Sometimes I forget what it was like when I first started my company, and all the challenges that came along with creating something from nothing. In the process of writing this book, I was able to revisit each of the steps I went through and remember what is was like to be a new entrepreneur. This book is written specifically with the new entrepreneur in mind, and is the book I wish I could have read when I was starting my business.
Throughout Startup (that’s the name of the book), my co-author, Jessica, and I share stories and insights that help to illustrate what we did during various stages of the startup process, but we also share with you the benefit of hindsight. Hopefully, you’ll be able to learn from our missteps and our successes, and integrate them into your thinking and planning.
With each stage of the startup process, from initial idea to the day you launch, there are opportunities to push forward or lag behind. Although Startup isn’t intended to be a step-by-step guide, it does provide some structure by breaking the process into four discrete stages. Within each stage, we describe what you should be doing to develop your business, and we provide very specific suggestions about things to watch out for and milestones to track.
For example, in the first chapter Jessica and I discuss the reality that most first time entrepreneurs struggle when their business idea is questioned by family and friends. Being questioned can create self-doubt, and for some would-be business owners, it can stop them in their tracks. But as we suggest in the book, “Entrepreneurs have to know in their heart that self-doubt is normal and healthy, as is listening to trusted advisors. But you’re nothing as an entrepreneur if you don’t know when to push forward regardless of external voices.”
Startup is available at major book retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and Kobo. I recommend taking a look If you’re a new entrepreneur or considering starting a small business. It’s a quick read at just over 100 pages and you can grab it in both digital and print versions.
In addition to the help I hope our book provides, feel free to reach out and contact me if you have any questions about the book, or would like assistance with your new company.
