Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works
“Melinda Emerson . . . will inspire you to pursue your own entrepreneurial vision.”–Marc H. Morial, President, National Urban League
Whether you’re newly unemployed, sick of office life and longing for a change, or just want to finally turn your business idea into reality, you can follow your dream and make your passion your profession. Drawing on her experience as founder of an award-winning production company, Melinda F. Emerson shows you how in this practical month-by-month guide to getting your business off the ground.
Inside, you’ll find the timetable and steps you need to take to become a successful CEO of your own venture, including:
Month 1: Meet with potential venture capitalists
Month 3: Set a one-year marketing budget
Month 5: Select a logo
Month 9: Purchase customer relationship management software
Month 11: Prepare your launch day press release
Next year at this time, you could be calling the shots at your dream job. You supply the energy, an idea, and elbow grease–and this book will supply the plan.
List Price: $ 14.95
Price: $ 6.89
2 responses to Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works
In 2009, after losing my “paycheck job” as a result of a cash strapped economy, I struck out in search of options and advice to start and run my own business. Not interested in having another boss, I sought to turn my office support skills into a viable, profitable business, where I would be the primary decision maker and pilot of my own financial future. While the internet and mobile tools can ease the way for some startups, I quickly learned that sustainability is a whole `nother ballgame.
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, primarily for copy editing, and found myself nodding along with Melinda Emerson’s straightforward and easily followed approach to launching (or growing) a small business. Emerson’s words mirrored my own reality – in which I wear multiple hats, must have a strong support system and enough money to get through the early months (possibly years) until profitability is achieved.
My greatest take away from this book is – there is no easy street when you become your own boss. But, with solid planning, smart decision-making and industrious persistence, success and financial independence can be achieved.
I recommend that anyone who is thinking about starting a business or is stuck and needs to grow their business – read this
book – and then read it again.
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From the earliest parts of Melinda’s book, she pulls no punches. For the person thinking about starting a business of nearly any type, she gives sound advice. How many people have told you — “Just start your business… Your passion will drive the results…” or some such nonsense. Sure you need passion and raw energy and persistence, but you also need some money, some savings, so Melinda says “Don’t quit your day job… yet…” She doesn’t just say start. She says PLAN. Get your life together first, then start your company.
Melinda’s advice is full of common sense or I should say Uncommon Sense as it doesn’t seem near as common. I’ve started several companies and I wish I had this book before taking off for points unknown. The book also includes some links to good free resources from the author. After many years in business for myself, there are things I definitely knew, but just as many things I never considered. I would recommend this book for those friends who have “Start My Own Company” stars in their eyes and need to know the truth – which is positive and negative. It’s hard work, but rewarding work to own your own business. Two chapters stood out for me: Chapter 8 on Niche to Get Rich because I believe that the tighter your focus, the better your business. Chapter 18 was helpful because I deal with small company owners and their websites and how they approach and sell to a customer. It offered some good reminders.
Full disclosure: I’m a big fan of Melinda’s work via her #SmallBizChat (a weekly real-time chat on Twitter) program and have heard her share a lot of her advice “from the trenches” so I’m a bit biased because I’ve seen and heard her help people, including myself. But unlike many reviews, I wasn’t paid or encouraged to say positive things. Melinda Emerson’s book gives useful and smart tips any biz owner can benefit from reading.
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