Product Description
The authors of the Working From Home series explain how self-employed people survive the ups and downs of running a business and how to overcome uncertainties and doubts, and include a resource guide on where to find money, loans, and additional advice. Original.Amazon.com Review
Being your own boss, as anyone who’s tried it can attest, is not as easy as it looks. The rewards can be great, but hurdles abound–and many fledgling entrepreneurs never manage to get beyond the latter in order to enjoy the former. Well-known experts Sarah and Paul Edwards believe it can be done, though, and present solid tips for thriving as well as surviving in Secrets of Self-Employment, an expanded version of one of their popular early works.
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I found this book to be quick and easy to read, with very applicable and down-to-earth information about the rites of passage to the entrepreneurial world. Their advice does not focus on actual business management, although they do offer wonderful tips on such topics as time and paper flow management. Instead, they address all the things typical business texts and professors do not mention. I have an MBA from a top 10 business school, and I am learning more from this book about the psychology of starting a business than I ever did in school.
The Edwards have helped me to understand the fears and doubts I have had over the last few months, while I have been contemplating leaving my well-paying and secure position at a large consulting firm. Until I picked up this book I thought I was the only one who questioned their decisions and their capabilities as an entrepreneur. Now I know that everyone has similarly scary feelings, and that there are ways in which we can minimize them, and even take advantage of them. Every page offered some form of support or valuable advice, and I felt myself gaining confidence with each chapter. I also learned more about myself and what type of business I would prefer, after reading their description of classic entrepreneurs vs. “propreneurs” (their term for individual professionals and craftspeople). I have gone from a state of anxiety to gung-ho enthusiasm!
It is apparent that these authors speak from direct experience, not from a podium in front of a classroom. They are brutally honest about their own mistakes and doubts, which serves to make a positive and helpful connection with the reader.
Rating: 5 / 5
People who look to this book for a how-to manual on financing, marketing, incorporating, etc. will be disappointed. And that’s OK, because it offers something much more precious – peace of mind. That’s not to say there isn’t general advice about some of these issues and even some real targeted suggestions to solve certain problems, but the focus is more on the mindset of being your own boss, at start-up and beyond. A step-by-step, “put Tab A in Slot B” book almost seems like putting the cart before the horse after reading this. If the mind isn’t ready or is struggling, everything that comes after will be a struggle too despite the best instruction manual.
I am in the process of opening my own business after being “downsized” for the last time. Some days have been up and some days have been down. Some days I thought I should throw in the towel and go live in a hut somewhere far, far away. This book has shown me that all of this is normal and has shown me how to use the up moments and push past the down ones to get what I want. It’s amazing the way the authors almost seem to step inside your head. They are supportive, clear and offer real, usable advice to keep on track mentally, exult in your victories and deal with the difficulties as they arise. The format is conversational, friendly, uplifting and confidence-building.
This book will be part of my “business bible” collection – those books I will refer to again and again as I grow my business.
Rating: 5 / 5
Paul and Sarah Edwards are probably one of the top leaders in the Home-Based Business revolution. In the Secret of Self-Employment, tips and guidelines are offered on topics ranging from the proper self-image to marketing to time management, and much, much more. Their advice are genuine and come from personal experience as well as extensive research on other self-employed individuals. Getting this book would be a great asset to anyone, especially those considering a home business. This book is well-written and easy to understand. I’d say this book is a winner!
Rating: 4 / 5
I am working from home with my third business,its very sucessful by my standards, and I have its growth firmly under control.I picked up a copy of this at the library, wish I had read it two businesses ago.
If you have a small business, or want to start one, please read this first, its the best small business book you can read. Its honest, no hype or promo work, I now have a copy and use it it to keep on track wit hsome of my details.
Many of the lessons in the book I learned the hard way over the last ten years, by reading this you can avoid a lot of Pain!
Rating: 5 / 5
My daughter bought this book for me and it made me tenfold over the price of the book within one week by using one of the tips. The Edwards’ format is easy to read and they go through all the possible setbacks of self-employment and how to avoid them. I’ve been a freelance writer for two years, but anyone – whether starting to work on their own or in the business for 10 years – can learn from this book. It’s well worth the price.
Rating: 5 / 5