Startups

The Web Startup Success Guide (Books for Professionals by Professionals)
$29.99
I've read quite a few startup books, and I even have an MBA in entrepreneurship - and I still found this book incredibly useful. I'm just starting up a web-based software as a service company and this book gave me some great information on where to go, what to do,and how to do it.

I really liked that the book is extremely relevant. It provides information that is current - and has a whole list of great suggested sites and services to help you in getting your business up and running.

Overall, I definitely recommend it! The only downside in my opinion was too much coverage of VC and Angel funding.

Small Business Start-Up Kit for California
$29.99
Often times books like these are overly general to the point of uselessness. They will provide you with all the options but stop short of giving you the advice needed to make the right decision. "Consult with your local agency/tax advisor/legal counsel/rabbi to decide which is right for you...." I hate this. Why are they so afraid of editorializing! This book is refreshingly different. It is full of useful information and practical advice designed to actually help you get your company started. When the author does come across a topic that is beyond the scope of the book he recommends a particular website or book that can offer further insight. The information is timely, it's structured in an organized and sensible fashion, and there's just the right amount of repetition. I highly recommend this book for anyone starting a small business in California.

Small Business Start-Up Kit
$29.99
Step-by-step instructions for starting a small business. Does NOT include the usual 'personal' advice, just practical instructions with many forms and examples.

Engineering Your Start-Up: A Guide for the High-Tech Entrepreneur (2nd Edition)
$16.28
This book is perfect for entrepreneurs thinking about forming a company to commercialize a technology (if you're planning a service business or a low tech business, there are more suitable guides). Readers will really appreciate the book's structure, thoroughness, and writing clarity. Following are the book's main lessons:

* Preparedness for the startup lifestyle.
* How to form a company and assemble a management team, board of directors and advisors.
* How to position the product, identify markets, and target customers.
* Importance of building a market-focused business (i.e. identifying the opportunity before developing the technology).
* Advice on intellectual property.
* Guide to writing the business plan.
* How to pitch investors and understand funding terms.
* How to compensate and incentivize employees.

The authors, having obviously been through multiple ventures, are excellent mentors. Their experience will help you to think things through and avoid many pitfalls.