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The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom
Carrie Wilkerson offers the opportunity to live life on your terms. Want to start your workday with e-mail and coffee on the back patio? Want the flexibility of joining your fourth grader on an all-day field trip? Are you ready to take that vacation you've been planning for years? Then you have a choice to make, and "The Barefoot Executive" will help jump-start your transition. You'll learn: Your "why." The most important question. Why do you want to work for yourself? What type of business best suits your experience and talents. How to stay focused on your goal and avoid distractions. Where to find the support that will accelerate your success. How to link your business to the right market. Whether it's a service, a product, or your insight or expertise, you already have the raw materials necessary to transform your life. Carrie will walk you through the process of building the business you need to achieve the life you want. Her guidance is practical. No philosophical silliness, no theoretical abstractions- just concrete action steps alongside insights from fellow entrepreneurs, interactive exercises, and links to Carrie's online video coaching segments. It's the next best thing to working one-on-one with her. "The Barefoot Executive" will have you energized by the possibilities and embracing the extraordinary life that is well within your reach.
DISCOVER what you already have to offer, how to use it to your advantage, and where to find the people who are eager to buy it. "The Barefoot Executive" will pull you over the hurdle of uncertainty and get you moving, planning, "doing."
What Others Are Saying:
"Carrie Wilkerson has done a great job with this book, and she's personally helped me make tons of money with my business. I highly recommend this book!" - Chris Brogan, president, Human Business Works, and publisher of chrisbrogan.com
"There has never been a better time to turn your passions into income. But just having an idea doesn't mean you're ready to order business cards just yet. Carrie Wilkerson's "The Barefoot Executive" walks you through the process of developing your idea, finding your audience, and setting yourself up for a lifetime of success doing the work you love for the hardest boss you'll ever have... yourself!" - Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show and best-selling author of "The Total Money Makeover"
"""One of the best ways to achieve success is to learn from someone who has already done it. If you are looking to build a viable, sustainable, and lucrative business from home- or anywhere else- Carrie Wilkerson is your example, and her new book will show you the way." - Tim Sanders, author of "Today We Are Rich" and former CSO at Yahoo!
"A lot of books can fire up an entrepreneur. But a lot of those books leave readers high and dry when it comes to practical application. Enthusiasm isn't enough. You need a plan and the tools to build with. Carrie Wilkerson's guidance provides just that. Combine that with her enthusiasm, warmth, and core values, and you have someone very real to learn from. As my dad says, 'a great book needs to cover the Why and the How.' This is a great book. I know that when Carrie advises Ziglar, Inc. on marketing ideas, we get results." - Tom Ziglar, CEO and proud son of Zig Ziglar
"If you're dreaming of building a business on your terms, then you'll absolutely love Carrie Wilkerson." - Tory Johnson, CEO, Women For Hire and "New York Times" best-selling author
DISCOVER what you already have to offer, how to use it to your advantage, and where to find the people who are eager to buy it. "The Barefoot Executive" will pull you over the hurdle of uncertainty and get you moving, planning, "doing."
What Others Are Saying:
"Carrie Wilkerson has done a great job with this book, and she's personally helped me make tons of money with my business. I highly recommend this book!" - Chris Brogan, president, Human Business Works, and publisher of chrisbrogan.com
"There has never been a better time to turn your passions into income. But just having an idea doesn't mean you're ready to order business cards just yet. Carrie Wilkerson's "The Barefoot Executive" walks you through the process of developing your idea, finding your audience, and setting yourself up for a lifetime of success doing the work you love for the hardest boss you'll ever have... yourself!" - Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show and best-selling author of "The Total Money Makeover"
"""One of the best ways to achieve success is to learn from someone who has already done it. If you are looking to build a viable, sustainable, and lucrative business from home- or anywhere else- Carrie Wilkerson is your example, and her new book will show you the way." - Tim Sanders, author of "Today We Are Rich" and former CSO at Yahoo!
"A lot of books can fire up an entrepreneur. But a lot of those books leave readers high and dry when it comes to practical application. Enthusiasm isn't enough. You need a plan and the tools to build with. Carrie Wilkerson's guidance provides just that. Combine that with her enthusiasm, warmth, and core values, and you have someone very real to learn from. As my dad says, 'a great book needs to cover the Why and the How.' This is a great book. I know that when Carrie advises Ziglar, Inc. on marketing ideas, we get results." - Tom Ziglar, CEO and proud son of Zig Ziglar
"If you're dreaming of building a business on your terms, then you'll absolutely love Carrie Wilkerson." - Tory Johnson, CEO, Women For Hire and "New York Times" best-selling author
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2011
134 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 24, 2019
I have had this book for what seems like forever and I finally got around to listening to it. The author did a great job with her own narration. Her voice was pleasant and she was positive and encouraging. As I listened to this, I kept thinking about someone in particular who might benefit from this. So that was enough to pull in my complete attention. While some of this I thought would be useful for him, I not sure all of it would be.
There were a few things that effected me negatively. I'll just mention one here. When reading books about purpose, changing life, finding success, etc., I'm not sure why, but I find it surprising when there isn't a nod to giving back in the way of charity work/community service. That is always nice to see when people can see beyond their own circle of family and work, especially when there is so much ME ME ME. But overall, 3 stars.
There were a few things that effected me negatively. I'll just mention one here. When reading books about purpose, changing life, finding success, etc., I'm not sure why, but I find it surprising when there isn't a nod to giving back in the way of charity work/community service. That is always nice to see when people can see beyond their own circle of family and work, especially when there is so much ME ME ME. But overall, 3 stars.
September 12, 2018
A guidebook for people who would pursue not a single million-dollar idea, but a million single-dollar ideas, as the author suggests. I'm not so sure that's sound advice, but overall this book's got a lot of decent guidance for people who want to transition from "barefoot and pregnant" to "barefoot and profitable" through some sort of work-from-home business. I think weaning oneself from the corporate salary teat is something more folks should aspire to, so I can't disagree with the goal, I just wish the book weren't so filled with fluffy testimonials and self-promoting nudges to engage in the author's for-pay self help media empire.
February 16, 2019
An incredibly helpful book for a newbie entrepreneur who doesn't know anything about starting their own business. My goal is to create passive income and this book has given me the tools to do just that. Everything was well thought-out and explained clearly. I'm excited to implement these strategies!
February 14, 2019
One long repetitive infomercial.
May 31, 2012
The Barefoot Executive isn't a how-to book that takes you step-by-step through how to start your own business. Instead, it is a book that motivates and encourages your dreams. You'll discover how to take skills you already have, determine what business model you're interested in, and how to be successful in the marketplace. Even in crowded markets you can be successful because you are unique and offer your own unique perspective. You can provide the answers to the questions people are asking.
Wilkerson doesn't sugar-coat anything. She doesn't tell you it's going to be easy or that it will happen overnight. She does, however, inspire with her success and the success of others whose stories you'll find featured in the numerous case studies throughout the book. She has an engaging conversational style that makes readers move swiftly through the book. She asks questions that demand answers and gets you thinking about what skills you have that can create an income stream. She speaks of the importance of mentors and mastermind groups, because surrounding yourself with the right kind of people can make a difference.
As a wife and mother, Wilkerson had a decision to make about her future. She opted to live life on her terms. The Barefoot Executive can help you do the same.
Wilkerson doesn't sugar-coat anything. She doesn't tell you it's going to be easy or that it will happen overnight. She does, however, inspire with her success and the success of others whose stories you'll find featured in the numerous case studies throughout the book. She has an engaging conversational style that makes readers move swiftly through the book. She asks questions that demand answers and gets you thinking about what skills you have that can create an income stream. She speaks of the importance of mentors and mastermind groups, because surrounding yourself with the right kind of people can make a difference.
As a wife and mother, Wilkerson had a decision to make about her future. She opted to live life on her terms. The Barefoot Executive can help you do the same.
January 31, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised. There are lots you can gloss over but there are nuggets that stopped me short and made me rethink my mindset. It isn't syrupy, it isn't all "look-at-me! I make X million a day and I suckered you into buying (or library borrowing) and taking the time (aka $) to read it and there isn't much in it". There is much in it. While the book isn't perfect (something about it is tugging at me but I'm not yet able to define what), it can appeal to a range of individuals, no matter how they define financial freedom-- as reducing debt, as vacation money, or as livable income.
I can't seem to write a review of this without using horrid buzz words (which this book is by-and-large devoid of) so let me just write that I do not regret the time I took out of a very busy Tuesday to read this book and take some notes. I expect my businesses will continue to thank me in the months and years to come.
I can't seem to write a review of this without using horrid buzz words (which this book is by-and-large devoid of) so let me just write that I do not regret the time I took out of a very busy Tuesday to read this book and take some notes. I expect my businesses will continue to thank me in the months and years to come.
January 29, 2013
Some good ideas and motivational passages buried by too much repetition; I got tired of hearing about weight loss and paying off huge debt and spending time with children. The author should have enough anecdotes from her long, successful career as a coach to make her points with a new story each time rather than repeatedly citing her 100 pound weight loss. I understand the premise that our personal challenges, victories and experience are logical jumping off points for starting a business but the weight, debt and parenting references, though admirable, got tedious.
Want to read
August 29, 2011I am wondering if this book would be worth adding to the list of an entrepreneur's book club for reading in the upcoming year...
November 27, 2017
3 stars if you are a mom and you want an extra income from blogs or affiliate networks. On my notes, I had only one good tip but then again I'm reading way too many books like this.
September 14, 2024
While I do not often think of myself as owning my own business, I do. The IRS considers my blog a business since I’ve accepted some advertising and sponsored posts in the past year. I’m just not fully there with my mindset.
Reading through The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson, I’m beginning to think more about how to really make the work I do with the blog and any promotions of products or services work for me, too. I doubt I’ll ever make ‘big bucks’, but can change the way I approach thing to make it more profitable. With action steps in many of the chapters, there’s plenty of opportunity to put things into motion.
I had to chuckle as I began to read through the book as the first 2 chapters address myths like job security and retirement. I get that ‘talk’ about needing to go back to work so I’ll have more in my social security when I’m eligible as well as other money set aside for retirement. It’s well meaning family members who start down that path. And, while I can see the need to build up a larger nest egg for retirement, I’m not 100% convinced that going TO work for a company will do it for me.
Even if I didn’t find anything to truly challenge or inspire me in those first chapters, I did find subsequent ones to provide ample room for contemplation. I really appreciate how she addresses common pitfalls when you decide to become self-employed. I know that past attempts to have a business with one of the MLM structured companies never brought much revenue my way. I’m thinking beyond some saturation when it comes to those product lines there is the basic fact that my heart was not 100% IN to the process. Instead of making money, I ended up making enough money to support my desire to own more DK books, Tupperware or Discovery Toys products.
There is enough meat in this title that I foresee my going back through areas that I quickly skimmed to really consider where I want to go with my own business. I love blogging and enjoy the product reviews, etc. But, I can see that I will need to stretch beyond my current actions if I want to see a reasonable return on my investments. Writing is something I truly enjoy and can be passionate about doing. I just need a game plan to make it happen. (And maybe one day finish that novel collecting virtual dust on the computer.
I received an electronic copy of this title as part of a campaign with Living Your Moment in order to write my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Reading through The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson, I’m beginning to think more about how to really make the work I do with the blog and any promotions of products or services work for me, too. I doubt I’ll ever make ‘big bucks’, but can change the way I approach thing to make it more profitable. With action steps in many of the chapters, there’s plenty of opportunity to put things into motion.
I had to chuckle as I began to read through the book as the first 2 chapters address myths like job security and retirement. I get that ‘talk’ about needing to go back to work so I’ll have more in my social security when I’m eligible as well as other money set aside for retirement. It’s well meaning family members who start down that path. And, while I can see the need to build up a larger nest egg for retirement, I’m not 100% convinced that going TO work for a company will do it for me.
Even if I didn’t find anything to truly challenge or inspire me in those first chapters, I did find subsequent ones to provide ample room for contemplation. I really appreciate how she addresses common pitfalls when you decide to become self-employed. I know that past attempts to have a business with one of the MLM structured companies never brought much revenue my way. I’m thinking beyond some saturation when it comes to those product lines there is the basic fact that my heart was not 100% IN to the process. Instead of making money, I ended up making enough money to support my desire to own more DK books, Tupperware or Discovery Toys products.
There is enough meat in this title that I foresee my going back through areas that I quickly skimmed to really consider where I want to go with my own business. I love blogging and enjoy the product reviews, etc. But, I can see that I will need to stretch beyond my current actions if I want to see a reasonable return on my investments. Writing is something I truly enjoy and can be passionate about doing. I just need a game plan to make it happen. (And maybe one day finish that novel collecting virtual dust on the computer.
I received an electronic copy of this title as part of a campaign with Living Your Moment in order to write my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
March 20, 2019
My opening thought, Carrie Wilkerson is very careful with how she has crafted her image.... Go ahead, do a google search. If you thought Beyonce wanted that photo gone, it seems like Carrie has done a better job of removing any negative, or non-business information about herself from the web. It seems interesting because her 'brand' is to seem personable and like your best friend or solid compatriot, and yet, she exists in a bubble of just her work, and just what she wants to show of her work. It is odd for someone even with her level of fame. Finding a simple answer such as what businesses does she run / have a part in / have in her past all lead directly back to links to one of her books, websites, or podcasts. Whomever she has outsourced IT / Image management to is doing an AMAZING job.
On a technical level, I'm not an audiophile, but the audio for the audiobook needed some work. There were some jarring changes in quality and sound. It seemed like she really did just pop open her phone / computer and speak at it.
Personally, when I picked this book up, I did not know she was a 'christian author', and I was happy she had a low jesus per min / god is great level in the book, but it was still odd for me to hear her proclaim how she made herself, and then give thanks to jesus. Also the southern did not work for me, YMMV.
Now as for the substance of the book.... it was light, but it seems more like a motivational book than a here is what you need to do. She did have some solid tips and things that could be implemented right away, but there was some of it that is just crap. She was light on it, but she pointed at Multi-Level Marketing as a job to try / start to get your first business up and running. There has been a decent amount of research that this is a pretty bad piece of advice, unless you are on the ground floor, and you are not 'getting high on your own supply'. Additionally, as I went through, there were many times that I kept wondering if she had contradicted herself or her story about her life. I did not have enough interest to try to find the previous mentions though.
On a technical level, I'm not an audiophile, but the audio for the audiobook needed some work. There were some jarring changes in quality and sound. It seemed like she really did just pop open her phone / computer and speak at it.
Personally, when I picked this book up, I did not know she was a 'christian author', and I was happy she had a low jesus per min / god is great level in the book, but it was still odd for me to hear her proclaim how she made herself, and then give thanks to jesus. Also the southern did not work for me, YMMV.
Now as for the substance of the book.... it was light, but it seems more like a motivational book than a here is what you need to do. She did have some solid tips and things that could be implemented right away, but there was some of it that is just crap. She was light on it, but she pointed at Multi-Level Marketing as a job to try / start to get your first business up and running. There has been a decent amount of research that this is a pretty bad piece of advice, unless you are on the ground floor, and you are not 'getting high on your own supply'. Additionally, as I went through, there were many times that I kept wondering if she had contradicted herself or her story about her life. I did not have enough interest to try to find the previous mentions though.
May 30, 2021
I'll be honest, I got about halfway through and stopped. This book doesn't apply to my business (a brick and mortar store), but I've finished other books that don't directly apply either and found them useful. With this book, I wasn't sure if I was reading a business book or a weight loss book. The author has that same kind of over-the-top, cheerleader-esque kind of bounciness that so many motivational speakers use, and it gets really annoying really quickly.
I was disappointed that there was so little in the way of practical advice, and so much in the way of vague "I did it, and you can too!".
I guess being a barefoot executive isn't for me. I'll just have to continue being a successful retail store owner instead. ;)
I was disappointed that there was so little in the way of practical advice, and so much in the way of vague "I did it, and you can too!".
I guess being a barefoot executive isn't for me. I'll just have to continue being a successful retail store owner instead. ;)
January 9, 2018
Upbeat, pleasant book on starting a business. It's a good, concise review / introduction. Nothing revolutionary, though, if you've read books in this genre, but really it's all about the tone and story, right? In terms of a framework to refer back to, chapters 17, 18, and 19 are good for that. The first half of the book is motivational stuff that, if this isn't your first book in this genre, is just preaching to the choir.
November 22, 2020
While this book was written in 2011 and I wish I would have read it then, (and the reference links to her videos and resources are no longer under the barefoot executive brand), just about every piece of advice in an avalanche of good business counsel Carrie Wilkerson offers, in her most enthusiastic way, still holds true today. This is one of THE best business books to give you that swift well placed kick you needed. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2018
For some reason I was expecting a lighter approach to self-made six figures (for once a book that only promes 999.999 monies tops, not millions) but this was same old same old in the internet era. Nothing new, and once again it's clear that one doesn't get successful by listening to a book about entrepreneurship. Maybe repetition is the key?
September 24, 2022
A must read. Excellent tips on changing your mindset so that you can pursue your goals or having a your own business confidently and with fearlessness. Witty, truthful and a fabulous read. Carrie Wilkerson isn't afraid to share the details between her success or suffers from a fear that is someone else succeeds then she suffers. She'll be right there cheering you on.
March 25, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, and while it was inspiring, it was full of banalities and false promises. TLDR: the route to success is to be very good at something, or write a book about your route to success as a writer/speaker.
January 22, 2022
It’s about taking action
Great information on moving from idea to implementation. Entrepreneurs and wanna be entrepreneurs can pick this us and come away with a business style, potential market and real ideas to get started.
Great information on moving from idea to implementation. Entrepreneurs and wanna be entrepreneurs can pick this us and come away with a business style, potential market and real ideas to get started.
July 29, 2017
I need all the help I can get and Carrie Wilkerson is rooting for me ^_^
August 2, 2017
This was different than what I expected. Didn't love it.
December 11, 2017
Useful tips and food for thought for kick-starting your own venture!
May 31, 2018
A good starter guide for people who want to think of themselves as entrepreneurs.
July 9, 2018
This was a good book with lots of good information but just not exceptional or above average. Easy read.
July 3, 2018
Carrie Wilderson will kick your butt! Can I say that? Inspiring, challenging, and motivating this book has a powerful message and love the personal stories she shares.
May 13, 2019
Great book, the author gives a good introduction on ways to start your business.
August 9, 2019
It’s an okay book for a person getting into direct sales who lacks experience but really covers nothing new in the field of entrepreneurship.
August 21, 2019
Not a lot of new information, but a lot of reminders about what it takes to grow a strong business
April 28, 2020
Nice to listen to. Very broad stroke advice.
April 19, 2021
For a book written 10 years ago, the content is still very relevant. Thank you!
November 10, 2023
3.5/5
Lots of good information on how to start a business for yourself
Lots of good information on how to start a business for yourself
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews