ANDREW CASS | What Separates Profitable Businesses From Struggling Business
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It’s only when you face adversity that you develop the intangibles that help you to thrive and come out on the other side.
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Welcome to another Millionaire Secrets conversation!
For this episode, "What Separates Profitable Businesses From Struggling Businesses", I’m super excited because I’m joined by a great friend of mine, Andrew Cass.
Andrew is a 23-year Sales & Marketing Veteran, Best-Selling Author of Sales Velocity, and CoFounder of PipelinePRO.
Before the age of 41, he had built three separate 7-figure businesses of his own. He used his expertise to architect several highly successful online marketing campaigns and sales processes that have helped businesses scale from zero to 7-figures plus in annual revenue.
Andrew is a hugely successful entrepreneur - but his journey hasn’t always been easy.
And with people like Andrew, that’s a common misconception, right? That if someone has made it big in any industry, whether they’re an athlete or an entertainer or a CEO, they got there quickly and smoothly. No bumps in the road or challenges - they just got lucky.
Most of the time, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s the complete opposite; these people seriously WORK to get to where they are. They have the drive, passion, and dedication to get there, and Andrew is one of them.
Andrew’s journey started in the 8th grade. It all happened in a moment that left him feeling crushed, and he swore he would work to make sure it never happened again.
It’s an experience that has stayed with him and still drives him to this day.
It’s safe to say he’s come a LONG way since that moment; Andrew has worked directly with and has been trained by some of the greatest sales and marketing minds of our time - Dan Kennedy, Bill Glazer, Russell Brunson, and Jordan Belfort, to name a few.
And today, he’s here to share his wealth of wisdom with you.
Check out the video!
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Profitable Businesses
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It Paperback – Bargain Price, April 12, 1995
by Michael E. Gerber (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars
#1 Best Seller in Deals in Books
In this brand-new and completely updated edition of the two million-copy bestseller The E-Myth, Michael Gerber debunks the myths associated with the idea of starting your own business. He illustrates how commonplace beliefs can hinder the process of managing an enterprise. He then guides you through the stages of the business life starting from the beginning of entrepreneurship through the adolescent years of growth to the mature, entrepreneurial view as the primary guideline for every business that is successful -- and explains how to apply the knowledge of franchising to every business regardless of whether it's either a franchised or not. In the end, Gerber draws the vital oft-forgotten distinction between working in your business and working for your business. After reading The E-Myth Revisited, you are capable of growing the business you run in a consistent and effective manner.
From the United States
Own a business? You owe it to yourself to read this book.
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2016
This book literally changed my life. I own a small service business with around 15 employees. I had been struggling for years doing all managerial work myself so that it was done up to my standards. We did great work but at the expense of my sanity!
A mentor told me to read this book. The E-Myth was the driving factor that took my small business which had been controlling my life and transformed it into a business I could run remotely. Before I read this book I was working on site 9 hours a day 6 days a week. Less than a year after reading this I was able to take a six-month vacation around the world while my business ran itself. If you own a small business you need to read this book as soon as possible.
236 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
I love this book. I read it first two years ago, when I'd barely started my business. I re-read it again, and the richness of it all is amazing. I've come so far (we've expanded tho London, Los Angeles and Atlanta), and so much of that is owed to this book.
Is it perfect? No - it's seriously cringy when the author talks about how beautiful and youthful his protege is. Ugh. But other than that, I love it and recommended it to all small business owners. Read it.
79 people found this helpful
Before you even think about starting a business, read this book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018
This is the most important book I've read in the last four years. And it's amazing that it was written over twenty years ago. If you're a small business owner or thinking of starting a business of your own, you MUST read this book. Don't listen to the clowns on Facebook who will have you earning a million dollars your first year in the business. That's B.S. and you'll waste thousands of dollars like I did. READ THIS BOOK FIRST! It's changing my life!
68 people found this helpful
Are you more technician, manager or entrepreneur?
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2015
Easily worth the time to read. Being self-employed for 10 years, the author struck a chord with me time and again. I knew of the struggle between the inner technician, manager and entrepreneur but never had the framework to understand it. If you're a person who has marketable, technical talent and is self-employed or thinking of being self-employed, I'd say invest in this book and save yourself some inner turmoil.
Somebody gave this book 4 stars because of how long-winded the author can be... which is definitely something he does. It feels like 3 pages could be condensed to 2 paragraphs sometimes. That said, I felt that half the time it was just annoying and half the time it really helped the point of the story he was telling. It's long-winded, but that often plays into the lesson that he's retelling. So I'd give it a 4.5 stars if I'm really being critical. That said, it's about the insights and lessons you draw from it. Worth the read.
54 people found this helpful
A must read for ALL entrepreneurs
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2020
The critical shift from owning a job to owning a business is to work on your business rather than in your business. Such a simple shift but powerful and profound nonetheless. The E-Myth empowers you with a complete blueprint on how to create a REAL business, i.e. a system that generates value without you. A lot of us entrepreneurs get into business to work for ourselves and the intended freedom that will create, but until you implement the practical frameworks in this book, you will never achieve that result. This book is something that I will continue to come back to again and again because it gives the framework on how to create a real business that will stand the test of time. A must read for ALL entrepreneurs and wantrapreneurs.
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2021
I read this book fifteen or twenty years ago and just now. In re reading I was surprised T how much has stayed with me whether it's the phrases of a technician suffering from an entrepreneurial seizure or working in the business to the other anecdotes and stories. It wasn't all that long that I referenced the lucite whiteboard protector when I realized that if we just bought toilet paper without tubes the problem of people not putting the tube in the taken would be resolved.
Why else did I read it again?!
Systems. My number one focus this year. Another great book is work the system in this topic.
The bonus was philosophy. I learned something about life as much as I did about business.
This is an outstanding book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2019
If you're an entrepreneur - or think you are - this is book will tell you how to get the full potential from your business. You may also learn you're not really an entrepreneur by the author's definition, but he gives you the process to get there. In reality building a successful business isn't as simple as the book makes it sounds, but it's a great framework to force you to think about how to optimize your business strategy, management and operations. This book is best suited for small businesses.
One person found this helpful
Create the business of your dreams by living the dreams of your Life
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2015
If you are thinking of starting your own business, welcome to one aspect of the American Dream. Remember however that for a business to succeed, it will need more than you and an idea. It will need a systematic approach to be a successful business and The E-Myth Revisted should be on your list of required reading before you start your business. Michael Gerber's book reviews all aspects of preparing your business to succeed beyond just your initial idea by using what he calls the "Franchise Prototype". The book is a quick read told through a discussion between Michael and a would be bakery shop entrepreneur, Sarah. This real life example of how to build a business will make you think of the best way to structure your business to allow you to live the life of your dreams.
17 people found this helpful
What is Missing in My Business
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2021
Though I’ve read this book once, I’m not done. The hardest part is implementation. This book is indeed what I have been missing to have a business instead of just a job. THANKS!!
3 people found this helpful
How to create a small bus si es that works
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2021
I started my own business months ago, since then I went to a tons of research looking for the most value information about “How to make it profitable and work for a long time of period”, then I found the option to read this Book “The E-Myth”, and I have to say that this book changed my mind, my vision, my perception and created on me a passioned Entrepreneur, for people like me that just started incursion into the business world with not high skill levels on techniques and economics knowledge is the best option to draw the the strategy to make your business successful.
Highly recommended!
Narrative really good giving examples and most important mentioned the “how to do it”
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2012
The book revolves around a central idea, that there exists a myth ("E-Myth") which states: "Small businesses are started by entrepreneurs risking capital to make a profit. This is simply not so. The real reasons people start businesses have little to do with entrepreneurship. In fact, this belief in the Entrepreneurial Myth is the most important factor in the devastating rate of small business failure today. Understanding the E-Myth, and applying that understanding to creation and development of a small business, can be the secret to any business's success."
To overcome this myth and it's accompanying challenges, the author argues for the deployment of a Franchise Prototype model. It begins with the owner realizing that "your business is not your life...the primary purpose of your business is to serve your life, you can then go to work on your business, rather than in it".
One might than ask themselves, how do I convert my existing business into this new operational model? This is where the Business Development Program, comes into play. The program introduced by GERBER in this book is based on the execution of the following seven steps:
1- Your Primary Aim: " What do I value the most? What kind of life do I want? What do I want my life to look like, to feel like? Who do I wish to be? Your primary aim is the answer to all these questions."
2- Your Strategic Objective: "A very clear statement of what your business has to ultimately do for you to achieve your primary aim."
3- Your Organizational Strategy: Structure the way the business is going to work, in other words creating the organizational chart - roles and responsibilities.
4- Your Management Strategy: "A system designed into your prototype to produce a marketing result."
5- Your People Strategy: The way the "game" (vision/aim) is communicated to the team at the outset. This includes everything from the position contracts (organization chart), to operations manuals, to the standards for performance and accountability.
6- Your Marketing Strategy: Knowing who your customer is (demographics) and why they buy (psychographics)
7- Your Systems Strategy: The "set of things, actions, ideas and information that interact with each other, and in so doing, alter other systems."
What sets this book apart is the analysis that the author performs, through a sample business, of issues small business owners encounter. This includes the different personas the owner takes on, as well as the evolution of the business through the maturity cycle. This analysis is what allows the readers to appreciate and embrace the proposed prototype framework that the author then introduces as key to success. A must read in the area of entrepreneurship and small business.
14 people found this helpful
How The E-Myth Revisited Book Helped My Architecture Firm Succeed
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2014
On April 8, 1999, I discovered a book that changed the way I view business; a book that helped me to realize that running a successful architecture firm required so much more than designing great architecture. It taught me that inside the owner of every small firm exists a battle among The Entrepreneur, The Manager and The Technician, and that if we don’t attend to the needs of each, our firms are destined for failure.
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It inspired me to build Fivecat Studio as a Franchise Prototype, even though we knew selling our business systems as a franchise was never a planned goal. The systems we created for the firm have allowed us to thrive and have given us the freedom we need to balance the requirements of our firm with the responsibilities of our family. It is the book that inspired me to begin to work “on my business, rather than in my business.”
This book, written by Michael E. Gerber, had a major influence in the success of our firm and continues to guide many of our business decisions to this day. Fivecat Studio has been in business for 15 years. Annmarie and I experienced the startup pains of “infancy”, the hard earned success of “adolescence” and recently, with our return to the home studio and the launch of our new virtual business model, we are surprisingly “getting small again”.
As I re-read the words of this inspirational how-to guide for successful small business, it is shocking to me how accurate Mr. Gerber is as he describes the different stages of the typical small business. As I read it, I can follow the path of Fivecat Studio through good decisions and bad, through ups and downs and I can see the next steps we need to take.
I’ve read The E-Myth so many times that I have lost count. A quick peek at my Amazon order history documents that I have given this book to no fewer than 10 friends and acquaintances as a gift from one business owner to another, struggling to find a life of fulfillment and freedom.
Michael Gerber breaks his book into three sections.
In Part I, The E-Myth and the American Small Business, he defines the E-Myth as the Entrepreneurial Myth and discusses how most small businesses are the result of an Entrepreneurial Seizure. He says,
“The technician suffering from an Entrepreneurial Seizure takes the work he loves to do and turns it into a job.”
Does that sound familiar? How many architects do you know who have launched their own firms, with dreams of “doing it better” than their former employer and found themselves way over their heads in all the responsibilities of running a small business?
Gerber describes the three phases of business; Infancy, Adolescence and Maturity. He explains why it is so important to build a Mature company from the start.
“A Mature company is founded on a broader perspective, an entrepreneurial perspective, a more intelligent point of view. About building a business that works not because of you but without you. And because it starts that way, it is more likely to continue that way. And therein the true difference between an Adolescent company, where everything is left up to chance, and a Mature company, where there is a vision against which the present is shaped.”
“Successful companies don’t end up as Mature companies. They start that way.”
In Part II, The Turn-Key Revolution: A New View of Business, Mr. Gerber introduces the concept of the Franchise Prototype and the concept of “working on your business, not in it.”
He encourages us to create systems which allow for predictable results and happy clients.
“The system runs the business. The people run the system. The system integrates all the elements required to make a business work. It transforms a business into an organism, driven by integrity of its parts, all working in concert toward a realized objective. And, with its Prototype as its progenitor, it works like nothing else before it.”
Many architects I know, including Annmarie at first, reject the thought of building systems for their firms. They feel that the routines and consistency of such will limit their creativity, that they will lose their flexibility to create amazing works of architecture. When, in fact, systems will do just the opposite. When everything else required to run a successful business is set to run on “autopilot”, an architect will actually have more time and flexibility to be an architect.
Gerber continues,
“Great businesses are not built by extraordinary people, but by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. But for ordinary people to do extraordinary things, a system – ‘a way of doing things’ – is absolutely essential in order to compensate for the disparity between the skills your people have and the skills your business needs if it is to produce consistent results.”
This is also the section where some readers become frustrated with Gerber’s example of McDonald’s as a model for small business success. I know, as an architect, it is difficult to see the connection between the home of the Big Mac and our aspiring high-end residential design firms. Please trust me and read the book to the end. You will not regret learning the lessons he teaches using the examples of this successful business franchise.
Here is some of what Gerber says about McDonald’s;
“It delivers exactly what we have come to expect of it every single time. So that’s why I look upon McDonalds as a model for every small business. Because it can do in its more than 14,000 stores what most of can’t do in one! And to me, that’s what integrity is all about. It’s about doing what you say you will do, and, if you can’t, learning how. If that’s the measure of an incredible business – and I believe it is – then there is no more incredible business than McDonalds. Who among us small business owners can say we do things as well?”
Part III, Building a Small Business That Works is a step by step, how-to guide for a successful small business. He leads us through a fully developed Business Development Program and describes the many strategies required for small business success.
The E-Myth Revisited is not only your answer to building a successful small business, it’s also very entertaining. Gerber structures the information around a narrative about a woman named Sarah struggling with her small business named All About Pies. Many readers will see ourselves in Sarah as she evolves from frustrated Technician into a successful small business owner.
When I posted recently that The E-Myth was my favorite business book of all time, many from the Entrepreneur Architect Community reached out and asked me why.
In short… If you take action to implement the lessons Michael Gerber teaches, The E-Myth Revisited will take your firm to places you only imagined. I know it will work for you, because it has already worked for me.
30 people found this helpful
An extremely well written book
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2015
What an extremely well written book. As a business owner of different businesses over the past 20 years, I am always a bit jaded when I read an 'expert' on business try to tell me how it is. But the author clearly knows what he is talking about, and he demonstrates that in the way he describes scenarios. Anyone can look at a situation and tell you something that might be useful, but when the person telling you speaks the right language, you have the confidence to listen with the full attention he or she deserves.
If you're a business owner, or wanna be, I would suggest reading this book. If you've been in business for many years, I'd suggest reading this book twice. It will make you see things, like possibilities, not just error correction, that you might have wondered about but weren't sure how to go.
I highly recommend this book.
2 people found this helpful
Small Book, Eye-Opening Concepts
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
While some of the concepts in this book may not be that groundbreaking or unheard of, this book delivers so much knowledge that hardly any other books of its same kind can contain. The book is structured around a core story in harmony with many other mini-stories to support and convey the main concepts. If you are new to entrepreneurship or are owning a small business yet struggling to make it work, this book can definitely be a great guide leading to improvements and freedom. It is a very practical book, and what you learn from it can be applied almost immediately in real life. I am so glad I read this book before starting my business, so now I can systematize it and work "on" it, instead of becoming a slave who works "in" it. I highly recommend this book.
A step by step guide on getting the best from your business
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2019
The perfect guide to running a business, rather than having the business run you. If you're a small business owner and wonder how the big companies got to where they are, Mr. Gerber will point you in the right direction. Your business may be small in size, but you've got to think big and Mr. Gerber will show you the ins and outs on moving from small to big by following a logical sequence of time tested methods that will take you from dreamer to reality and beyond, from technician to entrepreneur, from business owner to business person, tactician to strategist.
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2020
I started my entrepreneurial journey early this year and have already consumed around 50 or so books on the topic of business Building and aspiring entrepreneurialism so I have a “little” experience with the field. I have read most of the top 50 business books of all time and I have to say... this is the #1 book for me. I wish I could shake his hand and thank him. Few books wow Me and this one is outstanding. Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2016
The first part of the book made some interesting points about the different functions of a business owner and the cycles of a small business. The rest of the book is devoted to how to integrate those functions and grow or at least operate a business. While it pushes the franchise system, what it is really teaching is how to set a business up to operate without you having to be there, doing everything, to get it right. As I see it, you can have a "franchise" of one business, one store, one etc. or you might expand to many businesses via franchising. A well organized single entity business is not a bad idea at all, especially if you want vacations or a day or two off each week.
One person found this helpful
A Must-Read For Every Entrepreneur
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
A friend of mind had recommended this book to me several months ago. I thought it would be just another business book but let me tell you that it’s not. This book has already begun to transform my business over the week or so of reading it. Although there is still much work to do in transforming (and developing) my business, I now have a much clearer picture of what needs to be done to truly have the business of my dreams. Thank you Michael Gerber for writing this book and to all of my friend and colleagues who highly recommended E-Myth. It’s worth every penny and moment of time invested.
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2015
As a small business owner I am constantly reading and researching ways to run my business better. To me, this means less time and effort with more revenue, profit, and stability. Michael Gerber's strategy of organizing the typical small business similar to that of a franchise business is brilliant! Had I read his book 5 years ago I would have saved a tremendous amount of time and effort learning the very principles that he describes in the book. His principles provide an excellent road map toward my desire to run a successful business on my terms, rather than having the business run me. Probably the best and most informative books on how to both plan and run a small business that I have ever found. Michael Gerber is not an academic and may not be appreciated by those who consider themselves such, however, I believe he addresses his audience (the typical small business owner) with an excellent understanding of the challenges we face and he provides tools for us to succeed even beyond our original dreams!
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
I went into small business to pave my own path. But little did I know anything about the importance of what this book talks about. It has saved me. In a time that I am still small yet growing, this book is the Bible of my business on proper structuring and moral character. This perhaps is my saving grace in 2021 moving forward in my entrepreneurial journey. I highly recommend to anyone in business.
One person found this helpful
DON'T GO INTO ANY BUSINESS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2014
My husband use to teach, Sales Management and Marketing, on the college level. He initially read this book several years ago and would reference it in his teachings. He made the mistake of loaning it to a student and never received it back. He was so intrigue by this book that we purchased it again. He read it to me again, word for word and always stopped to highligt the things he wanted to recall. One night when he was reading to me, I said, "Wouldn't it be easier to highlight the things you think are not relevant." We both laughed.
We use to own a small business consulting firm and my husband is currently working on a business plan. Today, he states that if we were still consulting, "he would require every applicant to read this book before we would speak to them."
He thinks that this is one of the best books he has ever read on starting a business and he has read numerous. He would work for them because he believes in what they are selling, "SUCCESS!"
4 people found this helpful
Become a Master of Entrepreneurs!
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2015
If you're a new entrepreneur like I am, you'd be doing yourself a huge favor by reading this book. It was suggested to me by my professional coaches. Being very new to this space I felt like the information provided in this book has slingshot me past most seasoned entrepreneurs. Per the information in this book: 80% of businesses fail in the first year.... my personal opinion: don't be a part of the statistics so read this book!
The author has a wonderful way with words and made the book extremely enjoyable to read with a story of and individual that you'll swear is you. After reading it, I sincerely claim that this is now my favorite book of all times (sorry Harry Potter).
Don't let your dreams suffer with the demise of your business (or future business). Get this book, implement the strategies, and enjoy the life you envisioned better than you thought it would ever be.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2018
Get the book, so you can put notes and post-its in, then get the audible version, so you can listen while driving, then get to where you're going, pull out the book, make some more notes, add more post-its, rinse, repeat...and eventually you either get it, or you continue hating the new job you created for yourself, with horrible hours, no pay, and no free time...come to think of it, yeah, just try and get it.
4 people found this helpful
Zen and the art of small business
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2007
"The e-Myth Revisited" is an entertaining, well-written book that provides Gerber's philosophy on why 80% of small businesses fail and what can be done to prevent that.
It is presented in three parts. Part I serves to convince the reader that just because they are a great technician, it does not mean they will be a great owner of a business that does technical work. In essence, every small business must either grow or die, and for the owner, "your job is to prepare yourself and your business for growth" not necessarily work in the business.
Part II seeks to convince the reader that the business Business Format Franchise is the optimal model for a small business. With this concept, the product of the business is the business itself, and the owner should build his business as if he will franchise it.
Part III gets down to some blocking and tackling of founding and constructing the business. This is an excellent little section that communicates a lot in a short space about operational, management, and marketing strategies. The questions raised in sections "Your Primary Aim" and "Your Strategic Objectives" are worth posing when considering any vocation, not just running a small businesses. The concept of "The Game" is very insightful, and it is applicable to both small business and corporate managers.
This isn't your typical business advice book. A consulting session with Sarah, owner of All About Pies, runs through the text, providing a forum for Gerber to give his advice in a personal fashion (and to exhibit an apparent flare for drama). The pages are sprinkled with references to classical literature, and there is a mid-book confession Gerber's exotic lifestyle, career choices and the road he took to become who he is now. And then there is Gerber's philosophical approach:
- He says "Your business is nothing more than a distinct reflection of who you are".
- He states small business has a higher calling than just business, and provides a Game to address the "Something is missing in most of our lives.... Part of what's missing is purpose. Values. Worthwhile standards against which our lives can be measured. Part of what's missing is a Game Worth Playing." Elsewhere, he says "A small business is a place that responds instantly to any action we take. A place where we can practice implementing ideas in a way that changes lives."
- He compares a small business to a dojo, or our practice hall, to wrestle with ourselves outside our comfort zone.
- He advises us to be wary of the comfort zone, saying "Your Comfort Zone has seized you before... and it can seize you again, when you're least prepared for it, because it knows what it means to you. Because it knows how much you want to be comfortable. Because it knows what price you are willing to pay for the comfort of being in control. The ultimate price, your life.... Comfort makes cowards of us all."
As far as the intended audience, in the first line of his Introduction, Gerber states "If you own a small business, or if you want to own a small business, this book was written for you". This is very true, with two caveats: it offers little insight on how to determine what type of business to start, and secondly, there are nuggets of wisdom in here for corporate mid-level or line managers too.
Although I was slightly put-off by long-winded digressions and melodrama, I still have to strongly recommend "The E-Myth" to its target audience.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2017
This book has absolutely life changing content. I'm glad I read this before starting my business. I knew I needed to think through everything carefully but did not have the tools in this book.
The writing is also just absolutely stunning. Each story is told in a memorable way and the transitions are seamless.
This needs a few reads to fully grasp and internalize the lessons here.
3 people found this helpful
I was made to read this for class and I'm so glad I did
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
The teacher was ranting and raving about this book...and to be honest, he was right, it's amazing. The class I enrolled and paid for was worth just being told about this book. Save my money! Get my free recommendation!
This is an easy to read description of all areas of entrepreneurship, and general commentaries on grassroots business and ethics. Sure, not everything may relate to your business but most things you can extrapolate your own meaningful spin from. Great book.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2007
I have read and re-read this book (and the original) many times over the past 15 years.
With the first reading I was struck at how many people I knew that fit perfectly into the nutshell descriptions of individuals with locked in mind-sets presented!
The entrepreneurial seizure; The Fat Guy & The Skinny Guy; The Entrepreneur & Manager & Technician; customers Sam Tommy and Mary; Bookkeeper Harry; the suppliers, the improperly trained helpers, the desperate owner, and many others. I KNEW these people! Or at least the essence of them.
With later readings I became aware of ALL of them as being aspects of my own self, and the possibilities each offered. Attitude is Everything! Change the attitude, change the outcome!
For me, this is the main value of the book, learning to understand myself, and why I do the things I do.
I feel the overview presented by the E myth should be understood by each new business owner BEFORE making that first leap.
No one book can be all things to all people, but for those interested in starting or improving a business, this one comes close.
In my mind, there is only one minor failing in the book. It does not examine in great enough detail why people would want to work for you. Success comes from helping other people get what they want. What are their interests, dreams and goals? How can you help them reach what THEY want? Why would they want YOU to succeed?
Great businesses can only exist if they have great people.
All in all, this is my most valuable Business Book.
6 people found this helpful
If you're in charge of ANYTHING, why haven't you read this book yet?
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2018
E-Myth Revisited completely changed the way I ran the collegiate recreation program I was in charge of for 7 years.
Implementing its ideas made it much easier to pass the reigns to my successor when I was ready to leave my position. And it made it easier for my successor to pick up where I left off. It also made day-to-day operations & training of my staff simpler and easier...which made life in general much better for me.
It took a lot of time, effort, and experimentation to put the principles into practice, but the payoff was far beyond worth it.
Thank you Michael Gerber. And thanks to my friend Kris Bender who introduced me to the book.
4 people found this helpful
Great book for business professionals and new business owners
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2018
This is an excellent read! I work for a franchising company as a Business Coach, and we give a copy to all new business owners that we are training. It's a great tool to help you get your business off the ground the right way. One of the most important things to do during your business infancy is to identify what areas you, as the business owner, personally excel at, and what areas you will need to hire help. This book does a great job helping you identify your own traits, and helps you be honest with yourself about your own capabilities.
2 people found this helpful
Instant classic for the small business owner
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2018
When I first started this book, I honestly thought it was going to be a bit cheesy. Being a biz owner, I thought - I already know this stuff. I was wrong. This book was full of nuggets I had either forgotten about or had never even considered. A lot of these ideas I had to figure through trial and error over years. I got a lot from this book and definitely recommend it for existing biz owners and especially those considering starting a business
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2010
I was expecting managerial balloon juice, but this turned out to be a very helpful and informative book. If you are thinking about starting a business, this book will give you an extremely valuable perspective on planning it. Some reviewers have stated that this book is nothing more than a pitch for franchising businesses. Actually, the author does not argue that you should develop and sell franchises of your business. Rather, he states that one should take the franchise model as a way to streamline, systematize, and document your business functions so that when your business begins to grow, you can hire people to do the work the way you want it done. This allows you to focus on entrepreneurial (as opposed to technical) matters and keeps you from being the repository of all the expertise in the firm (which would force you to do everything in the office anyway, making employees worse than useless). Also, a documented system of conducting your business will add value to it by allowing you to show how it works to people who might be interested in buying your business in the future. Obviously, if you find yourself with the next McDonald's on your hands, franchising might be the way to go, but the author does not argue that any particular business should franchise, only that the franchise model has lessons to teach every business.
2 people found this helpful
Good read for any business owner
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
Highly recommend for both the new and seasoned business owner! It is worth your time to read this short book!
One person found this helpful
I recommend to anyone starting a business to avoid frustrations and ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
E-Myth Revisited was right on point with the experiences a small business owner has then gives practical solutions that can be implemented. I recommend to anyone starting a business to avoid frustrations and to established businesses to make changes so that your business better serves your life. Five stars.
One person found this helpful
Key lessons for those wanting to start a business
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2014
Michael Gerber takes a very practical approach to explaining the difference between working for a company and running a company. He keeps things on a level that is simple to understand.
A few of the key lessons from this book:
+ If your business doesn't run without you, you don't own a business, you own a job.
+ Understanding the technical work that a business does is not the same as understanding a business that does technical work.
+ What you sell is not important, the way it is delivered is.
+ There is beauty in following an immaculate process.
+ The product is what your customer feels as he walks out of your business.
Every budding entrepreneur should read this book... multiple times! It contains incredibly valuable lessons. Don't be fooled by the simplicity - it contains powerful wisdom.
Feel free to check out my summary of the Key Lessons of The E-Myth:
http://revisy.com/s/24/Book-summary-The-E-Myth-Revisited
3 people found this helpful
Insightful. Revealing. Clear-Sighted. Inspiring.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2008
THE E_MYTH REVISITED is worth reading and revisiting. Gerber reminds the reader about the basic premise of business: satisfying the customer, in a new, entertaining, and insightful way.
He proposes that the three key characteristics (skills) of a successful business owner are: skilled technician, entrepeneur, and manager. This is sound advise and a proper balance of the three prevents tyranny by any one personality. I have seen exagerations of all three of these skill sets to the ruin of the afflicted enterprises; mine included.
As a case study, he follows Sarah, owner of All About Pies, as he leads her through her catharsis from exhausted technician to balanced, productive and fulfilled business owner.
There is a great deal of truth that Gerber captures and teaches along with room for some disagreement. Not every business, for example, is suited to be franchised. Not every service can easily be documented. Nonetheless, this quick read is worth its weight in gold to the young or new businessman. I wish I had read this 20 years ago - it would probably have changed my business and my life.
One person found this helpful
I had a debilitating panic attack one year into running my business.
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2017
I had a debilitating panic attack one year into running my business. I thought I was done... but some close friends stepped in to keep it going.
After that, we started a dialogue on the team about emotional sustainability. We started tinkering with systems to make us effective and not sad as we did Body//Talk.
This book has been a complete revolution for how we operate. I'd heard about operations manuals, contracts, and org charts before... but it wasn't until reading the E-Myth that I saw a compelling framework for how they all work together to create an incredible, healthy, sustainable business.
This past month I've taken my sweet time reading, because this inspired me to thoroughly take apart every nut, bolt, and component of this engine, look at it, clean it, understand it, and ask how it could be better.
5/5
One person found this helpful
Must have for a business owner
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2019
A great book to read for anyone with a small business or thinking of starting a small business. Many of the items are back of mind are crystalized in the book and played out with examples that are practical and easily applied. Quick easy read, but you will keep it close for usage over time.
Excellent business knowledge to use as a foundation for any business idea.
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2020
Haven't read it, but I met Michael Gerber years ago. I used many business principles he wrote about in his book, that I've used over these past 40 years. I've started 6 businesses from the ground up, 5 made over Million dollars.
Currently I consult as a SCORE Mentor, and I constantly credit Gerber with much of my business acumen.
Changed the way I approach my business
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019
I’ve been actively building a business that offers coaching and support to school leaders for the last two years and have struggled to create systems, even when I knew I needed them. E-Myth Revisited unlocked the mystery for me! The author’s ability to explain business concepts in a fun and easy to read way (it’s written as a story!) made everything so clear and apparent. I am thrilled I read this before I spent any more time trying to figure it out on my own. I couldn’t put this book down! Read it in one day!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2006
I'm an engineer. I had the E-myth stuck in my head. I KNEW how to run a business, therefore I could run a successful business.
Guess what? Gerber is right! Knowing all the technical details of running a business is not enough!
This book is simply awesome! It perfectly described my mentality and my motivations for starting a business (I've started 2 businesses). I've worked for 10 different companies and consulted with more than 20 others. The principles and patterns he describes match with reality.
If you are thinking about starting your own business you MUST read this book! It can save you YEARS of your life and untold amounts of $. I lost my life savings starting my first business. Reading this book helped make my second business a success.
If you are a business owner, you MUST read this book. Chances are this book will help you understand yourself and your relationship with your company. Your company and your employees will benefit greatly.
I highly recommend this book to any business owner or person thinking of starting their own business!
The book is a bit weaker in the 2nd half (it could flesh out practical steps better). The steps to be taken in the 2nd half are very hard to do for a technician and he makes them seem like they are easy to implement. But, for the clarity of the first 1/2 I still give it 5 stars. And besides that, you must realize that Gerber is a consultant and wants you to buy more of his books and hire him to consult with you.
Avoid pitfalls of starting up your first business by reading this little gem
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2019
A classic for years. Easy and enjoyable to read, clear to understand if starting a new business to help avoid common pitfalls that lead to failure. I just purchased this copy for my son and his business partner who have started their own big truck repair business.
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2008
Did you ever wonder how you can get the same Big Mac from any McDonald's anywhere in the world? Michael Gerber demystifies this by showing that the systems and processes are what makes the business a business, and not just a job for the owner. And how the complications of running every aspect of a business can be broken down into uniformly performed functions - the way a franchise is.
The "E" stands for entrepreneurial and the myth is that most owners are not entrepreneurs but someone who just works in a business where the owner has himself for a boss instead of somebody else. He shows how you can break out of the mold of working in the business to working on the business by establishing the right processes and operating procedures. In effect, he tells you to set up your business the way a franchise is set up - where anyone properly and easily trained can do any job to sell, produce and ship the product and handle the business aspects of operating a business.
I make this book required reading for the clients of my CPA practice and highly recommend it to anyone running a business or organization, or wanting to.
One person found this helpful
Inspiring and thought provoking from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2014
I wish I would have read this before starting my first business.
I've been thinking through a new business idea and remembered this book being referenced as a good primer on small business. Going in I didn't expect much, but wow, this book really opened my eyes. All of the thoughts about and problems that I had with my first business are addressed in this book.
It comes down to one thing: organization. It's funny, but stuff like writing down processes and setting up systems to help you do your work efficiently really do make all the difference. Gerber goes into detail here on how to develop a system for you and your people to run, as opposed to running in circles.
I've started applying the ideas in this book to my new business idea and I can actually see a future as opposed to before where I was just stuck in the present - overwhelmed and bummed out by my business.
Highly recommended for new and experienced small business owners!
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2010
Absolute must read for the small to mid-sized business owner or manager. Gerber looks at the root cause of business failure - the owner's desire to work IN the business rather than ON it - and provides a common sense approach to looking at the business in a different way - that of a replicatable series of systems rather than an extension of the owner.
Critical to Gerber's thinking is that each business can be run similar to a franchise model - where the customer experience is consistent, the talent and skill required to run the business is minimized, and the approach is well documented and easily learned. The role of the owner is to view their business as a potential franchise, begin with the end in mind, and start building a business system that will deliver consistently for all stakeholders.
There is a reason this book has been on the must read list for 30 years - and it is still fresh and relevant today.
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2006
I have owned a small business for over 1.5 years now, as a one-man web development shop. For the past few months I have come to the realization that my current way of doing things will lead down one of two paths: frustration at working all the time for not a lot of money, or closing shop and finding a job. A couple of business partners recommended this book to me within the last two months, and so I bought it. I can only say that what happened next was the best part of owning a business for me so far ... reality checks and awakenings to what could be.
As I read through the book, Gerber pointed out things about how most small business owners are "technicians" turned business owners; the problem, we may be skilled in what we do, but now we take on multiple jobs that we do NOT know how to do. The problem continues as we immerse ourselves in the "technician" work, but never actually work ON the business, so many aspects of the business suffer (sales, marketing, finances, operations) or just plain don't exist.
In the first part of the E-Myth, Gerber discusses finding the balance of our inner selves: the Entrepreneur, the Manager, and the Technician, and the responsibilities that each of these roles must take on to drive the business toward success, as well as some pitfalls that each face unless there is a cooperative effort by each within you to work ON, not IN, the business.
The second part of the E-Myth talks about the Franchise Prototype. While this sounds like Gerber is going to talk about how to build a franchise, it's not! What he discusses here is the importance of setting up your initial (and perhaps for many, the only) company the right way ... YOUR way. This will inevitably lead to the "prototype" company, so that, in theory, you can take that business system and replicate once, twice, 5000 times ... always running the "system" the same way in each business.
The third, and final, part of the book guides you through the system that you will think through, the business processes that make up your business system, so that the business can run ... even without you in it! It talks about this becoming your own turn-key solution so that you have a business model in place that your system can effectively reproduce, as you need to.
I took about a week to read through the book and soak in much of what Gerber has to say in it. Gerber includes interesting examples, and the book is very easy to read and understand ... and most importantly, incredibly enjoyable. While some of the text in describing his interaction with a particular business owner is a bit over the top, it doesn't detract from the primary message of the book. I will read it again, and have already begun to get my (new) business system in place. I now have plans to grow my company, and have the vision of what my company will look like. The fog has already started to lift, and the steps are being put into place to reach the success that I have been longing to reach.
If you have, or are planning to start, a small business, this really is a fantastic book, and should be manditory reading. If you have a successful business in place, and don't agree with this book, please remember one thing before you post a negative review ... you are in the absolute minority of small business owners due to the fact that most small businesses fail within the first 3-5 years; due in large part to NOT having a system in place that helps drive the business. Most small business owners would most definitely benefit from reading this book, if for no other reason than the awareness of where they are and where they could be.
Thanks to Michael Gerber for such an eye-opening experience, and a viable blueprint. I'm looking forward to the journey!
7 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020
I definitely enjoyed this book. It taught me a lot about business which I didn't really know about. I would definitely recommend anybody who wants to get into business to read this book. It teaches you about the essential rules of business!
The best $1 I ever spent on a book
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020
I got this on Kindle for just a dollar and it was a dollar well spent. The book is full of valuable business lessons and strategies explained in simple terms, making it a very valuable resource for any entrepreneur.
A fantastic read for any entrepreneur
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2022
Highly recommend this book for any entrepreneur. It's a great story of why so many businesses don't work and the things to be aware of before going into business or to open your eyes if you are already in business.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2020
If you are considering opening your own business, or even if you already have your own business, I recommend that you read it. The book offered great insight into business practices. there is always room for improvement!
I thought the book had to do with "e" as in electronic business, when in reality it is information regarding entrepreneurship.
One person found this helpful
The Bible of All Business Books
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
The E-Myth Revisited is simply the best business book out there. This is the bible of all business books. a must have. Be prepared to throw all you other business books away after you read this one. This book is consistantly in the top 10 of all business books out there and there is a reason for that. Michael Gerber explains why most small businesses don't work. He creates a structure, a solid foundation for all business owners, leaving room for vision and innovation. Most business owners are technicians who owns a business and in the end just owns a job, a glorified employee who is self employed. Michael Gerber inks out a plan for all business: Your Primary Aim, Strategic Objective, Organizational Strategy, Management Strategy, People Strategy, Marketing Strategy, and Systems Strategy. There isn't a college in United States that teaches you how to start and operate a business but this book sure does.
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gives great advice for people who are thinking about starting up their own businesses. I wish I read this when I had started my first business (I couldn't get out of Technician mode).
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019
This author really knows what enables a company to succeed. I read it years ago but still remember his ideas on franchising and solving real problems for the customer (vs. problems the customer doesn't know he/she has).
Thank goodness I read this excellent work.
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
The author made clear to me what was in the back of mind regarding opening my own shop. A must-read for anyone who is thinking to turn their pleasurable hobby into a full time job. It is not just gloom and doom. It reveals some very important, and (I suspect) often overlooked, tangents that must be considered.
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2017
This book should be on everyone's list before you start a business. It takes the concept of starting a business and putting it into a "system of systems" that connect together through a logic laid out very well in this book.
I felt like towards the end, some detail about the conversation with Sarah could have been dwindled down but otherwise great book!
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020
I loved the author's story of his life too and everything he's gone through in his life. This book is more about how to shape your attitude and view on your small business to make successful. If you are looking for metrics, you will need a different book for that. Overall, great supplement!
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014
Michael Gerber's E-Myth Revisited is one of the top 3 business books I have ever read. Michael drills down to reveal how to view a business from the inside out. There is so much valuable information to help you build your business and have a better understanding of why you are in business (it's not just to make money), read this book and find out why. E-Myth revisited will become a valued friend you will refer to time and time again.
I mentioned E-Myth Revisited is one of the top 3 business books I have ever read, the other two are Duct Tape Marketing and Duct Tape Selling by John Jantsch.
Read all three books and you will be miles ahead of your competition.
I recommend this book to any business owner as well as managers in corporate America.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2007
One of the best assignments I had in college was to read this book. Class after class in business school we were analyzing large corporations and working case studies on them. When my professor decided to focus on small businesses, many folks in the class were upset, after all, it is much harder to deal with a small firm. In fact, our professor set us up with real small businesses through the SBA.
The main reason I love this book is that it is really simplistic, yet most of us don't think in simple terms. We feel that if we are not doing everything that things will fall apart. Whether it is our own business or a team we are managing, the most important thing to do is develop employees to learn new skills. I have worked with managers that had to do everything on their own; I have also worked with managers that delegated everything out. It was not a very successful work environment because people were not learning the nesessary skills.
Reading this book may not make a person a great manager, but it will give you the insight and awareness to help.
2 people found this helpful
Read this book before your start your business!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2010
In the E-Myth Revised, Michael E. Gerber explains a different approach to developing small businesses to not just survive, but with a plan to thrive. One of the best things about this book is Gerber's message around using the franchise model. He is not saying to buy a franchise. Instead, he wants us to develop processes and systems in our businesses so that we are not personally driving all the business revenue. I found the ideas in this book incredibly useful for my own business. He taught me how to systematize my business so that it could run without me. If you're a small business owner whose business is stagnant or going in the wrong direction, this book can be enormously valuable.
Melinda Emerson "Smallbizlady"
Author, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2021
Everyone in the business world should read this! I’m an average joe with plain common sense and no formal business training. Nevertheless the information in this book is presented in an easy way to understand and makes sense! I even recommended the book to my boss to read! Even after years of being around the information in this book is still applicable and beneficial.
A must-read for engineers looking to go into business.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2012
I was really excited on the day I got the bug in my ear that I should be running my own engineering firm. Then I heard the suggestion that I read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, and I am so glad that I did.
The book puts in simple, conversational terms the mindset you need to run a successful business AND the process you need to go through to create it. The tone is respectful of people who have valuable technical skills that want to see that value realized, but the book very quickly warns the reader that doing the work is very different from owning a business that does the work, and there are a number of problems the technical person often never sees coming until it's too late.
Far from deterring me from entering the business world, this book has me more excited than ever about asking the questions and setting up the systems that allow a great business to function.
4 people found this helpful
Thinking about business? Read this book
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2017
I was struggling to figure out what type of business I needed and which direction I should take with building it. This book set a clear path on the process of building a business starting with how I want my life to look and the end result of how the business looks when its fully developed. It helped me build an organization chart and cleared up which type of entity I should register. The author helps you understand by telling relatable stories from his life or other clients that he has worked for. This book put me in motion to complete my business plan. This is a must read for anyone deciding to go into business.
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2021
My husband has had and loved this book for years. Just bought one for a friend and pulled his back out to re-read. It’s the only book I’ve seen him take everywhere he goes.
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2019
Every time I apply the E-Myth principles to an organization I’m leading, the org grows successfully. Currently applying E-Myth to my latest venture. Therefore, it was time to re-read E-Myth. During this most recent reading, I discovered (again) that there were points I missed the last time. This book keeps giving gifts of knowledge. Well done, Michael Gerber!
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2017
If you want to start a business, read this! It will help you understand if you really want to do what you think you want to do.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2019
Wow. just wow. Really helped sort out my thoughts on being in business for yourself. Stop working IN your business and start working ON your business. and start by visualizing what you want it to be - plan for success from the beginning.
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2016
The only reason why I purchased this book was for a class in college that I took. I was grateful that I bought this book because there is a lot of useful information in it regarding what is necessary for small businesses to succeed and the most needed steps to do so. Also, it talks about why small businesses fail and how to get out of your business/products before taking a huge hit.
6 people found this helpful
Every aspiring entrepreneur should read
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018
This is a good starting point if you are considering taking the leap to own your own business. Doesn’t have all the answers but gets the juices flowing in that brain of yours...never stop digging for the answers
5 people found this helpful
A must read for a small business owner!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2019
Game changer for a small business owner who decided to open up their business after working in an industry as an “employee”. As a business owner you have three hats, not one like you do as an employee. You have to master the manager hat and entrepreneur hat while also knowing the day to day work of the employee hat. This has helped me be a better entrepreneur to my family, team and customers!
One of the best small business books I've ever read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2020
People have been telling me to read this for years so I finally ordered it, and so glad I did! It's easy to read and has actionable takeaways. With his research and unique ideas, this is easily one of the best small business books ever written.
Arrived in near-new condition!
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2021
I am pretty happy with used books ordered from Amazon. This company nailed its description of the book and shipped it promptly. I plan to use them again!