How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner ... and Still Have a Life Paperback – January 2, 2006

This book has a straight forward design keeping things on the ground... I really enjoyed reading it because it's well balanced between concepts and stories and you can read it in a short period of time.For a small entrepreneur like myself trying to grow, found the book pretty usefull in topics like: goal setting and planning model, systems policies and procedures, the corrective action system, job delegation, performance indicators and proper communication whitin the management team. Maybe we know the concepts, but needed to have clear in our minds, but above all, need the how-to implement when have limited resources.It's more like a "small bussiness checklist" properly illustraded with the correct amount of detail.I've found this book usefull and without a doubt, recommended.

C

I'm an avid reader/researcher and now and entrepreneur so I have read LOTS of books on small business. This is the first book that I really felt "got it!" The writer clearly knows what it is like for a small business and has realistic tips and ideas for growing your business the right way and ending up where you want it to be.The title initally appealed to me since running your own business can be so draining. This book was approachable, easy to read, and had actionable ideas from the beginning. I also like that it "got" the realities of being a small business owner and didn't take up your time with worthless "exercises" or visions of what your business plan should be like. After reading this book I was so inspired to create my own business plan and start working on business improvements laid out in the plan. The book helped me find the clarity I had really be lacking and it made me feel like it wouldn't be too difficult or onerous to do.This book is a MUST for every small business owner who wants to see their business grow in a sustainable way!!! I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is a must read for any small business owner. Written from the perspective of someone who has actually done it, this book is a clear, straightforward approach on how to have a better business and a better life. From the opening story of Bob's Printing Company, a typical small business owner drowning in a sea of things to do, we are given practical, real-world advice on personal priorities, delegation, marketing, hiring, planning, profit sharing, and more. The assessment at the end is an invaluable tool to help you know where you stand as a small business owner. Get it, read it, do it!

Bottom line: It requires lots of work to be able to kick back and let your business run itself instead of run you.But the author gives great guidance on what, when, and how to accomplish the ability to take time away from your business while it runs without you. Some paragraphs in this book could easily be expanded into chapters or even whole books. But a busy small business owner has no time for a whole book.I ended the book feeling "I've got a lot of work to do" - but you probably will too after reading How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner... and Still Have a Life.

Taught me everything I know

Most of what Bill has to share is, in my opinion, simply good management practices. Owners/Presidents of small or mid-size organizations will likely find some of the ideas presented new and many of them simply as a good "kick in the pants" to move forward with things that have been in their heads or on their "to do" lists for far too long. Conversationally written with a bit of humor dispersed makes this a quick, easy read for the busy business owner.

Great book--Easy read, full of practical advice, and great examples. This book is much needed for any small business owner, but especially those who find themselves "spread too thin." Isn't that all of us?

Not so good, according to the price