Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Practical Wisdom for Running a Values-Driven Business (Social Venture Network) [Paperback]

Margot Fraser (Author), Lisa Lorimer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Social Venture Network | Publication Date: November 1, 2009

This is what you won't read about in business school. Through decades of running businesses, Lisa, Margot and the case-study interviewees included here have learned about dealing with 'the tough-stuff'. The narrators and contributors provide guidance and counsel and relate true, sometimes shocking, stories about their companies that exemplify the hardships other entrepreneurs will encounter. Because the contributors are diverse leaders from various sectors and industries the book is useful to new, existing and shifting entrepreneurs. It follows the trajectories of successful business leaders throughout the nation who have faced a host of problems and survived. Here is a book that readers can look to for affirmation, hope and tools. The authors and case-study participants supply tried-and-true methods for addressing these struggles. "Dealing with the Tough Stuff" is honest help told through entrepreneurs' engaging stories of failure and triumph.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Margot Fraser is the founder, former CEO, president and majority shareholder of Birkenstock USA. (She retired from active leadership in 2002.) The company is the sole importer of Birkenstock footwear in the U.S. and sells to more than 3005 retailers, including 200 licensed, privately owned stores. Lisa Lorimer is the former CEO, President and majority owner of Vermont Bread Company in Brattleboro, VT (sold in 2005). During her 23-year tenure at her company, Vermont Bread was the largest majority woman-owned business in the state and was listed as one of the top ten fastest growing companies in Vermont.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576756653
• ISBN-13: 978-1576756652
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #896,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, practical book, November 6, 2009

By 

Sue Strasenburgh - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Practical Wisdom for Running a Values-Driven Business (Social Venture Network) (Paperback)

After finishing "Dealing with the tough stuff", I realized that I am
not alone and I definitely recommend that every business owner read this book!

The authors' stories were real and quite easy to relate to. I could
see my business and situations mirrored in the book. It added a new
perspective on running a business and remaining sane at the same time.


I realize now that I am not alone. I feel free. I am not the only
business owner who lays awake many sleepless nights trying to solve
the problems that arise every day.

The day after finishing the book, my morning (a Monday) started out
with a triple crown, (three nightmares in a row). Any other day
this would have turned my day upside down, but not today. I was not
overwhelmed. It surprised me, the calming effect the book had on me.

I have read many business books, excited by what I might learn, but
often disappointed.

Not this time. I felt that the book was written with me in mind.

I definitely recommend this book for all small business owners, who
sometimes need a light to guide them.

Sue Strasenburgh
Peerless Painting

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lifeline to entrepreneurs, October 29, 2009

By 

Dawn McGee - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Practical Wisdom for Running a Values-Driven Business (Social Venture Network) (Paperback)

There are a lot of business books out there and most of them don't have much to do with the headaches, heartaches and joys of starting and building a values driven company. The stories told by the authors do not shy away from telling it like it is - the real hard truths about what running a company entails. But they provide reassurance and guidance to help you navigate the inevitable challenges of growing a business. As a values driven investor, I hope all my companies read this book and talk about the implications with their teams.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best How-To for a Successful and Socially Responsible Business, October 26, 2009

By 

Caroline Duell (Morro Bay, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Practical Wisdom for Running a Values-Driven Business (Social Venture Network) (Paperback)

This is a MUST READ and RE-READ for anyone in the early stages of business or for more seasoned entrepreneurs who are ready to jump start their company into making a positive impact on their communities and beyond. The advice is clear and easy to grasp. Their practical suggestions turn the daunting feat of running a business into an open road with signs to follow. I have read many business books, and never found one that cuts so quickly to the points that are important. The authors share real life experiences and weave them into nicely organized check lists to complete. If you've ever thought you didn't have what it takes to make the right decisions and follow through with them, this book is the key to changing your perspective - YOU are NOT alone!