HACKER Q&A
📣 michele_f

Best book/resources on business modelling?


Dear readers, I'd like to study the business side of software engineering: how to design a product, how to monetize it, how to study competitors, evaluate partners, make estimation of revenues and similar. In my ignorance I would call such knowledge "business modelling" but I may be wrong.

Are you aware of any good reputable up-to-date book/resource on such topic?

Thanks a lot!

  👤 Leary Accepted Answer ✓
1. There are no set truths in business.

2. Learn some basic accounting/finance. For example, you should know the difference between equity and debt or the difference between Net Income and Revenue.

3. https://www.ycombinator.com/library

4. https://a16z.com/

5. Start reading more financial news (Bloomberg, CNBC, WSJ, FT)

6. Find successful founders/CEOs you admire and watch their interviews.

7. Work on something that has great potential rather than an area that is too small or secularly declining. "When a management with a reputation for brilliance tackles a business with a reputation for bad economics, it is the reputation of the business that remains intact."

👤 kespindler
The personal MBA is probably the best resource for solid foundation of all business topics relevant to entrepreneurship.
👤 _448
Start with Lean Canvas(https://leanstack.com/lean-canvas). Fill in the boxes in that canvas. You will understand the initial stages of building a software business. From there then watch microconf videos and listen to podcasts from indiehackers.
👤 akg_67
Try some of MBA coursework specifically strategy and marketing management oriented, and also Product Management.

A cliffs notes version might be the interview prep books that prepare you for product Management and business consulting roles.

👤 reactgeek
Measure what matters - John Doerr | To understand how to measure success (with OKRs).

Empowered - Marty Cagan | For digital product leadership insights.