in passive income, mostly from digital product sales and YouTube ad revenue. And I only work two hours a day.
Here are five books that helped me get started:
1. ‘The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage’ by Daymond John
This practical playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business from the ground up draws on the experiences of “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John and other self-made millionaires. I learned how to bootstrap my online business, connect with like-minded people, develop partnerships, and use free marketing strategies to drive sales and make a profit.
2. ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not’ by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki’s book contrasts the habits of two men, one wealthy and one struggling, to illustrate the importance of money mindset. “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” showed me the value of the skills I already possessed and how I could use them as the blueprint for my business. It gave me the confidence to harness my experience in fintech, project management, and recruiting to get PayBump off the ground.
3. ‘The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses’ by Eric Ries
Inspired by Ries’ experiences as an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, “The Lean Startup” taught me how to identify what my customers really want and test out new ideas at a low cost. The concept of the “minimum viable product” inspired me to release an early version of my digital membership to a small group of people, leading to a 50% increase in customer retention rates.
4. ‘The YouTube Formula: How Anyone Can Unlock the Algorithm to Drive Views, Build an Audience, and Grow Revenue’ by Derral Eves
Derral Eves, a TV producer and content creator, provides valuable insights in his book on how to structure videos, create eye-catching thumbnails, use analytics to improve content performance, and make connections with brands. This crash course helped me turn audience members into repeat customers and create a thriving online community.
5. ‘Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires’ by Esther and Jerry Hicks
“Ask and It Is Given” teaches how to use the law of attraction to visualize and achieve your dreams. By being intentional about where I put my time and energy, I was able to manifest my goals, such as a successful business, good health, and financial milestones.
In conclusion, these five books played a significant role in helping me start and grow my business. They provided valuable insights, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that have contributed to my success. If you’re looking to embark on your entrepreneurial journey, consider adding these books to your reading list for inspiration and guidance.
