There are many great books out there for people contemplating setting up their own business. This book by
Gary Schine contains some great practical business advice and tools. However, before you get to this part of the book, it starts by very cleverly forcing you to think about what you personally want for yourself. As anyone in business will tell you, an idea does matter and so does a degree of expertise but ultimately it is about passion and tenacity that will see you over the line.
There is an emerging trend of people moving into self employment for lifestyle reasons, which is definitely an admirable and valid reason. “How to Succeed as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur” is very much about designing your worklife around what matters most to you, your passion, your area of expertise, relationships and most importantly your lifestyle. It is sensible in that it does not encourage people to set up businesses that are not going to be financially viable; however, it does support the notion that you don’t have to be in business to make lots of money (though you want to be cash flow positive). The message is it’s important to love what you do and that you can control the lifestyle that comes with having your own business.
The concepts are somewhat similar to that of people who have a Portfolio Career, a growth area in itself as people look earn a living from multiple ways simultaneously, such as a part-time accountant employed by a firm who then works for themselves as a part-time personal trainer during the rest of the working week and is also a hobby/paid photographer on the weekends. People are starting to shift from the 9-5 job to working a few days and maybe some evenings; whatever floats your boat, pays the bills and keeps you happy!
This is a great and inspiring book with some great case studies, for those who are contemplating starting their own business or having a portfolio career. Gary says “Business is not an end to itself for the lifestyle entrepreneur. Rather, it is a means to an end”.
Share your thoughts about this book or any other books or articles you would like to recommend for those looking at a portfolio career or starting a lifestyle business.
