Customer Reviews

What If? and Why Not?: How to Transform Your Fears Into Action and Start the Business of Your Dreams

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I sat down yesterday with a highlighter pen and read What If? & Why Not? in a few hours. I started my own business this year and her tips, inspiration, the way she explains everything is so user friendly. I will be referring back to this book often. I have met Jen twice and she is charming and down to earth. If you buy this book and No More Monday's by Dan Miller for your library, you will have all of the tools and information that you need to succeed.

As one reviewer already said, Jen's voice comes through loud & clear. For anyone who follows @jengroover [and [..] - you'll know exactly what I mean.

As an entrepreneurship educator and as an economic developer, there is a real need for an "entry-level" book for those wrestling with the decision of how to take control of their lives. It's not enough to want to - they have to believe that they can. It's not too corny to refer to "life-changing"; to unleash your inner entrepreneur requires seeing the world very differently. Yet Jen shows how it's not *that* different. As such, this is a great guide for those who are completely new to this whole notion of entrepreneurship.

On the other hand, as a recovering tech entrepreneur (and a research PhD in entrepreneurship) you'd think that this would seem a bit over-simplified for me, eh? Nope. Not at all. Learning to think more like an expert entrepreneur - to build the cognitive scripts & maps necessary - requires changing some very deep beliefs that we not only take for granted, we aren't even mindful of them. The barriers we see to entrepreneurship are mostly in the eye of the beholder & Jen walks the reader through several of the most obvious (and several of the sneakiest.) Jen's questions seem artful - and powerful - from that perspective. (Stop me before I design a research project around these questions... but I'd love to see what happens at each "Aha!" moment through all this. Anyone lend me an fMRI?)

Beginner books rarely keep my attention; this one I read in one sitting and I've already loaned it out.. twice.

Entrepreneur Up!

[p.s. Would I suggest this book to an MBA? No, but only because they wouldn't read it, LOL. But for the average Jane or Joe on the street... it's worth the sticker price.]

This book is a fun, easy read, and you can really hear the author's voice come through. To me, the most resonating passages had to do with believing in yourself. As a woman who has dreamed up at least ten ideas for a business, and followed up on a whopping three - inspiring messages of courage, encouragement, and "nothing to lose" are the killer app of this book. I believe Jen Groover; she has obviously walked the walk before talking the talk. This book has helped me believe in ME.

I'm a serial entrepreneur myself, and Jen Groover has nailed the biggest obstacle for would-be entrepreneurs in a very entertaining and well-written book. It's psychological. It's fear. So often, I've heard friends (just as Jen says she's done) talk excitedly about their big idea, only to give up on it as soon as they hit the first bump in the road. One of two things is going on: either they don't really want to start a business and it's a mental game, or they're afraid that they don't have what it takes.

The point of this book is that you do have what it takes. Almost anyone does, provided they find an idea that gets them jacked up, and don't buy into some of the pervasive myths, like the one about needing to kneel before venture capital funds before you can launch. One of the most valuable aspects of this book is the myth-busting that Jen does. Another is the collection of practical tips and ideas from someone who's been there, done that. Raising money from family? Starting an investor co-op? Yikes! I would have been terrified to try those things, but Jen's breezy, "you can do it" style makes it sound possible.

Before you pick up a book about writing a business plan, building your personal brand or social networking, read this book. It's a friendly, positive boot camp in how to develop the mind of an entrepreneur. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Jen does a great job in balancing three things in this book: 1) sharing her personal story, 2) asking you to reflect on your own circumstances and 3) giving tips on what to do next to avoid being "stuck" in the box of fear from taking action. The book is a page-turner but it is also well-researched, with solid tips and shortcuts on how to navigate the "not as scary as one would think" business world landscape for ambitious women. One refreshing thing about this book is there's no pompous ego apparent. Jen simply "nudges" you with encouraging tidbits that will help motivate you to chase your dreams.

When I bought the book, I thought it would be your typical business book that was either mostly fluff or that just rehashed ideas that you have heard a million other places. I was really surprised and impressed with the level of Jen's knowledge, her ability to write in a manner that everyone can understand and her very practical suggestions and ideas. I was able to put some of the ideas into practice immediateley.

Please read this book if you are a budding entrepreneur or desire to be. It will give you the courage to go ahead and make your dreams a reality. Jen is a genuine person whom knows what is takes to succeed. She will give you the needed encouragement guiding your thoughts towards success. The book helps you to focus on the positive and is the bridge to the life you want to live. The book has lots of helpful information useful in building your company also more importantly your self-concept allowing you to reach your full potential.

Loved it. Very motivational for anyone wanting to start their own business. This book gives great advice to help with starting your own business. It also has little stories throughout about other successful business owners...makes you excited about the journey you are thinking of taking.

I absolutely love this book. Jen Groover's genuine & enthusiastic voice makes the text both relatable and motivating for any budding entrepreneur. She addresses the "scare factor" (and excuse factor) with a simple, effective message: Believe in yourself & your vision. Fear of failure, fear of instability, fear of the unknown - these phobias are all too familiar to the would-be or novice entrepreneur. Jen takes intimidation & fear out of the equation by providing practical steps to feed your entrepreneurial spirit & pursue your dreams. For me, there were so many "Ah-ha" moments where it was as if Jen had anticipated my most daunting questions/concerns/fears. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seriously considering starting their own business - After reading it, you'll have no more excuses for why you shouldn't.

Preordered Jen's book.One of the best things I ever did.Truly an inspirational book.So much so that I got an idea and immediately took action and that was only after 18 pgs.She's my cheerleader.I am no young chick but that's ok. I've always had the spirit but it took Jen to ignite
it. Why not- Follow her down-to-earth advice and stay focused and be positive. And What if-it all works?????????