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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I just downloaded it to my Kindle! Excited!
Ilene! This is the perfect book for you! I wish my brain had been working. I would have gifted you a copy! Let me know what you think. And continued success with Hippie Chick! I still need to place an order! 🙂
I agree with Crystal. This book is perfect for you, Ilene! I’m sure you’ll find it just as helpful as I have.
Ilene. Thanks so much. Enjoy!
Totally have to check this out and like you never imagined working from home and doing what I am doing now, but totally did. The one piece of advice is to network, network, network 🙂
I agree, Janine. Jenn goes even further and talks about which networking to take the time for and which networking to ditch. I find my best networking opportunities at women-specific events.
I absolutely agree. Networking is so key. The old adage it’s not what you know but who you know. It still stands true today. But for many women networking is no fun. But there are new ways to network and there are many women focused networking groups that are cropping up everywhere where it’s not just people pushing cards at you while looking over your shoulder for next person to shove cards at. Another great book re networking is Porter Gales book. Great read.
I just finished it as well and had a similar opinion! It’s quite thought provoking…it especially made me think about time thieves, which I have an issue with.
Me too, Michelle. Time thieves are evil, but they can be scared off with the right tactics!
Thanks for reading too! Don’t we all have issues with time thieves. 😉 They’re sneaky and pervasive. Awareness is key. I find It’s a constant work in progress to manage where you waste time so that you spend time where you want to be.
Great review, Jen! I am an entrepreneur (Blue Lobster Book Co.) and I would tell women considering starting their own businesses to always have a backup plan. Moonlight until your business takes off, if possible. 🙂
Some people call them bridge jobs too. It helps to float the expenses of launching your dream and gives you peace of mind. The real challenge comes when it’s time to cut the cord and move fully into your venture.
Great advice, Crystal. I freelanced on nights and weekends for several months before jumping into anything. Definitely made the transition easier!
WOW Jen. This book sounds amazing!! I’m so glad you shared it. I think I need to take a look and learn from all these perspectives in the book.
Thx for you comment. The great thing is there are women everywhere doing really cool things in unique ways. We often don’t hear about them bc they have their heads down, working hard and are not on the cover of Fast Company or Inc. So many different ways to approach business. We live in exciting times.
I think you’ll find yourself inspired, Chris!
Thank you for the lovely review! I found that most of my business books had been written by men too and only mildly spoke to me on a personal level. Women need more books (which is happening thank goodness) that speak directly to us and our unique motivation and styles. After I wrote it I realized that you don’t need to start a business to glean some great insights and wisdom from the women highlighted in the book.
Again thank you for taking the time to read it and sharing it w your tribe.
My pleasure, Jenn. The book really spoke to me. I knew it was right up my ally when Crystal mentioned it.
So great to read Jenn Aubert’s comments too. This book sounds amazing. I”ll check it out for sure. Thanks for the heads up.
I hope you enjoy it!
You’ll love it, Kelly. The women highlighted are very inspiring.
I don’t know if I am! I always thought, definitely not, but there’s something me that needs to come out. We shall see.
I liked hearing your story about finding your way to where you are today.
Tamara, let’s get one thing straight. You are an entrepreneur! And you definitely need to read this book. Seriously. It’ll inspire you.
I am reading this now and your review of it is right on. It’s unique and inspiring, it’s also perfect timing. I so need help with time-wasters.
I think we could all use help with the time-wasters!
I just started reading the book, and am now even more excited about after reading your review. I could not agree more about the importance of finding your tribe. (So much so that I have even blogged about it on several occasions!) My group of local crafters/artists have provided invaluable support and many of my fellow members are definitely role models for me.
You will love the book, Bev. It just gets better!
This book sounds awesome! Going to get it to read next month on vacation. I quit my comfortable job as well and now write and work part-time. It’s SO much better being able to spend time with my son, but scary at times too. I’m so glad everything is working out so well for you!
I have to say, though there are definitely ups and downs to being self-employed, I have not once wanted to go out and look for a job. I may work all the time, but I can also stop and take care of the kiddos and just have fun when I want!