Work · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to 40 Semi-Obvious Lessons

Quick reference book for building a startup/business

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. 40 Semi-Obvious Lessons launched in 2016; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   Anything You Want▲83

   40 lessons for a new kind of entrepreneur

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Start Small, Stay Small▲66

   A developer's guide to launching a startup

   2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

3. 3
   Startup Blueprint▲84

   7 Skills for founders, builders & leaders

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

4. 4
   Startup CEO▲64

   A field guide to scaling your business

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Hello, Startup▲76

   A programmer's guide to building products, tech & teams

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Getting Real▲234

   The smarter way to build web apps. A free book by 37signals.

   2015 · basecamp.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Lean B2B: Build Products Businesses Want▲70

   Practical guide to B2B startups

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   The Startup Checklist▲111

   25 steps to a scalable, high-growth business

   2016 · gust.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Making It Right▲76

   Product management for a startup world

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    The Startup Equation▲72

    A visual guidebook for building your startup

    2016 · startupequation.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Disciplined Entrepreneurship▲74

    24 steps to a successful startup

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    Smarter Faster Better▲83

    The secrets of being productive in life and business

    2016 · hudsonbooksellers.com · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Learning To Launch▲228

    Stop failing. Start launching.

    2016 · learningtolaunch.co · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Lean Analytics▲100

    Use data to build a better startup faster

    2015 · leananalyticsbook.com · its alternatives →

15. 15
    The Lean Startup▲149

    Use continuous innovation to create successful businesses

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Powerbooks▲104

    Bite-sized Knowledge for Entrepreneurs

    2014 · powerbooks.strikingly.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    How to Build a Billion Dollar App▲92

    Guide to building an app-based business

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

18. 18
    EntrePowerment▲77

    Teaching you what it takes to be an entrepreneur

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    High Output Management▲158

    The bible for startup management

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Seeking Wisdom: Setting Goals For Your Startup▲61

    Lessons to help accelerate your learning.

    2016 · drift.com · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Starting + Sustaining▲92

    A guide to plan, launch and run a web app

    2015 · its alternatives →

22. 22
    The Productivity Project▲74

    Essential read for anyone wanting to do more in less time

    2016 · chrisbailey.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    How To Start A Startup Without Ruining Your Life▲147

    A guide to changing the world & embracing the rollercoaster

    2017 · library.superhi.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    Scheduled Balance▲63

    A survival guide for busy mom entrepreneurs

    2015 · vickylashenko.gumroad.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →