**Congrats to Leslie who won the $20 to Amazon from yesterday. Leslie email me your information at deborahzparker@mac.com!**
Have you ever felt you read a book at the wrong time? That was me and the E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. I read this book last year. I blew threw the chapters so fast that I hardly had time to remember what the book was actually about! I put it down and I didn't touch it for months. I just couldn't see how to apply any of the knowledge that I learned into my baby business. I was still learning how to blog everyday let alone figure out how run a business!
But this book stayed with me. Always in the back of my mind, a point of reference during different stages of growth over the past year. As you can see, my copy is a well loved copy, with ripped and creased pages and a crinkled cover. I've often turned to this book when I've needed a reality check. It's been a source of guidance for me as I've continued to grow my business.
Many of you have probably read this book. It's an acclaimed business book that has been recommended and passed on over the years. I had my doubts, as if a business book could really be that life changing. But it was. If you want a book that gets inside the brain of an entrepreneur, this is it.
Gerber writes as business owners we are three people. The technician (the part of us that is good at a particular trade or skill, the manager (the part of us that longs for organization and planning) and the entrepreneur (the part of us that loves to dream and think big) Now think about your business. Think about the times that these parts of your self have conflicted against one another. Think about the times that this conflict has kept you from accomplishing a specific goal. Have you ever wondered WHY things just were not working or why specific goals just seem to hard to obtain? Perhaps the three parts of your business self were fighting against each other.
Gerber touches on a myriad of business ideas and scenarios, too much information to share here. But, if there is one take away from this book, one nugget of information to be passed along it is this: You can't do it all! If your goal is to run a successful, healthy and profitable business (plus have a healthy family life) you have to let go. You have to be willing to delegate tasks. You cannot do everything. If you try, you will fail or burn out, whichever comes first.
If you are like me, you'll find this concept a hard one to grasp. I want to do everything, to be in control. It is MY business after all. I am the technician, the manager, the entrepreneur, all in one and they are ALL grasping for control. But growth and success can only happen when you are willing to step back, to allow people to come in and help support you where you need it. We all need help at one point or another. Embrace it now, and reap the rewards.
Final thoughts?: This is a great book to have in your library. As a business owner, it is a must read. Go out and buy a copy and begin to love yours. Use this book as your compass as you being to grow, as an instruction manual for success.
** And because I am such a huge lover of this book, I will be giving away one copy to a lucky reader. Just leave a comment with one of your favorite business books below!**
