Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss [Paperback]

Paul Edwards (Author), Sarah Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 1996

The authors of the Working From Home series explain how self-employed people survive the ups and downs of running a business and how to overcome uncertainties and doubts, and include a resource guide on where to find money, loans, and additional advice. Original.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Being your own boss, as anyone who's tried it can attest, is not as easy as it looks. The rewards can be great, but hurdles abound--and many fledgling entrepreneurs never manage to get beyond the latter in order to enjoy the former. Well-known experts Sarah and Paul Edwards believe it can be done, though, and present solid tips for thriving as well as surviving in Secrets of Self-Employment, an expanded version of one of their popular early works.

Review

What Readers Say:

-I just wanted to tell you that your "Secrets of Self-employment" is a great book for a home business owner. Your book paid for itself within a week."

-Your book has been amazing in helping me change the direction of my career."

-Your book, Secrets of Self-Employment, has been a great help to me. It has been both educational and inspirational and I refer to it often."

-I am an enormous fan of your book 'Secrets of Self-employment'. It is the only book I have read that 'tells it exactly how it is' for people who decide to work for themselves -- both the good and the bad. It is honest and sympathetic and I love it!--

What Experts Say:

-If you want time, money, and freedom, read and apply Making It On Your Own (first print edition of Secrets of Self-Employment).-

-- Mark Victor Hansen, Self-made millionaire and co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul

-The book we-ve all been waiting for: Sarah and Paul Edwards-s advice is like a staunch friend, always ready with real, usable, practical answers.-

-- Dottie Walters, Speak and Grow Rich

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (September 9, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874778379
• ISBN-13: 978-0874778373
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rites of Passage for the New Entrepreneur, November 23, 1999

By 

Jessica LaRock (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss (Paperback)

I found this book to be quick and easy to read, with very applicable and down-to-earth information about the rites of passage to the entrepreneurial world. Their advice does not focus on actual business management, although they do offer wonderful tips on such topics as time and paper flow management. Instead, they address all the things typical business texts and professors do not mention. I have an MBA from a top 10 business school, and I am learning more from this book about the psychology of starting a business than I ever did in school.

The Edwards have helped me to understand the fears and doubts I have had over the last few months, while I have been contemplating leaving my well-paying and secure position at a large consulting firm. Until I picked up this book I thought I was the only one who questioned their decisions and their capabilities as an entrepreneur. Now I know that everyone has similarly scary feelings, and that there are ways in which we can minimize them, and even take advantage of them. Every page offered some form of support or valuable advice, and I felt myself gaining confidence with each chapter. I also learned more about myself and what type of business I would prefer, after reading their description of classic entrepreneurs vs. "propreneurs" (their term for individual professionals and craftspeople). I have gone from a state of anxiety to gung-ho enthusiasm!

It is apparent that these authors speak from direct experience, not from a podium in front of a classroom. They are brutally honest about their own mistakes and doubts, which serves to make a positive and helpful connection with the reader.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like A Beacon In the Dark, September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss (Paperback)

People who look to this book for a how-to manual on financing, marketing, incorporating, etc. will be disappointed. And that's OK, because it offers something much more precious - peace of mind. That's not to say there isn't general advice about some of these issues and even some real targeted suggestions to solve certain problems, but the focus is more on the mindset of being your own boss, at start-up and beyond. A step-by-step, "put Tab A in Slot B" book almost seems like putting the cart before the horse after reading this. If the mind isn't ready or is struggling, everything that comes after will be a struggle too despite the best instruction manual.

I am in the process of opening my own business after being "downsized" for the last time. Some days have been up and some days have been down. Some days I thought I should throw in the towel and go live in a hut somewhere far, far away. This book has shown me that all of this is normal and has shown me how to use the up moments and push past the down ones to get what I want. It's amazing the way the authors almost seem to step inside your head. They are supportive, clear and offer real, usable advice to keep on track mentally, exult in your victories and deal with the difficulties as they arise. The format is conversational, friendly, uplifting and confidence-building.

This book will be part of my "business bible" collection - those books I will refer to again and again as I grow my business.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Reference Book for Home-based Businesses, March 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss (Paperback)

Paul and Sarah Edwards are probably one of the top leaders in the Home-Based Business revolution. In the Secret of Self-Employment, tips and guidelines are offered on topics ranging from the proper self-image to marketing to time management, and much, much more. Their advice are genuine and come from personal experience as well as extensive research on other self-employed individuals. Getting this book would be a great asset to anyone, especially those considering a home business. This book is well-written and easy to understand. I'd say this book is a winner!