Disclosure: I received a complimentary book to aid in the writing of this post. All opinions expressed, of course, are my own.
When I was recently asked by Crystal Ponti of Blue Lobster Book Co. (and managing editor of The Mother of All Meltdowns!) to review a new book on women entrepreneurs, I happily agreed. I’m not big on book reviews but, as an entrepreneur, the subject piqued my interest.
It will be three years ago this month that I stepped into my supervisor’s office and told her I’d be leaving my comfortable job at her nonprofit to pursue bigger things. I was starting another jennifer writing lab. It was a risk, for sure, but I knew I needed more of a creative outlet. I knew there was something more I had to offer to this world. My supervisor, who was also the executive director of the organization and a mentor to me, knew my decision was coming. She was smart like that, knowing where I was going before I knew. She supported my decision and asked me to put together a proposal so I could continue to work with the nonprofit on a consulting basis. They remain my biggest client today.
I have to admit that I didn’t have the highest expectations of the book I was to receive. I’ve read many books on business, entrepreneurship and leadership. While I can often find good nuggets of advice from these books, I rarely find one that speaks directly to me and my situation as an entrepreneur. After reading Jenn Aubert’s book Women Entrepreneur Revolution: Ready! Set! Launch!, I realize why this is the case. The books I have read in the past didn’t talk specifically about women entrepreneurs. In fact, most all of the books I’ve read have been authored by men. Does this make a difference? Hell, yes, it does.
In Women Entrepreneur Revolution: Ready! Set! Launch!, Jenn explores the mindset, motivation and behaviors of successful female entrepreneurs and the role models in their lives who have influenced them. She breaks the book down into three parts that include the importance of role models, modeling success and stepping up once you arrive. The stories and advice of over 100 women entrepreneurs are shared throughout the nine easy to read chapters.
I found myself taking notes as I read the book. I thought I would use these notes for this review, but there are simply too many to mention! I will say that the difference between men’s and women’s definition of success stuck out for me quite a bit. Jenn noted that the traditional “trifecta of success” for men is often money, status and power, while women define success by the meaning in the work we do. She also talks about the importance of community and finding your tribe, practicing self-care, and the myth of a finding balance. Of the utmost importance is to be clear about your mission and figure out what your “why” is.
If you are a female entrepreneur or just a woman who is thinking of taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, I highly recommend this book. Just one day after reading it, I faced what would have otherwise been an overwhelming to-do list with a different mindset. I prioritized, cut out time wasters and made time to take a break and walk my dog. I was more productive than ever and didn’t worry about the things I was not doing. While I’ve tried these tactics before, the advice of the women in the book was in the back of my brain. I recalled their experiences and understood their challenges. I’m not alone in this crazy world of entrepreneurship. Knowing this, as a woman in particular, can get you pretty darn far.
You can purchase the book, Women Entrepreneur Revolution: Ready! Set! Launch!, on Amazon.
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