Book Title and Edition: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Author: Michael E. Gerber
Condensed Review/Thesis: Entrepreneurs typically make poor businesspeople; Gerber guides them step-by-step through the process of building effective systems and structures that enable success.
Author's Background: Named by Inc. as the "World's #1 Small Business Guru," entrepreneurial thought-leader Michael E. Gerber has transformed 70,000 businesses all over the world and countless more through his bestselling books.
Intended Audience: Current and aspiring small business owners.
Larry's Two Cents: The E-Myth Revisited is the classic for early start-ups and young and growing businesses. The E-Myth, simply put, is the idea that anyone who starts a business is... a businessperson. That is not the case; typically, they are technicians who excel in their speciality and want the freedom to work for independently. They're not prepared to deal with the multitude of other tasks and responsibilities inherent in running a business - everything from marketing to sales to being a one-man or woman IT department.
Gerber illustrates his main points through the story of, "Sarah," a woman who opens a bakery. This fable-based approach makes it easy for small business owners to identify with challenges - and get a grasp on strategies to improve. The answer to these owners' struggles, says Gerber, is not to work harder. It's not to work longer. It is to implement sound structures and processes that enable good people to achieve extraordinary results.
The E-Myth Revisited explores two critical ideas: first, owners need to work on their businesses and not in it. And second, they need to create an organizational chart based on what their business will look like when it is fully built - not where it is now. This allows them to crystallize their vision for the business and work steadily towards it. A quick, easy read, Gerber's book will help you "get your head on right!" Read this if you own a business and want to be a businessperson too.
Why You Should Read This Book: This is THE classic for the early startup and very young and growing business. It has two critical ideas. First, work ON your business and not IN it. Second, create an organization chart of what your business will look like when it is fully built, NOT where it is now. This book will help you "get your head right!" Fable based and an easy and quick read.
