1. Lean Books: Learning to be Lean July 27, 2011

2. The Importance of Books Innovation is built on the shoulders of others. Books give a deep perspective of other people’s ideas.

3. No User Manual for Entrepreneurs People with ‘real’ jobs have support systems and defined roles. Entrepreneurs are different – when we start out we’re in essence searching for what to do.

4. Shallow Knowledge Information is becoming increasingly shallow. Blogs/Videos/News sites are all great innovations, but don’t replace the deep knowledge found in books.

5. Beware of How-To-Itis Non-fiction books are amazing, and I highly recommend them. Fiction and classics are great ways to develop the habit of reading.

6. Audiobooks are Awesome Do you spend 30+ minutes per day in transit? Audiobooks are amazing ways to make effective use of the time.

7. Recommended Books

8. Nassim Nicholas Taleb: The Black Swan Key Lesson: If you want to be rich, be a dentist. Improbable events rule the world. Lean Correlation: The Pivot – be ready to change when you need to.

9. 37 Signals: Getting Real Key Lesson: Do less! Build a few great features instead of a lot of crappy ones. Applies to non-tech people. Fast, easy read. Lean Correlation: MVP/iteration – Build small and iterate.

10. Ayn Rand: Atlas Shrugged Key Lesson: Creativity+ Productivity Make the World Go Around The entrepreneur is the good guy. Lean Correlation: This shit ain’t easy – be willing to fight through the hard times.

11. Walter Isaacson: Benjamin Frankin Key Lesson: Be a renaissance man/woman. Do a lot of things. Franklin did the following (among others): First US Postmaster Founded the University of Pennsylvania ‘Discovered’ electricity Helped write the Declaration of Independence Served as ambassador to France Lean Correlation: Listen to your customers. Franklin was known as a master communicator/organizer.

12. Lightning Round: Non-Fiction Mayhem!!!! Steve Blank: 4 Steps to the Epiphany Eric Reis: The Lean Startup (Sept 13) Michael Masterson: Ready, Fire, Aim Tim Ferriss: The Four-HourWorkweek David Meerman Scott: The New Rules of Marketing and PR Richard Branson: Losing my Virginity Jim Collins: Good to Great 37signals: Rework Edward Tufte: Envisioning Information