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  • Top 8 Best Holi Items/Products of 2024

    Our most loved festival is around the corner. Holi, the festival that brings smiles all around and splashes our bodies and minds with the freshest colours of the spring, is here now. Hence, the very first thing that comes to our mind is to shop and rock around. We were truly downright dejected being locked indoors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the start of 2022, things are appearing to be a bit more stable than they were before. However, we are all bound to maintain proper protocols and play the Holi safe this year.

    With high spirits and merriment to welcome this beautiful festival, we are more likely encouraged to shop across all channels. This time is best suited for e-commerce companies to expand and experiment with their product range.

    Therefore, to start earning passive income, every online entrepreneur’s dream is to find the best Holi items or the home-run products that sell out during this time. So, we will go over the top trending products to sell online. The trending products on this list have some of the highest gross merchandise value and are regarded as the best items in Holi. They have thus also been sourced by Flipkart, Myntra, Amazon, and many online platforms during this time.

    Now, getting into the details of the top-selling products during Holi, let us first understand the basic requirements.

    • Make safe delivery a priority
    • Clean packaging
    • Identify potential hazards and evaluate the risks
    • Be particular about choosing the right product for sale
    • Ensure that your products meet customer requirements
    • Stick to the commitments
    1. Herbal Colors
    2. Stain removal detergents
    3. Skincare & Haircare Products
    4. Waterproof Gadgets & Accessories
    5. Holi Gift Hampers
    6. Water Gun or Pichkari
    7. Sweets/Chocolates
    8. Water Balloon Maker

    While people mostly want to celebrate and buy anything that they like, few products sell better than others during this period. Let us look at the most popular products during Holi.

    Herbal Colors

    Holi Herbal Colour - Best Holi Products
    Holi Herbal Colour – Best Holi Products

    When we think of Holi, we think of colours. However, all we have got in the name of colours in markets are hard chemicals like rubber and plastic. People nowadays are way smarter than before, and they know well what to purchase and what not to. This is why more and more people are rejecting the earlier colours and their brands and instead choosing herbal or organic colours. Hence, selling natural colours will be a boon for your business strategy. This way, you can also contribute a lot to the environment. These colours are eco-friendly and chemical-free products that are sustainable for us and our planet.

    Step by step guide to How To Start Herbal Medicine Business – StartupTalky
    Sales of herbs or herbal medicinal products have grown significantly in recent
    years. Starting this business has great prospects. More and more people
    especially from developed countries switch from conventional pharmacy to herbal
    medicine. Starting a herbal business is promising but you need a good…
    StartupTalkySouvik Dey

    Stain removal detergents

    Detergent - Best Holi Products
    Detergent – Best Holi Products

    Who doesn’t like to look colourful in Holi? Most of us like right? But what about the stained clothes that can’t be worn again? Pathetic is their fate, is it?

    No, because we have stain removal detergents like Surf Excel, Tide, Vanish and other products manufactured by Hindustan Unilever and other companies. These will be in high demand during the festival of Holi. Assume your customers spill colours all over their clothes, but with the assurance of your products, they can stay away from the discomfort of stain-repellant clothes.

    Skincare & Haircare Products

    Skincare Products - Best Holi Products
    Skincare Products – Best Holi Products

    The daily skincare routine can be interrupted by the festival of Holi. Unless we are using herbal colours, other Holi colours expose our skin to harsh chemicals, thereby leaving harsh effects on our skin. The same damage might happen to our hair as well. In such a case, skincare and haircare products are an absolute match. Products such as cleansers, lotions, hair oil, and lip balms will thus be in high demand before the upcoming festival.

    7 Gift Shop Business Ideas To Beat The Competition
    Giving gifts is a tradition that extends to all sections of society. Gifts shop business had a stunning growth globally in the past decade. We will face so many problems when starting and running a gift shop. Let us discuss about some gift shop business ideas. They are given below.
    StartupTalkyATHUL C K

    Waterproof Gadgets & Accessories

    Best Holi Products on Amazon

    How beautiful would it be to capture the colourful waters right through them and from the midst of the activities? So, to enjoy all of the fun of the Holi celebrations, you would probably want to pick up waterproof gadgets. This is why selling products in this category can be a big hit.

    Products like waterproof mobile cases, waterproof watches/fitness bands, waterproof Bluetooth speakers, GoPro cameras, waterproof camera pouches, waterproof earphones, and many more can be included in the list. Let your customers enjoy a colourful Holi and pack in all these electronic gadgets that are happy even with water all over them.

    Holi Gift Hampers

    Holi Gift Hamper - Best Holi Products
    Holi Gift Hamper – Best Holi Products

    Holi, being an ancient festival, is deeply rooted in traditions. Now, as the tradition goes, gifting in Holi is counted as a blessing. Also, gifting your dear ones has been a trend for many. Hence, selling gift hampers right before the festival is surely going to attract a huge crowd. These hampers can range from new clothes to Holi balloons, chocolates, sweets, namkeens, and more to go with the festive vibes.

    Water Gun or Pichkari

    Water Gun or Pichkari - Best Holi Products
    Water Gun or Pichkari – Best Holi Products

    Do you have fond memories of those hot summer months when you and your friends would play for hours on end, trying to beat the heat with Pichkari water guns? If you want to give your loved ones the same kind of joy and excitement, consider getting them the Water Blaster Gun, one of the best Holi products made of high-quality plastic. With its sturdy construction and powerful water stream, this toy is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment.

    Sweets/Chocolates

    Sweets/Chocolates - Best Holi Products
    Sweets/Chocolates – Best Holi Products

    Holi, the festival of colours, is a time of joy, friendship, and togetherness. And what better way to celebrate this colourful festival than by indulging in a box of delicious sweets and gujias? These mouth-watering delicacies are an essential part of Holi celebrations, and it’s hard to imagine the festival without them. If you’re looking to share the spirit of this vibrant festival with your friends and loved ones, gifting them a box of sweets and gujias is the perfect way to do it. These treats are not only delicious but also carry the essence of the festival in them. Apart from sweets and gujias, dry fruits are also highly in demand as a gift during Holi. These healthy and nutritious snacks are a popular choice among gift-givers and receivers alike.

    Marketing Strategies for Holi – How To Sell Your Product
    Some Startups struggle to sell during Holi due to irrelevancy. However, these marketing strategies will make sure you sell your products easily.
    StartupTalkyAlan Joseph

    Water Balloon Maker

    Water Balloon Maker - Best Holi Products
    Water Balloon Maker – Best Holi Products

    Are you gearing up for a water balloon fight but don’t have the time to prepare balloons manually? Look no further than the Magic Water Balloon Maker! This nifty device can produce up to 100 water balloons in just 60 seconds, ensuring that you have plenty of ammunition for your water balloon fight. With the Magic Water Balloon Maker, you can quickly and easily arm yourself for some summertime fun without any hassle.

    Conclusion

    Now, once you have decided on the products that you would like to drop off at your online store for the users, the final outcome is to decide on a fast and reliable shipping and logistics partner. Just take a move ahead wisely, and it will be all set.

    FAQs

    Why is Holi celebrated in short?

    Holi is celebrated to signify the coming of spring, the season of love and new life, and the victory of good over evil. This festival dates back to the immortal romance of Radhe-Krishna and celebrates their love. Furthermore, it also marks the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Avatar over Hiranyakashipu.

    What are the traditions of Holi?

    Holi traditions include bonfires, colourful powders called gulals, sweets, colours, dance to traditional folk music, and more to celebrate the resonating joy of the season and the love that is in the air during Spring.

    How many days is Holi celebrated in India?

    Holi is celebrated for two days in India.

    What are some Holi business ideas?

    If you are wondering how to set up a Holi business, then here are some of the best ideas to set up your business for Holi:

    • Fast food/snack stall
    • Colours and accessories stall
    • Sweets shop
    • Gift corner
    • Event management business
    • Flowers stall
    • Catering business

    What are the best Holi items?

    Holi is a festival of colours, so the list of the best items for Holi is not devoid of colours. Here are some more items that are in demand during Holi:

    • Holi accessories like balloons, water guns, and other decorative items
    • Detergent powders
    • Sweets
    • Chocolates
    • Gifts
    • Snacks
    • Skincare products
    • Waterproof electronic gadgets
    • Clothes

  • Investing 101: Top Investing Books for Beginners

    Investing is allocating capital, or money, to projects or ventures expected to profit in the long run. The type of project or asset determines the kind of returns generated. Risk and return are two sides of the same coin in investing; low risk typically implies low predicted returns, whereas more significant gains are frequently associated with higher risk. 

    There are many different kinds of investments to consider. The most popular ones are mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and real estate. Investing is for more than just wealthy people. You can start with a modest, nominal sum. 

    Financial literacy is the first step toward successful do-it-yourself investing. Understanding financial markets, investment instruments, risk management, and diverse investment techniques is essential. Books can serve as valuable educational resources here. 

    Every investor is different, and investment books advise readers to consider their financial objectives, willingness to take risks and time horizon. In this article, we will look at the top books for new investors that will help them comprehend the financial world.

    The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need
    Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life
    The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor
    Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money
    Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Money
    The White Coat Investor
    The Elements of Investing

    The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need

    Book The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need
    Author Andrew Tobias
    Goodreads Rating 3.91 out of 5
    The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need - Top Investing Books
    The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need – Top Investing Books

    Andrew Tobias presents readers with a comprehensive handbook that covers a wide range of financial topics, from basic investment principles to retirement planning and tax techniques. He simplifies complex investment ideas so that readers with different degrees of financial literacy can also grasp them. With details concerning mortgages, home equity, and real estate, the book even addresses the benefits and downsides of homeownership. It helps you navigate the complexities of personal finance and create a financially stable future.

    Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life

    Book Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life
    Author William Green
    Goodreads Rating 4.54 out of 5
    Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life - Top Investing Books
    Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life – Top Investing Books

    William Green is a well-known financial writer for publications like The New Yorker, Fortune, Time, and Forbes. “Richer, Wiser, Happier” examines eight successful investors and presents timeless insights on what made them successful. Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Jack Bogle, Ed Thorp, Will Danoff, Mohnish Pabrai, Joel Greenblatt, and Howard Marks are among those on the list.

    Some of the similar themes among the investors interviewed for the book include a focus on:

    • What matters most to them and what they thrive at
    • Continuous learning
    • Independence, intelligence, flexibility, and simplicity
    • Being patient when making investments

    The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor

    Book The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor
    Author Howard Marks
    Goodreads Rating 4.32 out of 5
    The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor - Top Investing Books
    The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor – Top Investing Books

    Howard Marks‘ The Most Important Thing goes into the principles of successful investing, emphasizing unconventional knowledge. Marks offers insights drawn from his substantial expertise in the financial markets. The book is organized into 21 sections that Howard Marks has identified as “The Most Important Thing” at some point, making it a clear and expert resource for all investors. 

    The book goes into market cycle dynamics and the significance of understanding where the market is in its cycle. Only then can you, as investors, change your strategy accordingly. Marks presents the idea of “second-level thinking.” This is a systematic and proactive process in which investors thoroughly assess their options to make the best long-term decisions.

    Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money

    Book Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money
    Author Bola Sukunbi
    Goodreads Rating 4.20 out of 5
    Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money - Top Investing Books
    Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money – Top Investing Books

    To empower women to build a financial strategy that works for them, Clever Girl Financing attempts to simplify investing for them. Readers will learn about the fundamentals of investing from the book, like the value of diversification and many investment varieties.

    Sukunbi offers advice on examining investments and choosing the best broker. Spending less than you make and investing the difference to generate income over time is essential. Stay away from any lifestyle inflation. The only things that you need to concentrate on are saving and investing money.

    Got Good Financial Goals? Examples of Financial Goals

    Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Money

    Book Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Money
    Author Erin Lowry
    Goodreads Rating 3.94 out of 5
    Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner's Guide to Leveling Up Your Journey - Top Investing Books
    Broke Millennial Takes on Investing: A Beginner’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Journey – Top Investing Books

    For millennials who are intimidated by the financial world, this book attempts to serve as an in-depth investing guide. It tackles the important topic of whether investing and student debt repayment are mutually exclusive, offering suggestions on managing these simultaneous goals. With the growth of fintech, the book also includes information on robo-advisors and investing applications, assisting readers in determining which are trustworthy and efficient.

    The White Coat Investor

    Book The White Coat Investor
    Author James M. Dahle, MD
    Goodreads Rating 4.41 out of 5
    The White Coat Investor - Top Investing Books
    The White Coat Investor – Top Investing Books

    The White Coat Investor is a financial guide designed exclusively for medical professionals’ unique demands and issues. Dr. Dahle discusses a wide range of topics, including budgeting, debt management, insurance, and investing techniques. Considering that many medical professionals earn substantial incomes, the work provides insights into tax-efficient methods to reduce their tax burdens and maximize wealth. This wealth can additionally be helpful for retirement planning.

    The Elements of Investing

    Book The Elements of Investing
    Author Burton G. Malkiel , Charles D. Ellis
    Goodreads Rating 4.07 out of 5
    The Elements of Investing - Top Investing Books
    The Elements of Investing – Top Investing Books

    Daring beyond belief, Ellis and Malkiel wrote this book after imagining their own Little Red Schoolhouse investing course for all investors worldwide. The Elements of Investing targets the excessive trading and overanalysis that characterize the typical investor’s frenzied mental processes. The authors highlight the need for rebalancing or periodically modifying investment allocation to maintain a desirable asset mix. They also advocate for index investing, which entails investing in a diversified portfolio that follows a specific market index. The book helps you make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial success.

    Conclusion

    In summary, entering the investing world requires knowledge, self-control, and a dedication to lifelong study. These beginner’s investing books are your road maps to the fascinating world of making money that works for you.

    Top Business Finance Books for Success in Managing Money and Investments
    Explore the essential reading list for mastering business finance, featuring top-rated books on managing money, investments, and financial strategies.
    StartupTalkyRia Sahni

    FAQs

    What is the first step to becoming a successful investor?

    Financial literacy is key! You should understand financial markets, investment options, risk management, and different investment strategies.

    What are some important factors for investors to consider?

    Some important factors for investors to consider are financial objectives, willingness to take risks, and time horizon.

    What are the top books for beginners in the field of investing?

    Some of the top books for beginners in the field of investing are:

    • The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias
    • Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green
    • The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
    • Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi
    • Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by Erin Lowry
    • The White Coat Investor by James M. Dahle, MD
    • The Elements of Investing by Burton G. Malkiel, Charles D. Ellis

  • On the Fast Track: India’s Trailblazing Unicorn Companies

    In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in startups achieving the prestigious “unicorn” status. These privately held startup companies, valued at over $1 billion, signify the vibrant growth of India’s startup ecosystem. While the United States and China lead globally in the number of unicorns, India has secured a spot in the top three countries, showcasing the rapid development of its startup landscape.

    Several Indian startups have attained unicorn status unprecedentedly, earning the title of fastest unicorn. This growth can be attributed to factors such as increasing smartphone and internet penetration, urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and substantial funding opportunities supported by government initiatives like Startup India and Digital India.

    This article analyzes some rapidly evolving Indian firms that have quickly earned association in the elite unicorn club. These fastest unicorns’ unique ideas have gained funding and validation from top global investors. They are also driving a revolution in India’s major industries.

    Krutrim
    Mensa Brands
    GlobalBees
    OLA Electric
    Udaan
    Apna
    BharatPe
    Swiggy
    Glance

    Krutrim

    Company Krutrim
    Founded December 2023
    Founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Krishnamurthy Venugopala Tenneti
    India's Unicorn Companies - Krutrim
    India’s Unicorn Companies – Krutrim

    Launched in December 2023, Krutrim Ai Designs was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and Krishnamurthy Venugopala Tenneti. Krutrim is a large language model (LLM) that comes in two versions: the base Krutrim model, which comprehends 22 Indian languages and can generate content in 10 languages, and the more advanced Krutrim Pro.

    Developed entirely in India, Krutrim aims to align with Indian cultural nuances and cost structures to support the advancement of AI in the country. In a remarkable feat, Krutrim swiftly secured $50 million in funding, catapulting its valuation to an impressive $1 billion. This rapid ascent not only marks Krutrim as India’s first unicorn of 2024 but also positions it as the fastest startup in the country to achieve this milestone, accomplishing it within just one month of launching its large language model.

    Krutrim: India’s First AI Unicorn Hits Billion-Dollar Milestone
    OLA co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal’s “Made for India” Krutrim AI, hits a $1 billion valuation with $50 million funding, becoming India’s first unicorn of 2024 in just a month.
    StartupTalkyNadeesh Kareemdathil

    Mensa Brands

    Company Mensa Brands
    Founded May 2021
    Founder Ananth Narayanan
    India's Unicorn Companies - Mensa Brands
    India’s Unicorn Companies – Mensa Brands

    Mensa Brands is a technology-led investment platform that helps founders of digital-first brands grow their businesses using data, technology, and team expertise. It is an Indian startup that acquires direct-to-consumer brands and helps them scale within the home market and overseas. Mensa Brands currently houses 12 brands, 80% of which are run by women, and operate in three categories- apparel, beauty and personal care, and home. 

    Mensa became a unicorn, with a valuation of more than one billion dollars, just six months after it was founded. Ananth Narayanan launched it in May 2021; by November 2021, it was a unicorn. It raised $135 million in a Series B fundraising round headed by Falcon Edge’s Alpha Wave Ventures, valued at $1.2 billion.

    GlobalBees

    Company GlobalBees
    Founded 2021
    Founders Nitin Agarwal and Supam Maheshwari
    India's Unicorn Companies - GlobalBees
    India’s Unicorn Companies – GlobalBees

    GlobalBees, founded in 2021 by Nitin Agarwal and Supam Maheshwari, brings digitally native brands into its fold, spanning various categories like beauty, personal care, home and kitchen, food and nutrition, and sports and lifestyle. These brands typically generate revenue ranging from $1 million to $20 million. GlobalBees assists these firms in expanding their reach by partnering with them and facilitating sales through marketplaces and other channels, both within India and internationally.

    In December 2021, GlobalBees achieved unicorn status after successfully raising $110 million in its Series B funding round. The round was spearheaded by Premji Invest, the investment firm led by Wipro’s Azim Premji, with participation from existing investors, including Steadview Capital, Lightspeed, SoftBank, and FirstCry. With this infusion of funds, GlobalBees aimed to strengthen its product portfolio, drive further innovation, enhance the customer experience, recruit top talent, and scale its operations.

    GlobalBees Success Story – Founders, Funding, Acquisition, and Growth
    GlobalBees invests in potential merchants on e-commerce platforms and works with their founders to improve their sales. Know more about it here!
    StartupTalkySarika Anand

    OLA Electric

    Company OLA Electric
    Founded 2017
    Founder Bhavish Aggarwal
    India's Unicorn Companies - OLA Electric
    India’s Unicorn Companies – OLA Electric

    Ola Electric is an electric vehicle (EV) company dedicated to shaping a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future. Its vision is to establish India as the global hub for EVs by fostering an ecosystem of innovative products, services, and technologies. Ola Electric offers the Ola S1 electric scooter in variants like the Ola S1 Air, Ola S1X, Ola S1, and S1 Pro.

    The company’s manufacturing facility, sprawled across a 500-acre, fully automated complex in Pochampalli town, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, is set to become the world’s largest two-wheeler factory. With an impressive annual production capacity of 10 million units, it aims to revolutionize the EV industry globally.

    Ola Electric achieved unicorn status within just two years of its founding, having raised $250 million from SoftBank in a Series B funding round. This investment valued Ola Electric at over $1 billion, solidifying its position as a key player in the EV market. Additionally, Bhavish Aggarwal, the company’s founder, announced plans to establish the Battery Innovation Center (BIC) in Bangalore. This facility, considered Asia’s largest Cell R&D facility, signifies Ola Electric’s commitment to driving innovation and advancing EV technology.

    Udaan

    Company Udaan
    Founded 2016
    Founders Sujeet Kumar, Amod Malviya, and Vaibhav Gupta
    India's Unicorn Companies - Udaan
    India’s Unicorn Companies – Udaan

    Udaan, established in late 2016 by former Flipkart executives Sujeet Kumar, Amod Malviya, and Vaibhav Gupta, is a unique B2B marketplace connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with retailers online. Unlike many startups, Udaan operates without a CEO by choice, setting it apart in the industry.

    The platform simplifies the onboarding process for merchants, requiring minimal information, and provides effective catalog tools for product presentation. This creates a dynamic, two-way channel for trade, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, Udaan offers various services, such as credit financing and logistics, to facilitate connections between manufacturers and retailers. Notably, Udaan’s logistics service, Udaan Express, handles 65% of the company’s orders, further streamlining operations.

    Recognized as one of the fastest companies to achieve unicorn status, Udaan attained this milestone in September 2018. This underscores its rapid growth and success within the B2B marketplace, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

    The Udaan Success Story of Simplifying B2B Trading!
    Udaan is the largest B2B E-commerce platform in India. Here’s diving into the Success Story of Udaan, which includes its funding, business model, and more.
    StartupTalkyAnik Banerjee

    Apna

    Company Apna
    Founded September 2021
    Founder Nirmit Parikh
    India's Unicorn Companies - Apna
    India’s Unicorn Companies – Apna

    On September 15th, 2021, Bengaluru-based Apna achieved unicorn status after securing $100 million in Series C funding led by Tiger Global, valuing the company at $1.1 billion. This remarkable milestone was reached just 21 months after its inception.

    Apna provides a platform for job seekers to create profiles showcasing their skills, education, and work experience. Users can search for job opportunities, directly contact companies, schedule interviews, and ultimately secure employment. With India boasting over 300 million blue-collar workers, which is expected to rise annually by approximately 10%, platforms like Apna hold immense potential in this sector. Apna has a robust user base of 16 million individuals, with over 150,000 businesses utilizing the platform for recruitment. Impressively, apna facilitates more than 18 million job interviews every month, underscoring its significance in the Indian job market.

    Nirmit Parikh: Revolutionizing Opportunities for Blue and Grey Collar Workers
    Explore the journey of Nirmit Parikh’s innovation and empowerment, reshaping the landscape for a brighter and more inclusive future in the workforce.
    StartupTalkyshifa ali

    BharatPe

    Company BharatPe
    Founded April 2018
    Founders Ashneer Grover and Shasvat Nakrani
    India's Unicorn Companies - BharatPe
    India’s Unicorn Companies – BharatPe

    BharatPe is an Indian fintech firm formed in 2018. It offers a QR code-based payment solution software that enables offline businesses and shops to accept digital payments. It was created by Ashneer Grover and Shasvat Nakrani, both IIT Delhi alumni. 

    It enables retailers to accept payments from over 100 mobile apps with a single QR code that is automatically deposited to their bank account in real-time. The firm has experienced tremendous development, with a monthly transaction value of INR 1500 crores. It is the fourth largest player in the offline payments industry. It raised $370 million in a primary and secondary mix as part of a Series E investment round led by a new investor, New York-based Tiger Global Management. It propelled it to the list of Unicorn Companies.

    List of 111 Unicorn Startups in India | Top Unicorns in India
    India has already seen 111 unicorn startups. Here’s an exhaustive list of all Indian Unicorn Startup Companies, including those that joined the unicorn club in 2024.
    StartupTalkyAnik Banerjee

    Swiggy

    Company Swiggy
    Founded August 2014
    Founders Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini

    Table For 2 | A Swiggy Film

    Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy is an Indian online food delivery platform. The founders, despite facing setbacks in previous ventures, pooled their expertise from IIT/IIM backgrounds and startup experience to launch Swiggy. The surge in India’s urban population and the rise of nuclear families where both partners work have fueled the demand for FoodTech services like on-demand delivery, cloud kitchens, and restaurant discovery.

    Swiggy distinguished itself by prioritizing logistics and operating its delivery fleet instead of relying on restaurants or third-party services. This strategic move provided a significant competitive edge. Recently, Swiggy joined India’s unicorn club after securing $210 million in funding led by DST and Naspers, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. The funds were utilized to expand its supply chain network, venture into new markets, and bolster its engineering and technology teams.

    Swiggy—Delivering happiness at your doorstep!
    Swiggy is a food delivery application. It allows the users to access their application from Android, IOS, and website, to order food from nearby restaurants. Read about Swiggy founders,funding and business model.
    StartupTalkyVidhi Punamiya

    Glance

    Company Glance
    Founded 2019
    Founders Naveen Tewari, Abhay Singhal, Mohit Saxena, and Piyush Shah
    India's Unicorn Companies - Swiggy
    India’s Unicorn Companies – Swiggy

    Glance is an Indian artificial intelligence-based software company that delivers personalized content directly to smartphone lock screens. Its mission is to transform mobile shopping through a unique creator-led commerce strategy, leveraging influencers and celebrities to promote products directly to users on their phone’s lock screen. Co-founded in 2019 by Naveen Tewari, Abhay Singhal, Mohit Saxena, and Piyush Shah, Glance operates as a subsidiary of InMobi.

    In an impressive feat, Glance achieved unicorn status within just 20 months by securing $145 million in primary investment from Google and existing investor Mithril Capital. This substantial funding valued Glance at over $1 billion, cementing its status as one of India’s fastest-growing startups at the time.

    Glance acquired Roposo, a short-form video platform, to further enhance its offerings to integrate vernacular video content into its platform. The funding was also directed towards strengthening AI capabilities across Glance and Roposo, expanding the technology team, launching new services, enhancing the brand, and facilitating global expansion.

    FAQs

    Which are the key sectors driving the emergence of fast-growing unicorns?

    Key sectors driving the emergence of fast-growing unicorns include financial services, software-as-a-service (SaaS), logistics, transportation, and education technology.

    When did Mensa Brands become a unicorn?

    Mensa Brands became a unicorn, with a valuation of more than one billion dollars, just six months after it was founded. It raised $135 million in a Series B fundraising round headed by Falcon Edge’s Alpha Wave Ventures, valued at $1.2 billion.

    What is Apna?

    Apna provides a platform for job seekers to create profiles showcasing their skills, education, and work experience. Users can search for job opportunities, directly contact companies, schedule interviews, and ultimately secure employment.

    Which are rapidly evolving Indian unicorn firms?

    Some rapidly evolving Indian firms that have quickly earned association in the elite unicorn club are as follows:

    • Krutrim
    • Mensa Brands
    • Apna
    • BharatPe
    • GlobalBees
    • Udaan
    • Glance
    • Ola Electric
    • Swiggy

  • Strategize to Thrive: A Curated List of the Best Business Strategy Books

    In the ever-changing corporate landscape, strategy is the compass that guides enterprises across turbulent waters to success. It refers to a company’s strategic activities to create value for the organization and its stakeholders while gaining a competitive advantage in the market. 

    A strategy considers the available resources and determines the most effective way to use them to meet its goals. That is why a strategy is frequently referred to as a lighthouse for a company’s management. Without such a blueprint, each department’s operations would become disorganized, reducing the organization’s overall effectiveness.

    A well-curated collection of business strategy books can serve as essential guides for individuals going through the complicated terrain of entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. In this article, we will look at some of those pieces that have helped shape the landscape of corporate success.

    Your Next Five Moves
    Building a StoryBrand
    Good Strategy Bad Strategy
    The 1-Page Marketing Plan
    Blue Ocean Strategy
    No Bullsh*t Strategy
    Lost At CEO
    Competing in the Age of AI
    Seeing Around Corners
    The Art of War for Small Business

    Your Next Five Moves

    Book Your Next Five Moves
    Author Patrick Bet-David , Greg Dinkin
    Goodreads Rating 4.13 out of 5
    Your Next Five Moves - Top Business Strategy Books
    Your Next Five Moves – Top Business Strategy Books

    Your Next Five Moves teaches you to avoid getting bogged down in creating elaborate, long-term master plans. Concentrate strategically on the following few key actions. The book pushes readers to think like chess grandmasters and predict chains of events. 

    Some critical concepts highlighted include playing offensive and defensive with your strategy and having the guts to make bold strategic movements when necessary. David did not allow emotions to cloud his judgment; instead, he concentrated on the facts and presented them to his colleagues as self-motivators.

    Building a StoryBrand

    Book Building a StoryBrand
    Author Donald Miller
    Goodreads Rating 4.28 out of 5
    Building A StoryBrand - Top Business Strategy Books
    Building A StoryBrand – Top Business Strategy Books

    Donald Miller’s StoryBrand process is a tried-and-true answer to the problem that business leaders have when talking about their companies. Many businesses fail because they do not connect with their target audience. Customers should consider themselves the hero of their own story, with your brand as a guide to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. This provides a framework for developing a compelling brand story and communications plan that resonates with customers. To do this, the book delves into seven universal points that appeal to all people, the real reasons behind buyer decisions, and matters related to compelling advertising campaigns.

    Good Strategy Bad Strategy

    Book Good Strategy Bad Strategy
    Author Richard Rumelt
    Goodreads Rating 4.13 out of 5
    Good Strategy Bad Strategy - Top Business Strategy Books
    Good Strategy Bad Strategy – Top Business Strategy Books

    Rumelt is an American emeritus professor at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. His studies have focused on company diversification strategies and the sources of long-term competitive advantage for individual business plans. The book Good Strategy, Bad Strategy redefined strategy as a method of solving issues. The author also outlines the characteristics of poor plans and provides techniques for recognizing these strategies. Stories from businesses like Apple, Walmart, Toyota, and Roche are used as examples in each section of the book.

    The 1-Page Marketing Plan

    Book The 1-Page Marketing Plan
    Author Allan Dib
    Goodreads Rating 4.32 out of 5
    The 1-Page Marketing Plan - Top Business Strategy Books
    The 1-Page Marketing Plan – Top Business Strategy Books

    Allan Dib is a serial entrepreneur recognized for being a daring marketer. In his book, he discloses a marketing implementation breakthrough that simplifies and accelerates the creation of a marketing plan. It’s just one page, divided into nine squares.

    The squares are divided into three stages: before lead creation, during lead generation, and after the prospect becomes a customer. The book focuses deeply on digital marketing tactics, recognizing the current context in which internet platforms play a critical role. It addresses social networking, email marketing, and internet advertising.

    Blue Ocean Strategy

    Book Blue Ocean Strategy
    Author W. Chan Kim , Renee Mauborgne
    Goodreads Rating 4.01 out of 5
    Blue Ocean Strategy - Top Business Strategy Books
    Blue Ocean Strategy – Top Business Strategy Books

    With more than 3.6 million copies sold, Blue Ocean Strategy has gained significant traction in the corporate world and is now considered a classic in strategy and innovation. The ultimate objective is to create new market space and focus on value innovation. 

    The authors introduce the concept of blue and red oceans. Blue symbolizes market spaces with little or no competition, whereas red shows current industries with severe competition and enterprises competing for market share. The book presents the Six Paths Framework as a tool for tapping into fresh business opportunities. In addition to addressing the theoretical aspects of building blue oceans, it also tackles real-world issues that come with implementation. 

    The Explainer: Blue Ocean Strategy

    No Bullsh*t Strategy

    Book No Bullsh*t Strategy
    Author Alex M H Smith
    Goodreads Rating 4.57 out of 5
    No Bullsh*t Strategy - Top Business Strategy Books
    No Bullsh*t Strategy – Top Business Strategy Books

    Alex M. H. Smith (AMHS) is a best-selling author recognized for his no-nonsense approach to practical guidance. This book aims to demystify strategy and make it simple, bold, and practical. It sifts through all the messy business jargon and boring academic theorizing, leaving you with a strategic sauce that can be implemented immediately. This helps you to see your business in a whole new light and effortlessly uncover insights you didn’t realize you had. It is intended to be accessible to everybody, especially young entrepreneurs.

    Lost At CEO

    Book Lost At CEO
    Author Carl J. Cox
    Goodreads Rating 3.67 out of 5
    Lost At CEO - Top Business Strategy Books
    Lost At CEO – Top Business Strategy Books

    Lost at CEO presents a business strategy in the form of a story. The narrative revolves around Jack, the CEO of a manufacturing company, and his problems in the face of a pandemic and labor market volatility. The book aims to advise CEOs and entrepreneurs on handling the frequent challenges of growing and managing their companies. Using Jack’s work-life balance as an example of how it negatively impacted his relationships with his family, the book emphasizes the significance of keeping a healthy balance between work and home life.

    Competing in the Age of AI

    Book Competing in the Age of AI
    Author Marco Iansiti , Karim R. Lakhani
    Goodreads Rating 3.93 out of 5
    Competing In The Age of AI - Top Business Strategy Books
    Competing In The Age of AI – Top Business Strategy Books

    The authors of The Competing Age of AI examine the changing nature of competition and service delivery in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss how businesses can establish and participate in AI-powered ecosystems to create and capture value. 

    One of the major themes of the AI era is leadership. The writers share insights on the characteristics and techniques that good leaders must employ to guide their companies. Iansiti and Lakhani talk about how important it is to balance human and machine skills correctly.

    Seeing Around Corners

    Book Seeing Around Corners
    Author Rita McGrath
    Goodreads Rating 3.81 out of 5
    Seeing Around Corners - Top Business Strategy Books
    Seeing Around Corners – Top Business Strategy Books

    Rita McGrath gives a step-by-step method for recognizing and capitalizing on disruptive market inflection moments. Inflection points are key occasions in a business’s life when its fundamentals are about to alter. The author discusses the different indicators that could mean an inflection point is about to happen. Recognizing these signals early on is critical for proactive decision-making and strategic planning. The book also includes real-world case studies demonstrating how firms have successfully (or unsuccessfully) navigated through inflection moments.

    The Art of War for Small Business

    Book The Art of War for Small Business
    Author Becky Sheetz-Runkle
    Goodreads Rating 3.56 out of 5
    The Art Of War For Small Business - Top Business Strategy Books
    The Art Of War For Small Business – Top Business Strategy Books

    The Art of War for Small Business is the first book to adapt Sun Tzu’s insights into the small business industry. The book promotes flexibility and adaptability in the face of shifting corporate settings by drawing on the principles of Sun Tzu. 

    Small organizations are usually nimbler, and the book examines how this agility can be exploited to their advantage. It provides insights for controlling competitors’ weak points, focusing priorities and resources on overcoming important problems, and going where the enemy is not. The language used in the book is understandable to a wide readership, even those without prior knowledge of economic theory or military strategy.

    Conclusion 

    The components of business strategy, ranging from purpose and vision statements to strategic choices and execution plans, provide a road map for navigating obstacles and achieving success. As firms embark on this path, the information they gather is essential in transforming their dreams into realities. It’s a dynamic dance that calls for quick thinking and agility.

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    FAQs

    What is the core idea of the Blue Ocean Strategy?

    • It focuses on creating new markets (blue oceans) with little competition instead of competing in existing markets (red oceans).
    • The book provides a framework and tools for identifying and developing blue ocean opportunities.

    Which are the best books for Business Strategy?

    • Your Next Five Moves
    • Building a StoryBrand
    • Good Strategy Bad Strategy
    • The 1-Page Marketing Plan
    • Blue Ocean Strategy
    • No Bullsh*t Strategy
    • Lost At CEO
    • Competing in the Age of AI
    • Seeing Around Corners
    • The Art of War for Small Business

    How can Donald Miller’s StoryBrand process help businesses?

    • It helps develop a compelling brand story that resonates with customers.
    • It provides a framework for understanding customer motivations and crafting effective communication.

  • Navigating Creativity: A Curated List of Design Thinking Books

    Design thinking is a holistic, intuitive, customer-focused problem-solving approach that organizations can apply to adapt to the quickly evolving environment and create maximum impact. It is especially beneficial when dealing with problems that must be defined or discovered.

    Design thinking drives innovation. In a rapidly changing world, businesses must innovate to survive and stay competitive. It is an extension of innovation that lets you create solutions with a single-issue statement in mind for end users. It not only teaches valuable skills, but it can also help you advance in your work.

    The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University is well known for its groundbreaking application of design thinking. Their design method comprises five stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. They do not have to be completed in any particular order. Teams can carry out each phase based on their requirements.

    Here is a list of books that provide insights into the various stages and benefits of the Design thinking process and how you can apply it effectively.

    Change by Design
    Creative Selection
    The Art of Innovation
    User-Friendly
    Rethinking Users
    How Design Makes Us Think
    Design Your Thinking
    Sprint
    Designing for Growth

    Change by Design

    BOOK Change by Design
    Author Tim Brown
    Goodreads Rating 3.9 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Change by Design
    Best Design Thinking Books – Change by Design

    IDEO CEO Tim Brown demonstrates how design techniques and strategies should be applied across all organizational levels. He defines Design thinking as a process that transforms need into demand. People within the organization must have their own experience before developing a consumer-focused culture. Change by Design is not a book written for designers by designers. It is a book for innovative executives who want to create new options for industry and society by integrating Design thinking into every aspect of a company, product, or service. It provides many examples of how the approach is used in various industries to address multiple business constraints.

    Creative Selection

    BOOK Creative Selection
    Author Ken Kocienda
    Goodreads Rating 4.0 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Creative Selection
    Best Design Thinking Books – Creative Selection

    After working at Apple for fifteen years, Ken Kocienda provides an inside peek at the software development process. He developed strong, user-friendly software as a specialist and tested cutting-edge user interface concepts for devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Safari web browser.

    He outlines innovation’s fundamental components, including creativity, teamwork, determination, inventiveness, and empathy. The concept of demonstrations is the most important thing to remember from Creative Selection. Discussing and comparing two concepts or gaining feedback without a demo is tricky.

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    The Art of Innovation

    BOOK The Art of Innovation
    Author Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - The Art of Innovation
    Best Design Thinking Books – The Art of Innovation

    In The Art of Innovation, Tom Kelley, general manager of the Silicon Valley-based design firm IDEO, takes readers behind the scenes of this incredibly innovative and dynamic company to expose the techniques and secrets it utilizes to crank out hit after hit. This book will assist you in gaining insights that are directly applicable to you and your company. It highlights the importance of teamwork, experimenting, and idea development to innovation.

    User-Friendly

    BOOK User-Friendly
    Author Cliff Kuang and Robert Fabricant
    Goodreads Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - User-Friendly
    Best Design Thinking Books – User-Friendly

    Cliff Kuang and Robert Fabricant’s book User Friendly tells the unfamiliar tale of a paradigm that subtly governs our contemporary lives: the notion that machines should know what people need. They offer a profound and practical take on the subject. The book explores the influence of Design on numerous facets of our lives, ranging from everyday items to digital experiences. It emphasizes the importance of empathizing with users and understanding their requirements.

    Rethinking Users

    BOOK Rethinking Users
    Author Michael Youngblood
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Rethinking Users
    Best Design Thinking Books – Rethinking Users

    Rethinking Users pioneers a new approach to user experience design called “user ecosystem thinking.” It rejects the traditional notion of users as individuals and argues that they are viewed as networked entities in a broader ecosystem. The book includes tools like ecosystem maps and personas to help you apply user ecosystem thinking to design difficulties. A deck of user archetype cards and step-by-step team activities are also included in the book.

    How Design Makes Us Think

    BOOK How Design Makes Us Think
    Author Sean Adams
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - How Design Makes Us Think
    Best Design Thinking Books – How Design Makes Us Think

    The chair of ArtCenter’s undergraduate and graduate graphic design programs is Sean Adams. It investigates the power of Design to attract attention, transmit meaning, and affect thoughts and behavior. The book gives practitioners and clients a fresh respect for their obligation to develop Design with the best intentions. This makes it a must-read for designers, advertisers, and marketing experts.

    Adams offers case studies of successful and unsuccessful designs to demonstrate the impact of design choices on user experiences and outcomes. It looks into Design’s historical, social, and psychological aspects and how they affect how we see and respond to it.

    Design Your Thinking

    BOOK Design Your Thinking
    Author Pavan Soni
    Goodreads Rating 4.5 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Design Your Thinking
    Best Design Thinking Books – Design Your Thinking

    The goal of Design Your Thinking is to provide a practitioner’s viewpoint on the various domains in which the principles, techniques, and discipline of design thinking can be employed. The author attempts to make it easy for the readers by including tables, charts, and diagrams. The book contains a wealth of exciting case studies that motivate you to innovate. One of the important takeaways from the book is that we tend to jump to solutions too fast and need to spend more time on the problem itself. It provides helpful advice on how to solve problems with a human-centered and sympathetic approach.

    Sprint

    BOOK Sprint
    Author Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz
    Goodreads Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Sprint
    Best Design Thinking Books – Sprint

    Sprint, from three design partners at Google Ventures, proposes a disruptive technique for quickly testing ideas, addressing challenges, and testing solutions. Startups and established businesses use this approach to solve obstacles quickly and validate solutions. With the Sprint technique, teams can reduce months of work into a single week and avoid the never-ending discussion cycle. The book has been widely used by teams worldwide and is available in over 20 languages.

    Designing for Growth

    BOOK Designing for Growth
    Author Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Design Thinking Books - Designing for Growth
    Best Design Thinking Books – Designing for Growth

    Liedtka and Ogilvie explore the mindset, methodology, and vocabulary of design thinking and the enigmatic relationship between Design and growth. They provide managers with clear instructions on how to take advantage of the fascinating possibilities of Design.

    The book goes over the concept development process. The most extraordinary ideas from the brainstorming process are selected, put together into comprehensive solutions, and evaluated based on qualitative and quantitative standards. It focuses on transforming abstract ideas into practical applications for maximum progress.

    Conclusion 

    Ultimately, as seen by the wide range of books on the subject, the field of design thinking is rich in insights and approaches. Together, these publications demonstrate how design thinking can be applied not only to product design but also to corporate strategy, creativity, and problem-solving. As the design thinking world evolves, these books will prove to be invaluable resources.

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    FAQs

    What is design thinking?

    Design thinking is a holistic, intuitive, customer-focused problem-solving approach that organizations can apply to adapt to the quickly evolving environment and create maximum impact.

    What are the key stages of design thinking?

    The key stages of design thinking are empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

    Recommended design thinking books include “Change by Design” by Tim Brown, “The Art of Innovation” by Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman, and “Sprint” by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz and many more.

  • Navigate Cognitive Chronicles with these Behavioural Psychology Books

    Behavioral psychology, or behaviorism, is the study of human behavior. The theory assumes that individuals acquire all behaviors through their interactions with the environment. Behaviorists prioritize examining observable behaviors over unobservable mental processes, believing that focusing on external behaviors allows for more objective and scientific assessment.

    From the 1920s until the 1960s, behavioral psychology was the most widely accepted and prominent school of psychology. Many areas, such as education, employ its techniques and principles today. Behavioral psychology also significantly impacts many aspects of business, such as how individuals and groups behave in organizations. Understanding human behavior allows firms to make better decisions and increase productivity.

    Reading books about behavioral psychology can help you improve your personal and professional life. They help you understand why people behave the way they do and what pushes them to do so. In return, it also allows you to understand yourself better. In this post, we will look at a list of specifically curated books in this field that will help you get an in-depth cognitive understanding.

    Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
    How We Know What Isn’t So
    What Everybody Is Saying
    Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds
    The Psychology of Advice: Using Behavioral Science to Build Trust and Help People
    Wait: The Art and Science of Delay
    Dark Psychology
    Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior
    Art of Contrary Thinking

    Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

    Book Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
    Author Robert M. Sapolsky
    Goodreads Rating 4.41 out of 5
    Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
    Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

    Behave by Robert Sapolsky delves into the multitude of factors that influence human behavior, from biology to culture. It gives an in-depth understanding of the impacts of our actions, as well as recommendations for how to create a more compassionate society. Sapolsky employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on biology, neuroscience, and anthropology to provide insights into the causes of the best and worst human behavior. Robert Sapolsky offers a unique perspective as he has studied primates and humans and builds his ideas on scientific evidence and field observations. His work highlights the complex aspects that influence human conduct and emphasizes the connection between brain chemistry and our cultural environment.

    How We Know What Isn’t So

    Book How We Know What Isn’t So
    Author Thomas Gilovich
    Goodreads Rating 3.95 out of 5
    How We Know What Isn't So
    How We Know What Isn’t So

    Author and social psychologist Thomas Gilovich’s book How We Know What Isn’t So examines the fallibility of human judgment and reasoning. Gilovich looks at the motivational, social, and cognitive mechanisms that lead even highly educated individuals to accept questionable or blatantly incorrect opinions. The book covers topics like confirmation bias, hindsight bias, and how social and cognitive variables influence our perceptions of reality. He explains how much of what we know is based on secondhand information, which can be misleading and lead to flawed decision-making.

    What Everybody Is Saying

    Book What Everybody Is Saying
    Author Joe Navarro
    Goodreads Rating 3.91 out of 5
    What Everybody Is Saying
    What Everybody Is Saying

    Joe Navarro is a Cuban-born American author, public speaker, and former FBI agent who has published thirteen books. What Every Body Is Saying is a valuable resource for understanding and interpreting nonverbal communication. The book highlights the significance of nonverbal communication, noting that sixty and sixty-five percent of all interpersonal communication occurs in nonverbal forms. Navarro teaches readers how to observe and judge people in context, taking into account regular conduct and many tells or clusters of behavior. Throughout the book, Navarro draws on his experiences while in the FBI and uses real-life examples that illustrate the issues he addresses.

    Book Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds
    Author Charles Mackay
    Goodreads Rating 3.83 out of 5
    Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds
    Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds

    Charles Mackay’s book studies crowd psychology and the psychology underpinning mass panic and delusions. It examines several historical events where mass hysteria and groupthink produced unusual and illogical behaviour. Mackay highlights the risks associated with following the herd and the influence of public opinion. The book is organized into three volumes: National Delusions, Peculiar Follies, and Philosophical Delusions. Even though the book was written in the 19th century, its themes and teachings still apply today and offer a timeless look into psychology. Mackay’s work is humorous and insightful at the same time, showcasing the absurd and irrational aspects of human behavior overall with stories and anecdotes. 

    The Psychology of Advice: Using Behavioral Science to Build Trust and Help People

    Book The Psychology of Advice: Using Behavioral Science to Build Trust and Help People
    Author Dan Smaida
    Goodreads Rating NA
    The Psychology of Advice
    The Psychology of Advice

    In addition to his position at Boatman Learning, Dan Smaida is the founder of the AdvisoryEDGE Forum platform, which assists advisers from various industries in improving their meeting techniques and providing more excellent value to their customers. The Psychology of Advice teaches advisers how to apply behavioral psychology to provide customers with advice they can depend on and follow. It explains why people sometimes disregard good advice and why they believe harmful recommendations. The book delves deeply into how advisers can avoid cognitive traps, come across as less “salesy” to clients, and improve their efficiency and consultative behaviors in their respective fields.

    Wait: The Art and Science of Delay

    Book Wait: The Art and Science of Delay
    Author Frank Partnoy
    Goodreads Rating 3.6 out of 5
    Wait: The Art and Science of Delay
    Wait: The Art and Science of Delay

    Wait: The Art and Science of Delay, by Frank Partnoy, delves into the concept of delay and its impact on decision-making in many different contexts. Frank defines delay as the deliberate act of gaining control of time and slowing down answers to produce better results. Partnoy combines facts from hundreds of scientific research and interviews with diverse professionals to illustrate good decision-making that contrasts with our brutally fast-paced environment. The book argues that understanding the art and science of delay allows people to make more careful and informed decisions in their professional and personal lives.

    Dark Psychology

    Book Dark Psychology
    Author Jonathan Mind
    Goodreads Rating 3.78 out of 5
    Dark Psychology
    Dark Psychology

    Dark Psychology delves into manipulation and influence techniques based on advanced NLP and behavioral psychology. The book aims to provide readers with a thorough understanding and practical guidance to understanding and using concepts like behavioral manipulation, emotional intelligence, and the secrets of dark psychology in many different circumstances.

    Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior

    Book Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior
    Author Nick Kolenda
    Goodreads Rating 4.14 out of 5
    Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior
    Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior

    This book by Nick Kolenda examines how psychology can be used to affect how people behave. It provides a potent seven-step method of persuasion based on the acronym METHODS, which stands for Mold Their View, elicit Congruent Attitudes, Set Off Social Pressure, Habituate Your Message, Enhance Your Message, Accelerate Their Momentum, and Maintain Their Compliance. The book explains the psychology of each phase and offers helpful advice and ideas for handling and interpreting time when making decisions. By blending psychological principles with real-world examples and practical techniques, Kolenda hopes to help readers learn the art and science of persuasion.

    Art of Contrary Thinking

    Book Art of Contrary Thinking
    Author Humphrey Bancroft Neill
    Goodreads Rating 3.67 out of 5
    Art of Contrary Thinking
    Art of Contrary Thinking

    Humphrey Neill’s classic book, The Art of Contrary Thinking, delves into the concept of contrarianism in investing and decision-making. Since it came out in 1954, Neill’s book has challenged conventional thinking by encouraging readers to exercise independent judgment, particularly when it comes to financial markets. The book emphasizes the value of opposing viewpoints in avoiding forecasting the unexpected and becoming caught up in the world of thought. It provides security against depth manipulators and keeps one from becoming a dogmatist. The book also explores a number of psychological concepts, like greed, fear, and herd mentality, that influence market behavior.

    Conclusion 

    In conclusion, reading about behavioral psychology through books serves as an enjoyable methodology to learn about yourself and how people interact with one another. These books reveal the complexities of our behavior and provide us with valuable insights about navigating the complexities of relationships, career, and personal development. Each book offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of the human mind.

    Understanding Human Behaviour

    FAQs

    What is Behavioural Psychology?

    Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is the study of human behavior and how it’s influenced by our interactions with the environment.

    What are some potential benefits of reading books about behavioral psychology?

    • Understand why people behave the way they do.
    • Improve your communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Make better decisions in your personal and professional life.
    • Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

    What are some of the books to navigate Cognitive Chronicles?

    • Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
    • How We Know What Isn’t So
    • What Everybody Is Saying
    • Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds
    • The Psychology of Advice: Using Behavioral Science to Build Trust and Help People
    • Wait: The Art and Science of Delay
    • Dark Psychology
    • Methods of Persuasion: How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior
    • Art of Contrary Thinking

  • The Unicorn Club: Meet the Elite Founders Behind Multiple Billion-Dollar Ventures

    A unicorn is a privately held startup with a valuation of $1 billion or above. This financial milestone raises these companies in the eyes of investors, entrepreneurs, and the general public, as only a few companies achieve such high valuations before going public or being acquired. Unicorns have a remarkable ability to grow rapidly and exponentially. Their growth is not gradual; instead, it follows an aggressive and fast path that allows them to increase their market share quickly. 

    Innovation is at the heart of unicorn enterprises. They are renowned for bringing innovative and game-changing concepts to their specialized fields, frequently utilizing state-of-the-art technology and breaking new ground in business structures.

    There are more than 1,000 unicorn companies in the world. As of January 2024, India has 111 unicorn startups, making it the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. 

    Starting your own business is a difficult road full of obstacles and uncertainties. However, even in this turbulent environment, some exceptional people repeatedly overcome obstacles. In the ever-changing world of business innovation, these trailblazers stand out as the creators of not one but several unicorn enterprises. Their experiences serve as the perfect example of determination, intelligence, and an unmatched ability to spot possibilities amid chaos.

    Bhavish Aggarwal
    Amitava Saha
    Supam Maheshwari
    Naveen Tewari
    Asish Mohapatra
    Ruchi Kalra
    Sandeep Aggarwal
    Vijay Shekhar Sharma

    Bhavish Aggarwal

    Name Bhavish Aggarwal
    Born 28 August 1985
    Education B.Tech (IIT Bombay)
    Position Co-founder and CEO of OLA Cabs, Founder of OLA Electric
    Bhavish Aggarwal
    Bhavish Aggarwal

    Bhavish Aggarwal was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, on August 28, 1985. He is an Indian businessman who founded Ola Electric and co-founded Ola Cabs. Aggarwal, an IIT Mumbai alumnus, started his professional career with Microsoft, where he worked for two years, filed two patent applications, and published three articles in international journals.

    In December 2010, he and a fellow student, Ankit Bhati, created the ridesharing business Ola Cabs, an ANI Technologies division. Ola achieved its first significant milestone in July 2014, reaching 10,000 rides per day. As the CEO of Ola Cabs, he introduced several divisions, including mobile payments and wallet services through OlaMoney and Ola Fleet. 

    In December 2017, Ola Cabs purchased Foodpanda‘s Indian business, thereby breaking into the food delivery market. In April 2022, he resigned as CEO of Ola Cabs to concentrate on Ola Electric. Under ANI Technologies, Bhavish Aggarwal founded Ola Electric on May 26, 2017. He initiated a trial project in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by erecting charging stations throughout the city and acquiring electric vehicles from manufacturers, including electric buses, electric rickshaws, and electric cars.

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    Amitava Saha

    Name Amitava Saha
    Born –
    Education PGDM (IIM Lucknow) B.Tech (IIT Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi)
    Position MD & CEO at Xpressbees, Co-founder & COO at FirstCry
    Amitava Saha
    Amitava Saha

    Amitava Saha is the co-founder and chief operating officer of FirstCry and the CEO of Xpressbees. Saha’s groundbreaking projects have continually disrupted sectors and transformed market landscapes. His ability to navigate unfamiliar territory with strategic insight and unshakable persistence has enabled him to establish not one but several unicorn enterprises. After completing his BTech at IIT Varanasi, he graduated with a PGDM from IIM Lucknow. Before launching Xpressbees alongside Supam Maheshwari, Amitava had positions as a Business Development Manager at Aricent, Senior Officer at Tata Steel, and Senior Business Development Executive at NIIT Technologies. 

    Following his decision to start FirstCry, where he held the positions of COO and co-founder, Amitava Saha went on to found Xpressbees. He has more than 17 years of expertise in sales and operations. 

    With an excellent nationwide supply chain management network, Xpressbees is India’s top logistics service provider. FirstCry is an online and offline business that offers a large selection of goods for mothers, infants, and children. The firm originated out of a desire to address the issue of millions of Indian parents lacking access to the top brands and baby care items for their children.

    Supam Maheshwari

    Name Supam Maheshwari
    Born 1974
    Education PGDM (IIM Ahmedabad), Delhi College of Engineering
    Position Co-founder & CEO at FirstCry, Co-founder of Xpressbees
    Supam Maheshwari
    Supam Maheshwari

    Supam Maheshwari is the CEO of FirstCry, a baby care company headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Maheshwari completed his formal education at Apeejay School. He graduated from Delhi College of Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He later attended IIM-Ahmedabad to pursue a PGDM. After completing his MBA, he conceptualized and developed Brainvisa Technologies, which he co-founded and oversaw as CEO until 2009. He is a first-generation businessman with an astute business sense.

    Supam Maheshwari was inspired to start FirstCry by his own experiences as a father looking for high-quality baby care goods for his child. He is an excellent leader and is well-known for his leadership abilities. Supam is also a co-founder of the logistics service company Xpressbees.

    Name Naveen Tewari
    Born 14 December 1977
    Education MBA (Harvard Business School)
    Position Founder & CEO at InMobi Group
    Naveen Tewari
    Naveen Tewari

    Naveen Tewari, founder and CEO of InMobi, was born and raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in a family of academics. After working for McKinsey for three years as a consultant, Naveen graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School. While at HBS, he started and led the India Schoolhouse Fund, a nonprofit in the United States that sponsors and establishes schools in rural India. 

    He dabbled in several ventures for a few years, although he could have been more successful. This included the startup and venture capital worlds. Tewari identified a market need as the mobile internet was on its way to revolution. He realized a platform was required to distribute customized advertisements on mobile devices. He launched InMobi in 2008. The ad tech business became the first unicorn in India in just three years. Tewari’s impact goes beyond the business sector. He strongly supports entrepreneurship and innovation, actively mentoring new firms and funding programs that strengthen the Indian IT sector. 

    Asish Mohapatra

    Name Asish Mohapatra
    Born 1980
    Education PGP-MBA (ISB Hyderabad), IIT (Kharagpur)
    Position CEO of OFB Tech Pvt. Ltd
    Asish Mohapatra
    Asish Mohapatra

    Asish Mohapatra is an Indian entrepreneur who has co-founded two unicorn firms in India. After obtaining his mechanical engineering degree from IIT-Kharagpur and his MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), he worked for Matrix Partners, a venture capital fund, for over four years. 

    Before he was able to launch his business, the IIT Kharagpur graduate was turned down a shocking 73 times. After receiving backing from the Japanese multinational conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp., Asish’s business became a unicorn in July 2021. It was valued at approximately $1.5 billion when it concluded a $160 million investment round. 

    In 2016, Asish, his wife, and a few other dedicated members of their team founded Oxyzo, an offshoot of Asish’s previous firm that provides SMEs with purchase finance and became a unicorn a year later, in 2022. The company stated that Oxyzo presently has 2000+ crores in AUM, is servicing more than 3,000 SMEs throughout India, and disburses more than 4,000 crores annually. 

    Asish Mohapatra’s journey demonstrates the value of patience, intelligent thought, and an in-depth comprehension of market needs. His initiatives not only help contribute to the Indian Economy but also motivate new entrepreneurs to pursue their objectives despite all obstacles. 

    Top 10 Indian Profitable Unicorns

    Ruchi Kalra

    Name Ruchi Kalra
    Born 1983
    Education Indian School of Business (Hyderabad), IIT (Delhi)
    Position Co-founder and CFO of OFB Tech Pvt. Ltd, Co-founder of Oxyzo Financial Services Limited
    Ruchi Kalra

    Indian businesswoman Ruchi Kalra is the co-founder of the unicorn companies OfBusiness and Oxyzo Financial Services. Ruchi completed her MBA at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, after earning her BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi, and she began working as a senior business analyst at Evalueserve. 

    She quit her job at McKinsey in 2016 to launch her firm, OfBusiness, in the untested B2B market with her husband and six other partners. In 2017, her spouse and three other team members picked up an offshoot of their first firm. Oxyzo provides purchase finance to small and medium businesses, giving out cash-flow-based loans to aid SMEs who struggle to access working capital by employing technology that crunches data for them. 

    Sandeep Aggarwal

    Name Sandeep Aggarwal
    Born –
    Education MBA (Washington University in St. Louis)
    Position Founder of Droom Technologies, Shopclues
    Sandeep Aggarwal
    Sandeep Aggarwal

    Sandeep Aggarwal is an Indian entrepreneur, angel investor, and the current CEO of Droom Technology Pvt Ltd. He was a Wall Street research analyst for fourteen years before starting his entrepreneurial journey. He was the top-ranked research analyst and worked for Collins Stewart, Oppenheimer, and Citigroup. 

    Sandeep established two startups: Shopclues, an online managed marketplace, in 2010, and Droom, an online vehicle marketplace, in 2014. He raised 16 million dollars in just a year. He raised 90 million dollars in multiple rounds in the following three years. Sandeep possesses a US patent, an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and all the qualities that make an entrepreneur successful: a combination of knowledge, creativity, and willpower. He also launched the Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation, which addresses India’s development concerns. The charity supports and uplifts different sectors of society through partnerships with groups like the Umeed charity and Zoe Mission. 

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma

    Name Vijay Shekhar Sharma
    Born 7 June 1978
    Education B.Tech from Delhi College of Engineering
    Position Founder & CEO of One97 and Paytm
    Vijay Shekhar Sharma
    Vijay Shekhar Sharma

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born on June 7, 1978, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and completed his B.Tech from Delhi College of Engineering. He is a technology entrepreneur and multimillionaire business magnate. He founded One97 Communications in 2000, providing mobile users with news, jokes, ringtones, cricket scores, and exam results, among other material. One97 Communications Limited is the parent business of Paytm, Sharma’s digital payment and financial services company founded in 2010. Paytm successfully raised $2.5 billion at a $19 billion valuation when it went public in November 2021, making it the largest IPO in India. 

    In 2018, Sharma created a stir in the financial world when he convinced Berkshire Hathaway, owned by Warren Buffett, to invest $300 million in Paytm. Along with the Paytm Payments Bank, he founded the e-commerce company Paytm Mall. His commitment to innovation illustrates how technology can spur economic growth and demonstrates the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

    List of 111 Unicorn Startups in India | Top Unicorns in India
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    StartupTalkyAnik Banerjee

    Conclusion 

    In conclusion, this article looks into a handful of visionary founders who have not only transformed industries but also redefined our perception of entrepreneurship. Their ability to create, execute, and scale many billion-dollar companies demonstrates their impressive vision and passion to make the dream a reality.

    FAQs

    What is a unicorn startup?

    A unicorn is a privately held startup with a valuation of $1 billion or above. This financial milestone raises these companies in the eyes of investors, entrepreneurs, and the general public, as only a few companies achieve such high valuations before going public or being acquired.

    Who is Naveen Tewari?

    Naveen Tewari is the founder and CEO of InMobi and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

    How many unicorn companies are there in the world?

    There are more than 1,000 unicorn companies in the world. As of January 2024, India has 111 unicorn startups, making it the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. 

  • Master The Art of Project Management with these Must-Read Books

    Project management uses specialized knowledge, skills, procedures, and strategies to accomplish specific and measurable project goals. Project managers assume responsibility for the entire project lifespan, from beginning to end. They play an important role in supervising and directing the process of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling. It is their duty to guarantee that the project is finished on time and within the specified budget.

    Project management also includes quality control measures to verify that project deliverables match specified standards. This emphasis on quality improves client happiness and the organization’s reputation. Depending on the nature of the project and the preferences of the business, many techniques, such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and others, give frameworks and approaches for effective project management.

    Reading project management books can be beneficial to both beginners and seasoned experts. You can improve your skill set and effectiveness by picking up strategies from experienced authors. Reading books on the various techniques can help you become acquainted with their frameworks, allowing you to select the best approach for your specific needs.

    In this article, we dive into some thoughtfully chosen picks from an enormous library of knowledge that will provide you with the blueprint to reach all your objectives.

    Scrum
    Making Things Happen
    HBR Guide to Project Management
    Risk Up Front
    Project Management JumpStart
    The ONE Thing
    What the Heck is EOS?
    The Lazy Project Manager

    Scrum

    BOOK Scrum
    Author Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland
    Goodreads Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Project Management Book - Scrum
    Project Management Book – Scrum

    The fundamental idea is that the Scrum methodology is a new way of project management and team collaboration that can assist teams in achieving productivity gains of up to 1200%. It is based on the authors’ experiences as Scrum co-creators as well as their work with various sectors and organizations. They go into the roots of Scrum, its evolution, and the essential ideas that make it effective. One of the key subjects discussed in the book is the implementation of Scrum, not only in your business but also in both personal and life planning to achieve your objectives.

    Making Things Happen

    BOOK Making Things Happen
    Author Scott Berkun
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Project Management Book - Making Things Happen
    Project Management Book – Making Things Happen

    Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun is a best-selling collection of writings on project management and team leadership. Using his Microsoft project manager background, Berkun offers guidance and views on project management’s complex issues and challenges. He emphasizes that successful project management entails more than simply tools and methods; it also includes understanding people and effective communication. It stands out for its blend of practical guidance, real-world examples, and the author’s entertaining writing style, which provides a holistic vision.

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    HBR Guide to Project Management

    BOOK HBR Guide to Project Management
    Author Harvard Business Review
    Goodreads Rating 3.8 out of 5
    Project Management Book - HBR Guide to Project Management
    Project Management Book – HBR Guide to Project Management

    The Harvard Business Review’s HBR Guide to Project Management is a comprehensive resource that offers assurance and tools for setting and achieving wise objectives. The book provides ways for breaking down large undertakings into smaller, more achievable tasks. It even gives practical suggestions on developing a schedule that accounts for all parts of a project. The article discusses ways to finish a project, evaluate its success, and capture lessons acquired for future proposals.

    Risk Up Front

    BOOK Risk Up Front
    Author Adam Josephs and Brad Rubenstein
    Goodreads Rating 3.6 out of 5
    Project Management Book - Risk Up Front
    Project Management Book – Risk Up Front

    Risk Up Front facilitates reengineering how technology programs are run to prioritize finding and mitigating risk until the cross-functional team is confident and can “commit” to a schedule. The book focuses on the principles of project management in a complicated context. It underlines how costly it is to make modifications as projects progress, emphasizing how crucial early risk identification and mitigation are.

    Project Management JumpStart

    BOOK Project Management JumpStart
    Author Kim Heldman
    Goodreads Rating 3.6 out of 5
    Project Management Book - Project Management JumpStart
    Project Management Book – Project Management JumpStart

    Kim Heldman is a well-known author and project management expert. Her book seeks to provide a complete introduction to fundamental project management principles and methods. To guarantee a project’s success, the book highlights how important it is to manage logistics, including finances, schedules, and resources. It has been completely rewritten to coincide with the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide).

    The ONE Thing

    BOOK The ONE Thing
    Author Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Project Management Book - The ONE Thing
    Project Management Book – The ONE Thing

    The book, released in 2012, centers on prioritization and the notion that people can accomplish remarkable things if they pick and concentrate on the most crucial activity. Individuals can obtain more significant results in less time by focusing on the most critical training, resulting in higher productivity, revenue, and overall success. The notion is that you should only focus on one item at any given moment. As a result, devote uninterrupted time to the most essential tasks. The book also debunks the misconception of multitasking as well as its harmful influence on time.

    What the Heck is EOS?

    BOOK What the Heck is EOS?
    Author Gino Wickman and Tom Bouwer
    Goodreads Rating Nil
    Project Management Book - What the Heck is EOS?
    Project Management Book – What the Heck is EOS?

    What the Heck is EOS? is a book aimed to get employees interested in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) approach and technologies. The book is written in clear, straightforward language and includes questions about each tool managers and employees can use. It goes over the foundational tools of EOS and how they affect workers, such as the People Analyzer, the Weekly Meeting Pulse, the Accountability Chart, the Vision/Traction Organizer, Rocks, and Scorecard and Measurables. The book is intended to assist employees in having a better understanding of EOS and using it effectively to achieve goals.

    The Lazy Project Manager

    BOOK The Lazy Project Manager
    Author Peter Taylor
    Goodreads Rating 3.5 out of 5
    Project Management Book - The Lazy Project Manager
    Project Management Book – The Lazy Project Manager

    The Lazy Project Manager illustrates how we can do more with less effort and time. It disputes the widely held belief that project managers must continuously engage by highlighting productive laziness. The book is intended to assist project leaders in working smarter, not harder, by reducing their burden and focusing on the most important duties. Explore the art of delegation and how it can improve the effectiveness of your project management. Taylor claims empowering team members and believing in their abilities could result in better project outcomes.

    Conclusion

    The sphere of project management is broad, dynamic, and constantly changing. Each book on this list adds a unique jigsaw piece to the puzzle of successful project execution. As professionals turn to these publications for direction, they acquire theoretical knowledge and the instruments and strategies required to address the intricate problems surrounding project management.

    Mastering Communication Skills: Essential Books for Effective Communication
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    StartupTalkyRia Sahni

    FAQs

    What is project management?

    Project management involves specialized knowledge, skills, and strategies to achieve specific project goals within budget and on time.

    Why should I read project management books?

    Reading project management books helps both beginners and seasoned professionals enhance their skills and effectiveness by learning from experienced authors and gaining insights into different methodologies.

    • Scrum by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland
    • Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun
    • HBR Guide to Project Management by Harvard Business Review
    • Risk Up Front by Adam Josephs and Brad Rubenstein
    • Project Management JumpStart by Kim Heldman
    • The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
    • What the Heck is EOS? by Gino Wickman and Tom Bouwer
    • The Lazy Project Manager by Peter Taylor

  • Essential Branding Books for 21st-Century Success

    According to the American Marketing Association, a brand is any name, phrase, logo, design, or other characteristic that sets one seller’s product or service apart.

    Brands are a powerful means for businesses to express their vision. A company’s brand makes it clear what and why it stands for. Other market participants can easily replicate a product, but a brand will always be unique.

    To build a successful brand, you must strategize every step of the way. Your brand strategy acts as a road map for all branding-related activities, covering design all the way to customer support.

    Reading branding books can help you thoroughly understand branding ideas, strategic insights, and practical advice. It can help you gain experience and become an invaluable asset to your customer base. In this article, we look at the top books for navigating the ever-changing terrain of consumer perception and market trends.

    Branding: In Five and a Half Steps
    The Brand Gap
    Building Strong Brands
    Sticky Branding
    Hello, my name is awesome
    Somewhere Yes
    Brandwashed

    Branding: In Five and a Half Steps

    BOOK Branding: In Five and a Half Steps
    Author Michael Johnson
    Goodreads Rating 4.3 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Branding: In Five and a Half Steps
    Best Branding Books – Branding: In Five and a Half Steps

    Michael Johnson is one of the world’s top graphic designers and brand advisors. Branding offers a complete approach to establishing successful brands. The book is structured into five and a half steps: investigate, define, design, communicate, and bridge the gap. The half-step involves adapting and modifying the branding process as needed. This book vividly shows corporate identities and templates in more than one thousand different ways. It also provides case studies and in-depth explanations to help you understand the steps.

    The Brand Gap

    BOOK The Brand Gap
    Author Marty Neumeier
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - The Brand Gap
    Best Branding Books – The Brand Gap

    Neumeier is excellent at understandably communicating intricate branding ideas. The book outlines five branding disciplines: differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation. Mastering these five disciplines allows businesses to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and design effortlessly. He presents the idea of the “brand idea” and stresses the significance of simplicity in branding. Successful brands are founded on a clear and compelling concept.

    Building Strong Brands

    BOOK Building Strong Brands
    Author David Aaker
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Building Strong Brands
    Best Branding Books – Building Strong Brands

    Aaker’s book is generally considered a core classic in brand strategy, having been utilized by marketers and business experts worldwide. Building Strong Brands focuses on the strategic components of brand management. It lays out a systematic strategy for establishing and maintaining exceptional brands. Aaker underlines the necessity of developing a brand personality relevant to the target market. This involves providing clients with a positive and memorable experience.

    Sticky Branding

    BOOK Sticky Branding
    Author Jeremy Miller
    Goodreads Rating 4 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Sticky Branding
    Best Branding Books – Sticky Branding

    Sticky Branding, written by Jeremy Miller, is a branding guide designed to help small and mid-sized businesses take on giants in the industry and grow their brands. It is intended for companies with limited resources and finances but has the passion and desire to innovate and expand.

    His book is the result of ten years of research into what makes businesses successful. The phrase “sticky” refers to a brand that remains in customers’ minds and is difficult to forget. Building brand awareness is essential to develop a memorable brand. This can be accomplished using a variety of marketing and communication tactics, including content marketing, social media, and public relations.

    8 Steps to Get Effective Results for Your Social Media Campaign Ads
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    Hello, my name is awesome

    BOOK Hello, my name is awesome
    Author Alexandra Watkins
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Hello, my name is awesome
    Best Branding Books – Hello, my name is awesome

    Alexandra Watkins’ book discusses the art and science of generating memorable and effective brand names. It looks at how a smart name can help with consumer involvement, brand awareness, and general success. After selecting a name, the business should develop a consistent visual identity that reflects the brand’s personality and values. Making a logo, deciding on brand colours, and picking fonts fall under this category. The book also examines common mistakes and difficulties in the naming process. It provides advice on how you can avoid them.

    Somewhere Yes

    BOOK Somewhere Yes
    Author Beat Kaspar Baudenbacher
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Somewhere Yes
    Best Branding Books – Somewhere Yes

    Somewhere Yes delves into the yearning for belonging in a world defined by branding. It is a one-of-a-kind text that takes readers on a journey that will test their perceptions of the world around them. The book explores the idea of using branding to find a sense of belonging, making connections between branding and the media, politics, and religious subjects. The author also examines many brand examples to show brands’ power and potential to change the world. This includes the Proud Boys, the Catholic Church, and the Bespoke Fonts.

    Brandwashed

    BOOK Brandwashed
    Author Martin Lindstrom
    Goodreads Rating 3.8 out of 5
    Best Branding Books - Brandwashed
    Best Branding Books – Brandwashed

    Lindstrom is an expert in branding and marketing. Published in 2011, Brandwashed delves into businesses’ different approaches and plans to sway customer behavior and make immediate purchases. It provides information about the field of neuromarketing, which studies how the brain reacts to stimuli related to marketing. The book also looks at how technology may track and target customers and influence their behavior.

    Additionally, Brandwashed explores the detrimental effects of branding. It demonstrates how businesses control customers’ emotions and sway their decisions by appealing to their fears, anxieties, desires, and acceptance. Fear is one of the most potent purchasing motivations, and businesses utilize branding to leverage this emotion in customers.

     Conclusion

    For companies and organizations to stand out from the competition, establish a connection with clients, and foster loyalty, branding is fundamental. The books discussed serve as excellent guides to gain this mastery over the course of time and help you stay relevant.

    Building Your Identity: Personal Branding Books for Success
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    FAQs

    Why are branding books important for success in the 21st century?

    Reading branding books can help you thoroughly understand branding ideas, strategic insights, and practical advice.

    • Branding: In Five and a Half Steps
    • The Brand Gap
    • Building Strong Brands
    • Sticky Branding
    • Hello, my name is awesome
    • Somewhere Yes
    • Brandwashed

  • Smart Money Moves: Your Guide to the 9 Best Business Finance Books

    Finance is the management, creation, and study of money and investments. It entails financing ongoing projects with future income flows through credit, debt, securities, and investments. Finance is broadly classified into public, corporate, and personal finance.

    Finance is essential for any firm to survive, grow, extend, and diversify. Business finance is the branch of finance that deals with the money and credit used for business and how the money is raised. All of it comes down to estimating, organizing, and allocating financial resources to ensure that the company has enough cash to run its activities smoothly and profitably.

    Staying current on the newest trends, tactics, and insights is critical for success in the ever-changing world of company finance. Fortunately, there are a plethora of business finance books available, providing a wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs, business experts, and amateurs alike. In this article, we will look at the must-read books that can help you thrive in the field.

    Profit First
    The Alchemy of Finance
    Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant
    Valuation
    Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    Finance for Executives
    Deep Finance
    Accounting for the Numberphobic
    Visual Finance

    Profit First

    BOOK Profit First
    Author Mike Michalowicz
    Goodreads Rating 4.3 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Profit First
    Best Business Finance Books – Profit First

    Unlike solely rational accounting principles, humans run businesses and aren’t always logical. Michalowicz demonstrates how entrepreneurs can transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to lucrative cash cows by prioritizing profit and allocating only what remains for expenses.

    He presents a simple approach in which different bank accounts are opened for various financial uses. This ensures that profit is a non-negotiable allocation of revenue. The system is scalable and customizable, making it applicable to multiple sectors and phases of business development.

    The Alchemy of Finance

    BOOK The Alchemy of Finance
    Author George Soros
    Goodreads Rating 3.7 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - The Alchemy of Finance
    Best Business Finance Books – The Alchemy of Finance

    George Soros is a well-known philanthropist, investor, and economic analyst. In contrast to a conventional investment handbook, this explores financial markets’ philosophical and psychological dimensions. Soros presents the concept of reflexivity, suggesting that market players’ thoughts and actions influence the market’s conditions. As a result, a feedback loop is created that impacts both the participants and the markets. The book uses Soros’s personal experience with a high-stakes investment to highlight the value of risk management in navigating the uncertainties of financial markets.

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    Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant

    BOOK Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant
    Author Robert Kiyosaki
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
    Best Business Finance Books – Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant

    Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant expands on Kiyosaki’s fundamental financial literacy and wealth creation principles. The book presents the idea of the cash flow quadrant, a helpful tool that divides people into four groups according to how they make money. These are Employee (E), Self-Employed (S), Business Owner (B), and Investor (I).

    The book emphasises the importance of working smarter rather than harder to attain wealth. Kiyosaki claims that a lack of financial literacy causes a large number of people’s financial difficulties. That is why we should educate ourselves regularly.

    Valuation

    BOOK Valuation
    Author McKinsey & Company
    Goodreads Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Valuation
    Best Business Finance Books – Valuation

    Co-authored by consultants Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, and David Wessels of McKinsey & Company, Valuation is a widely recognized comprehensive handbook to company valuation. The book provides the Valuation Quadrant, a framework for understanding the various sorts of businesses and their valuation issues. The quadrant is divided into four categories: growth firms, stable companies, cashflow companies, and turnaround companies.

    The authors also examine methods such as discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions analysis. The book provides an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in assessing and managing a company’s value.

    Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!

    BOOK Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    Author Greg Crabtree
    Goodreads Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    Best Business Finance Books – Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!

    Greg Crabtree, a skilled accountant, small business counsellor, and popular presenter, demonstrates how to leverage your company’s leading financial indicators to make sound business decisions. It is a financial guide designed specifically for small business owners. With this, you can take your company from the start to millions of dollars in annual income. Crabtree simplifies financial topics so that they are understandable to people who do not have a solid financial background.

    Finance for Executives

    BOOK Finance for Executives
    Author Nuno Fernandes
    Goodreads Rating 4.3 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Finance for Executives
    Best Business Finance Books – Finance for Executives

    Finance for Executives offers practical advice on corporate finance, sustainable finance, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, banking, and financial strategies. It satisfies the demands of executives worldwide, including those in finance and non-finance. The book is designed to assist executives in understanding the financial consequences of their business choices. This will help them seize opportunities and make informed financial decisions that can bring corporate success.

    Deep Finance

    BOOK Deep Finance
    Author Glenn Hopper
    Goodreads Rating 3.7 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Deep Finance
    Best Business Finance Books – Deep Finance

    Glenn Hopper is a former Navy journalist, filmmaker, and company owner. Deep Finance strives to help firms optimize and modernize by leveraging financial leadership and technology skills. It is aimed at finance leaders and CFOs, so it guides how to lead in the age of analytics and harnesses technological breakthroughs to create company success. The book discusses applying AI for financial forecasting, focusing on using deep learning in finance.

    Accounting for the Numberphobic

    BOOK Accounting for the Numberphobic
    Author Dawn Fotopulos
    Goodreads Rating 3.7 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Accounting for the Numberphobic
    Best Business Finance Books – Accounting for the Numberphobic

    Dawn Fotopulos’ book is intended to explain accounting topics for those who find numbers scary, particularly small business owners. It describes the three primary financial statements—the balance sheet, cash flow statement, and net income statement—and how each one shows how a company is doing overall. The book provides practical guidance on assessing and boosting cash flow, which is essential for the survival of small enterprises.

    Visual Finance

    BOOK Visual Finance
    Author Georgi Tsvetanov
    Goodreads Rating 3.8 out of 5
    Best Business Finance Books - Visual Finance
    Best Business Finance Books – Visual Finance

    Visual Finance is a simple and powerful tool for analyzing financial accounts and making sound business decisions. The book provides a one-page visual model that can be learned in a few hours and applied to real-world scenarios. The model comprises three major components: an income statement, a balance sheet, and a cash flow statement. Individuals can apply the concept to their company’s needs since it provides a practical and real-life utility.

    Conclusion

    These nine business finance books offer a diverse array of insights and strategies for navigating the complex world of financial management. From prioritizing profit to understanding market psychology and leveraging technology, these resources empower readers to make informed decisions and achieve success in their ventures.

    List of the Best Books on Personal Finance
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    FAQs

    What is Finance?

    Finance is the management, creation, and study of money and investments.

    What is Business Finance?

    Business finance is the branch of finance that deals with the money and credit used for business and how the money is raised.

    • Profit First
    • The Alchemy of Finance
    • Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant
    • Valuation
    • Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    • Finance for Executives
    • Deep Finance
    • Accounting for the Numberphobic
    • Visual Finance