From Idea to Execution

By Summer Wrenn
LinkedIn

Starting a business can feel like throwing yourself into the unknown. The journey of bringing your idea to life and starting with a blank canvas can be exciting but also terrifying. Maybe you have a great idea but lack the foundation of business concepts. Or maybe you don’t yet have an idea but feel like you have the entrepreneurial spirit that it takes to start a business.

If you’re looking for insight into the basics of business or what it takes to generate a successful business plan, luckily, now more than ever, we have endless access to information and inspiration at our fingertips. But it can be daunting knowing where to start. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of resources across five different categories – books, podcasts, websites/blogs, YouTube channels, and movies – that will not only give you the knowledge but maybe even the courage or motivation to get started on your next big entrepreneurial endeavor.

Books

When it comes to learning about business or gaining guidance, wisdom, and inspiration, there is no better place to start than with a book and a highlighter. Although there are endless ones on the topic of business and entrepreneurship, here are five of my personal favorites that are a great starting point.

1. Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

From dumpster-diving to being the founder of renowned fashion business Nasty Gal, Amoruso’s book is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of following through with your wildest business dreams. This is an incredibly empowering read that walks you through Amoruso’s journey with adversity and building her business from the ground up.

2. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Venture capitalist and billionaire co-founder of PayPal Thiel shares crucial advice and Incredible insight in his book. He takes you through the world of startups and shares the importance of uniqueness and innovation in creating a business of your own.

3. Grit by Angela Duckworth

Wonder what kind of personality it takes to pursue your dreams and start a business? In this book, Duckworth explores the power of perseverance, passion, and resilience in achieving your entrepreneurial goals.

4. The Founder’s Dilemma by Noam Wasserman

Wasserman dives into the challenges and choices that new entrepreneurs face on their start-up journey. His research in this book offers crucial guidance through valuable insight on a variety of topics, including team dynamics, founder relationships, and more.

Podcasts

The beauty of podcasts is that they can offer candid conversations or raw audio of real-time talks or events. Whether it’s an interview with an experienced professional or a recorded pitch session, these podcasts present both and may serve as inspiration but also helpful guidance.

1. Start Up

This podcast offers an unfiltered look into the stories of real entrepreneurs as they face the challenges of building their own businesses. With honest interviews and candid stories, it is a great start and source of inspiration for someone who may be in the same position.

• Recommended Episode: Ep. 1 - Gimlet 1: How Not to Pitch a Billionaire

2. How I Built This (with Guy Raz)

Through interviews with and stories of some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and innovators, this podcast gives us a first-hand look at real challenges and pivotal moments behind some of the most iconic companies.

• Recommended Episode: Ep. 277 - Bumble: Whitney Wolfe

3. The Goal Digger

Hosted by Jenna Kutcher, this podcast is a goldmine of advice and inspiration for women entrepreneurs looking to pursue their passions of starting a business. With interviewees discussing a range of topics, it is a great source of motivation, practical guidance, and empowerment.

• Recommended Episode: Ep. 244 - Launch Your Business in Just 90 Minutes Per Day

4. The Tim Ferriss Show

An entrepreneur and author himself, Ferriss interviews a diverse array of guests to discuss their personal and professional development journeys and give inspiring and actionable insights.

• Recommended Episode: Ep. 37 - Tony Robbins on Morning Routines, Peak Performance, and Mastering Money

Websites/Blogs

These website and blog options provide a diverse selection of professional, as well as deeply personal, articles, guides, and insights from entrepreneurial experts. While some sources act more as a virtual mentorship, others provide motivational and encouraging content to inspire you to take your first steps of action.

1. Zhive

Our content offers a variety of informational interviews with self-starters in a variety of areas of business. Whether you’re interested in health & wellness, entertainment, art, etc. – we have inspiring stories and first-world advice at your fingertips.

2. Forbes

One of the most famous business publications, Forbes has a vast collection of articles and commentaries to serve as an amazing resource for the most current news, analysis, and insights on entrepreneurship.

3. Inc. Magazine

A go-to destination for business advice, industry trend updates, and startup inspiration. Inc. offers countless guides and articles for aspiring business leaders.

4. She Owns It

This blog empowers women entrepreneurs and inspires innovative female leadership through highlighting their various achievements and successes.

5. Seth’s Blog

Seth Godin, a seasoned marketing professional, shares his insights and experiences on marketing, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Youtube Channels

If you’re going to be stuck in any kind of YouTube rabbit hole, it may as well be one that teaches you something. Each of these channels dedicates its content to educating about various aspects of the business industry and personal skills required to start a business of your own.

1. Hubspot

This channel is a great resource for innovative marketing strategies and unconventional business ideas. This is a great place to begin for insight into leveraging creativity in the entrepreneurial world.

• Recommended Video: Starting a Business in 2023: What You NEED to Know

2. Black Enterprise

This channel is a great source of focused guidance for start-up businesses within the Black community. Its informational videos, success stories, and business strategy advice serve as a valuable platform for diverse entrepreneurial voices.

• Recommended Video: Building A Sustainable Business

3. Ted X

These videos are full of fresh ideas and diverse perspectives that can spark the entrepreneurial spirit. Riveting talks from the world’s top leaders to average small business owners, this channel offers a unique blend of thought-provoking inspiration.

• Recommended Video: Simon Sinek - How Great Leaders Inspire Action

4. Marie Forleo

Through engaging content, Marie shares her empowering interviews on a variety of business topics, including personal development, entrepreneurial creativity, and actionable steps to starting a business.

• Recommended Video: The #1 Reason to Start Your Business NOW

Movies

Maybe you don’t want to sit through tedious video lectures, aren’t inspired by interviews, or don’t feel like picking up a book – that’s okay. These movies are a great source of inspiration, and information that will make you want to start your business right after watching

1. The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on a true story, this movie follows the journey of a homeless man who overcomes adversity to become a successful stockbroker. This film, while heartwarming, contains a reminder of the drive, resilience, and determination it takes to achieve entrepreneurial success, regardless of the struggles one may face

2. Joy

In this film, Jennifer Lawrence plays a driven but struggling single mother who defies odds to create a multi-million-dollar company through developing innovative household products.

3. The Founder

This film details Roy Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, and sheds light on the realities of entrepreneurship and the ambition it takes to build a successful business.

4. Moneyball

In this true story of baseball executive Billy Beane, an inspiring lesson in entrepreneurial innovation comes out of witnessing how Beane defied competition through his discovery of effective analytic strategies.

5. Erin Brockovich

A legal assistant researching a powerful utility company’s role in the pollution of a small town’s water supply leads to an inspiring true story that highlights the effect that determination can have on corporate accountability. This film serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs ambitious about creating social change.