Do you run your own business? Want to avoid ‘School Boy’ errors? Read this…
If, like me, you have spent the last few years running your own business then I am sure that you will recognise that it is a rollercoaster ride – not only with your business’s successes but with your emotions – one day everything is looking rosy the next day you are struggling to make ends meet, especially in the early days.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t swap running my own business for anything – other than running another business. But recently I stumbled on a book that I wish I had read years ago – it was scarily accurate in its description of the experiences I had as well as giving me a whole new insight into what a typical business owner is like.
It may surprise you to know but most business owners are not cut and thrust entrepreneurs always looking for the next great business deal – think Duncan Bannatyne who would fit into this category. Most business owners are actually people who are very good at what they do and so have set up a business based on that – they are technicians, bakers, hairdresser, printers, painter and decoraters, florists, graphic designers – even web site designers who have picked up a skill and now what to earn a living by being their own boss. The problem is that the skills you need to be a good baker is very different to the skills you need to run your own business.
What you need to do as a business owner is to find ways to control your business and make it work for you, without it necessarily needing you. Think of your business as a franchise operation, how would you set up your business so it could be franchised – even if you have no intention of ever franchising it! If you can do that then it can run without you while at the same time allowing providing a consistent high quality service for your clients.
The book I am refering to is E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber.(E-Myth stands for Entreprenerial Myth) At the time of writing the book is less that £6 – and I would say it is one of the best books of its type that I have read. Follow the link below if you would like more information from Amazon
E-myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
This is not only an really eye opening book for anyone who runs or is thinking about running a business but it is an entertaining read.
E-myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
Deryck Harlick is the Managing Director of Mancala. Deryck has over 20 years experience in IT and had been closely involved in Internet Marketing since 2000. An active member of the North East business community Deryck believes there is no reason why companies in the North East should not compete on a national platform.
In 2009 Deryck spent one hour on the Forth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London as part of Anthony Gormleys 'One and Other' Project. He spent the hour writing his grooms speech for his upcoming wedding. 
