The Boss of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business

by Emira Mears, Lauren Bacon

Female entrepreneurs are a growing force to be reckoned with. Each year, more and more women take the initiative and start their own business ventures-at twice the rate of men. Women continue to reshape the business world with innovative models, both large and small. So why is there a lack of clear-cut, expert advice aimed at this dynamic female audience?  In The Boss of You , Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon, founders of Raised Eyebrow Web Studios Inc. and co-editors of the well-known webzine Soapboxgirls, set out to answer this question. As intelligent entrepreneurs and straightforward writers, Emira and Lauren offer insight into beginning—and sustaining—small businesses from the female perspective. Peppered with stories from women who have been there, from cautionary tales to success stories, The Boss of You provides readers with real advice and career options that will allow them to live their values and achieve their own version of work-life balance. Whether you are an established professional or an entrepreneurial newbie, The Boss of You is the definitive guidebook for starting, maintaining, and enjoying your own business.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship, Self Help, Feminism, Reference, Womens

312 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

I am the author of The Boss of You: Everything a Woman Needs to Know to to Start, Run and Maintain Her Own Business

Reviews

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one to read business books which is a shame since I have my own business, but I really liked this one. Lots of practical advice and even though I've been in business for myself for a couple of years, there still was enough information in there to keep me reading. I got this book from the library, but I actually think I will head out and purchase this one. Even though it's geared towards women, I think my husband (and business partner) will find that this book is full of useful information as well. Highly recommended for anyone thinking of starting their own business or for someone already in the thick of it. Inspiring!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome, start to finish. I checked it out of the library, but now I really want to get my own copy and read it again, dog-earing pages and writing in the margins. Tara Swiger, from Blonde Chicken Boutique, recommended this on a call she did a while back, and the advice seems right-on and adaptable to all different kinds of small businesses, from product sales to service-based.

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the practical and encouraging tone of this book, as well as the sassy humor. It was full of great advice and made me think through a lot of aspects of running a busniess without overwhelming me. That being said, there were a few words/business examples that I didn't exactly appreciate, so in spite of the overall fabulousness of this book I have to give it four stars.

[Lorissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman wanting to start, or grow, their own business needs to read this.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved this book for the insights it provided. It was so informative but interesting at the same time. The style of writing was easy to understand and not boring at all. I would read a chapter - sometimes two - at a time, taking time to think things through (what an alliteration!).

It's obvious from some of the examples given or wording used that the authors and I don't agree on a lot of things. I was also disappointed at the very end when they used a swear word and a not great word. They'd made it through almost the entire book and then put those in there.

Despite those things, it was an excellent business book and I'm very glad I read it. Honestly, it might be one of the best ones I've read so far.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Boss Of You - Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears

This book is full of common sense advice. I liked to see the ideas printed in paper in front of me. I think it would be a good reading for someone with no idea on how to defend themselves in the world.

This is the cover of the book I read:

This is the edition of the book, and a beautiful dedicatory to every woman that is running a business and needs good vibes to succeed:

Here is some advice on getting ready to set the shop:

And here a very important piece of advice: Have a plan:

Here the authors say that it is very important that you love what you do:

And here is some advice on meditation, and how beneficial it is for you:

In summary, a nice book with of common sense advice that is good to remember every now and then and keep present.

I hope you liked this entry. If you feel like viewing more of the books I read, you are welcome to visit my blog: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[Amy Christine Lesher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a number of books for women in business and it's rare that I finish one. There have been two that I not only finished but felt a renewed sense of purpose: #GirlBoss and The Boss of You. If you've read other business books there's going to be some information that will get repeated, (how to get started, basic marketing and PR, customer service, being a good boss) and there are subjects that I don't see that often in business books, especially in non - profit books.

When I started my non-profit a friend of mine, Norman Hammond gave me his book Fund Raising for the Rest of Us. In his book Norman talked about having a savings account that could be used when you're waiting for a grant check to make it to you. In #GirlBoss Sophia talked about getting by with a little and putting the money into savings, and Lauren and Emira also talk about different funds that should go into savings: payroll and sales tax, extra profits. Lauren and Emira also give great insight about how to plan for the dreams you have for your company, all of which can be transferred to the non-profit world. In fact, reading the three books I feel as though I need to learn much more about finances in order to be the best Executive Director I can be.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fantastic book and here's why:

* Approachable writing style makes it very easy to read (good sense of humor, too!).
* Rich content that's clearly organized.
* Lots of examples to flesh out the topics covered.
* Helpful exercises to encourage experiential learning, not just read-it-and-maybe-forget-about-it.

This book is aimed at women, but it's not full of crazy feminist stuff or touchy-feely-how-to-love-you type of stuff. I was worried I'd get that in a book aimed at women (even though I am a woman!), but thankfully this was not so. This is very cut-to-the-chase and I like that.

This book is also not a definitive business book, but it's not claiming to be that. I read a bunch of business books (Dummies guides, writing business plans, etc) before I read this and boy do I wish I'd done it the other way around! In fact, I love The Boss of You so much, I actually keep both it and the notes I took reading it in a handy spot in my office. It's good to go back and review some areas every few months. I like that.

Essential reading if you're thinking about running your own show. Well done!

[Diana Nagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are starting your own business, this is the book for you. I can't begin to tell you the tips that have helped me to make my business a success by reading this book. It is filled with everything, literally. Branding, home office set up, marketing, taxes, and tons more! Literally everything related to a home business you can think of and then some. While some of the information wasn't relevant for me initially, some of it later came to be and I know others will be more later. This is a book to read and a book to keep so you can go back and re-read it later. Do not skip this read...it is essential to the success of your business!!!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I learned from this book...
1. Not that I'm going to be going off on my own anytime soon, but I think every independent woman wonders what it would take. This is as simple a guide as possible that's out there and it was easy to read, but I was left with more questions than answers. Which, I suppose in this case, is a good thing.
2. On the one hand, starting your own business seems easy, and why wouldn't you want to be your own boss.
3. On the other hand, it's quite scary and takes some bravery. I wonder if I have it.

[Jaime K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've found about running a business if you don't have a traditional business background, and what you think of as "traditional business" makes you cringe just a bit. This is a modern, refreshing guide accessible to creative types and those looking to be serious but not stuffy. If you've wanted to start a business and have no idea how to start, what to expect, or what resources you need, this book grabs your hand and takes you through the process, most importantly helping you get a grasp on what actions you can take right away.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I read everything from start to finish. This book was like a breath of fresh air. It really told me everything I needed to know and stayed true to its title. I checked it out from the library but its definitely on my list of books to purchase. This is not a book I just read through. It actually inspired me to get a notebook and brainstorm. Very inspiring. The best book for aspiring woman entrepreneurs. Great step by step information and resource guide in the back. I love the authors' tone as well. I really felt like they were talking directly to me.

[Stitchywoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for anyone (woman or man) who is interested in starting their own business. Well organized, understandable, and concise book the goes over the basics of starting your own small business. It was an eyeopener for me and has caused me to rethink some of my plans. I realized, after reading this book, how unprepared I was to start a business. This book is not in-depth but rather is a good first start for anyone interested in owning their own business.

[Kim Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic little guide to launching a business, written specifically for women who plan to start a small, creative endeavor. It offers advice on planning, marketing, pricing--the whole gamut--with precisely this type of business in mind. It's chock-full of specific tips and advice (and inspiration), and the writing style is pleasantly engaging.

[Sheyna Galyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an EXCELLENT book: practical, funny, and encouraging without being too perky. I'd give it 4.5 stars, and the only reason it's not a 5-star book is the book designer's fault: the print was just a point size or two too small, and—glasses or not—reading that tiny print for more than a few pages gave me a headache. Wish I'd had the ebook version!

[Ashley Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is just what i need right now. motivation and reassurance that woman CAN be their own boss! written by two very artsy and hype ladies, this is not a dull read.
must read for all those seeking self employement!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I have been thinking about startin an online fabric store.... A lot of this book didn't really pertain to me and my business ideas, but I still enjoyed it and found it very useful.

[Lisa]

Looks to be chock-full of great info, but my entrepreneurial mojo has died down a bit (not due to the book!) so I just couldn't finish it. I do plan to read it someday, if the entrepreneurial mood strikes again.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very informative book for all business owners, not just women. They are very insightful and comprehensive in their tips and their exercises really help you answer some of those tough questions about business decision making.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, makes me want to start my own business. US-focused, which surprised me a little. Very fun to read (except some of the drier bits about finances and taxes, I'll admit), lots of great tips and fabulous anecdotes. Highly recommended!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book that doesn't come across as too dry and "businessy." There's lots of good info in here, even if you aren't your own boss but, like me, work for a small business and/or want to keep your options open for the future.

[tinyteaplots · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was well written and gave me some valuable information as well as a few things to ponder. A good addition to my resources collection. I see myself referring back to it in the future :)

[Melanie Mauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this in 2008 which feels almost like a decade - and at the time, it was groundbreaking for it's thoroughness. parts now might be less applicable but i'm grateful for the help it was at the time.

[noisy penguin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in the process of opening my own business. This book is excellent for everything from budgeting tips to personal satisfaction. The resource guide in the back is fantastic.

[Ashley Cadaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you're serious about freelancing or working for yourself - I'm not business-inclined, and I LOVED this book!

[Mirbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book, it really covers most everything you need to know as a new entrepreneur. The authors are from BC, so there is plenty of Canadian content as well.

[Shandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good book for Women who are looking to open and operate their own business. Not full of useful information though, but a good source to get started.

[Linda Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay, i never finished this book but it's a great reference. easy to read, female friendly...

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for women.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starting place for new entreprenuers.