What book do you recommend?

[allan kelly]

What books on starting a software business would folk recommend?

I'm thinking more business tactics and strategy than software development tools or approaches.

Top of my list is probably "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore.

I'm more interested in books which specifically look at the software sector rather than general start-up advice or business.

[Dave Collins]

What's your background? What skills do you have?

And what are you planning on selling?

[allan kelly]

I'm looking for books I might recommend to others more than looking for one for myself.

[David Filip]

Four Steps to the Epiphany is absolute must and good addition to the Crossing the Chasm.

[Rudolf F. Vanek]

The Irresistible Offer - Mark Joyner.

[Andrew Butel]

I'm currently reading 'Think before its too late' by Edward De Bono. Its not about software at all, its about creative thinking and breaking out of the patterns that we get stuck in. Exactly what you want when brainstorming about a new product or business.

[allan kelly]

Thanks for all the good suggestions so far.

I know that many of the best books are not software focused, in this case though I'm looking for books whch are software business focused

Tow more suggestions I've had are
• Kawasaki: The Art of the Start (2006)
• Cusumano: The Business of Software (2004)

Anyone read these are have comments on them?

thanks

[Andy Brice]

'In search of stupidity' is quite good if you want to know what NOT to do. It is also quite entertaining.

[Dave Churchville]

Not too many software-specific books I can think of, but a couple you probably already know:

"Founders at Work" by Jessica Livingston - profiles a bunch of successful technology startup founders, mostly software.

"MicroISV - From Vision to Reality" and "The Web Startup Success Guide" by Bob Walsh - both software-specific books for startups - one more desktop product oriented, the other, obviously web-focused.

[Jeff Widman]

A while ago Steve Blank (customer development guru) recommended "Marketing High Technology" about the Intel marketing wars in the 80's... I'm still int he midst of it, but I think it's very good.

[John Chawner]

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout

Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore

The Inmates Are Running the Asylum by Alan Cooper

The Mythical Man Month by Fred Brooks

Getting Things Done by David Allen

[Vasanth]

Built To Last
- by Jim Collins co authored with Jerry porras based on their research project at Stanford University.
Though, this book is not about software business, I truly feel this is a must read book for every business man.

[Jody Burgess]

The Tipping Point by Gladwell. This book was instrumental in helping us develop our word of mouth strategy.