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Des Traynor

Co-founder and chief strategy officer of Intercom; writes and speaks about product strategy, customer support and, lately, what AI does to both.

6 things

Getting RealBook 37signals

loved

The number one book I recommend any entrepreneur to read is Getting Real by Basecamp, named 37 Signals when they published. It is probably the most inspiring book on business I’ve ever read, and it made me realise that small teams can build huge successes.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

Managing HumansBook Michael Lopp

loved

For example Managing Humans by Rands (Michael Lopp) is a great book on management.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

It’s Not How Good You AreBook Paul Arden

liked

For example, when I was starting my career, I definitely took a lot of much-needed motivation from Paul Aarden’s It’s Not How Good You Are, which Eoghan had given me a copy of.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

The Innovator's DilemmaBook Clayton Christensen

liked

A decade later I took a lot of inspiration from The Innovator’s Dilemma for a similar reason – we were about to embark on this crazy Intercom thing and I needed to believe it was possible.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

The Secrets of ConsultingBook Gerald Weinberg

recommended

A more left of field one would be The Secrets of Consulting by Gerry Weinberg. It’s not on many “Top 10 books for entrepreneurs” lists, but on an abstract level, consulting explains a lot of things, like interpersonal dynamics, and how larger companies can easily go off track.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

Revising ProseBook Richard Lanham

recommended

I’d also recommend Revising Prose by Richard Lanham. I’ve rarely met a great CEO or founder who isn’t also a great writer.

Intercom blog Q&A: what books he would recommend to new entrepreneurs

2016-11-18·intercom.com ↗

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