7 Books Mark Cuban Recommends If You Want To Be Successful
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Mark Cuban knows that books are a valuable resource when it comes to learning. In his book, “How to Win at the Sport of Business: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It,” he wrote that he bought and read every book and magazine he could to gain knowledge when he was first trying to reach the heights of financial success.
“I read books about successful people,” Cuban wrote. “In fact, I read every book or magazine I could get my hands on. I told myself that one good idea would pay for the book and could make the difference between me making it or not.”
If you’re an entrepreneur seeking your own goldmine, here are seven books Mark Cuban recommends if you want to be successful.
‘Rework’ by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
“Rework” offers straightforward but unconventional advice on starting and running a successful business. It encourages readers to question the old ways of doing things and focus on what really matters — keeping things simple and efficient while always putting the customer first.
Cuban believes in this approach so much that he’s said he’d rather invest in someone who’s read this book than someone with an MBA.
‘The Fountainhead’ by Ayn Rand
This novel focuses on Howard Roark, an architect who refuses to compromise his creative vision — no matter what. The message is to stand your ground in the face of opposition.
“Anybody who started a business and built a business knows there’s going to be lots of times when you feel beaten down, and you need some motivation, and that’s when I turn to that book among others,” Cuban told C-Span during a 2006 interview.
‘The Innovator’s Dilemma’ by Clayton M. Christensen
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” explains how companies can lose their edge when they stick too closely to what’s always worked and also how they can make the most of disruptive innovation.
In a 2018 Q&A with “Entrepreneur,” Cuban said that “The Innovator’s Dilemma” is a book he always recommends. “No business should ever take what they have for granted,” he added.
‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries
“The Lean Startup” looks into why most startups fail and gives advice on how to prevent it through a scientific approach. It’s no wonder Cuban would recommend this book given that he has invested in hundreds of startups himself.
‘The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need’ by Andrew Tobias
For over four decades, “The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need” has been a go-to for people seeking smart, straightforward financial advice. Tobias breaks down complex topics, like saving, investing and retirement planning, with easy-to-follow tips — perfect for almost anyone looking to make the most of their money.
In an interview with “Vanity Fair,” Cuban said that Tobias’ book used to get him “all fired up.”
‘Cold Calling Techniques’ by Stephan Schiffman
Author Schiffman breaks down why cold calling is still important and how to do it effectively. He shares no-nonsense strategies to help you find leads, connect with prospects and close the deal.
Cuban said that this is a book that every CEO needs to read because “if you can’t sell, you can’t survive.”
‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio
In his book, Ray Dalio shares the unconventional principles he’s used to build a hugely successful hedge fund from scratch. These are principles that anyone can implement to help them achieve their goals.
According to CNBC, Cuban tweeted that “Principles” is the book he wishes he would have had as a young entrepreneur when he was stressing over not knowing what he didn’t know.
More From GOBankingRates
