Why Books About Jobs and Branson Won't Make You a Billionaire

Books about great entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Richard Branson are incredibly popular. Their biographies and memoirs fly off the shelves, selling millions of copies and inspiring people around the world. But there's an uncomfortable truth to realize: reading these books won't automatically make you a billionaire.

Books about great entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Richard Branson are incredibly popular. Their biographies and memoirs fly off the shelves, selling millions of copies and inspiring people around the world. But there's an uncomfortable truth to realize: reading these books won't automatically make you a billionaire.

When Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs was released in 2011, it sold a record-breaking 380,000 copies in the first week. With 700 pages detailing Jobs's life and work, it became a bestseller. But why don’t books about such successes turn ordinary people into financial geniuses?

Each Path is Unique

Every entrepreneurial journey is a unique blend of circumstances, personal qualities, and chance. For instance, Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, began his career selling matches and postcards in his village. There is no universal success recipe that works for everyone.

There’s No Universal Secret

Many people seek magical formulas and success secrets in books and lectures. But, as experience shows, what worked for one person won’t necessarily work for another. The success secrets described in books are often just part of a larger picture.

Personal Experience is Key

The experiences of successful entrepreneurs are valuable, but it’s important to understand that this isn’t about copying, but rather learning. Personal interaction with problems and challenges, your own mistakes and successes, are what truly shape an entrepreneur.

Trial and Error

As Dmitry Kostygin said, “Actually, I don’t know how to solve this problem.” Personal trials, experiments, and mistakes are irreplaceable in the learning process. Dmitry Kibkalo, founder of the "Mosigra" chain, admits that his company still makes mistakes every day. Mistakes and overcoming them are an essential part of learning.

Inspiration vs. Action

Reading books and attending lectures can provide inspiration, but achieving success requires action. Inspiration is just the beginning; real progress demands hard work and continuous improvement.

In the end, books about great entrepreneurs and success stories are merely sources of inspiration and learning tools. They can offer ideas and motivation, but only your own experience, effort, and persistence will lead to real results. As a former boss of mine once said, success is so varied that there are almost no losers in the world. And that’s true.