What to read before starting or when about to expand

Whether entrepreneurs are just getting started or grappling with questions about sustaining their venture’s growth, there’s a world of advice available.

The Cebuano entrepreneur Jonathan Jay Aldeguer has managed to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit since his days in college, and has turned ideas gathered from his travels into the innovative Islands Souvenirs Group.

Now, Islands Souvenirs has over 100 shops all over the country, selling souvenir T-shirts, accessories, and gift or “pasalubong” items. It has also branched out into “budget chic” accommodations and an island-hopping service.

The businessman, whose various awards include being named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men for Business and Entrepreneurship and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Small Business, shares two of his recent favorite titles.

“Making Ideas Happen” by Scott Belsky is recommended for startup owners who have yet to implement their ideas. The author has compiled the principles and techniques of productive individuals and presented in the book a systematic approach to creative organization and productivity. The book asserts that execution is a skill that must be developed by building organizational habits, as well as harnessing the support of colleagues.

Author Belsky, the founder and CEO of Behance, also explored the traits shared by individuals or teams who successfully bring creative ideas to life. His action-based plan includes avoiding time-wasting meetings.

“Founders Mentality” by Chris Zook and James Allen is recommended for leaders of businesses who want to expand their ventures. The authors share three principles for managing the problems of growth, all grounded in the “founder’s mentality.” The book claims that the root cause of companies’ failing to achieve targets is 90 percent internal. Having a founder’s mentality, marked by ambition and boldness, is what every business needs to sustain growth.