She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur

by Carrie Green

Shortlisted for the Business Book  Start-up Inspiration in 2018Are you ready to turn your ideas into reality and build a wildly successful business?There has never been a better time to say yes! With a computer and an Internet connection you can get your ideas, messages, and business out there like never before and create so much success.In this book, Carrie Green shows you how. Carrie started her first online business at the age of 20—she knows what it’s like to be an ambitious and creative woman with big dreams and huge determination . . . but she also knows the challenges of starting and running a business, including the fears, overwhelm, confusion, and blocks that entrepreneurs face. Based on her personal, tried-and-tested experience, she offers valuable guidance and powerful exercises to help • Get clear on your business vision • Move past the fears and doubts that can get in the way • Understand your audience, so you can truly connect with them • Create your brand and build a tribe of raving fans, subscribers, and customers • Manage your time, maintain focus, and keep going in the right direction • Condition yourself for success . . . and so much more!If you’re a creative and ambitious female entrepreneur, or are contemplating the entrepreneurial path, this book will provide the honest, realistic, and practical tools you need to follow your heart and bring your vision to life.

Genres: Business, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Entrepreneurship, Buisness, Audiobook

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Carrie Green is a female entrepreneur who started her first online business at the age of 20, and within a few years grew her business to global level. In 2011, after feeling isolated running her business, Carrie started the Female Entrepreneur Association – an online platform now counting 270,000 members, which inspires and empowers women from around the world to build successful businesses through videos, classes, and an online community. Carrie has been recognized as an entrepreneurial "rising star" under the age of 30, and was awarded Entrepreneurs’ Champion of the Year in 2014 at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Reviews

[Melissa Hartfiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this book and really struggled to finish it in the hopes that it would improve because I am a fan of what Carrie Green has built. First this is definitely for the new entrpreneur just starting out. If you have a few years and reasonable success under your belt this likely won't be a helpful book unless you're in real need of a cheerleading session. There's very little practical or useful advice but there is a lot of encouragement and attempts to motivate. I was looking for a deeper dive into building a business with more concrete in depth examples. My favourite parts of the book was where she brought in real life examples of other businesses. Personally I'd have given this one star but if you're just starting out with your very first business I don't want to discourage you from reading it. It just wasn't for me.

[Renia Carsillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie's book should be essential reading for every 25-year old trying to figure out her place in the world. The message here is so much bigger than a business how-to book. If you're already down the road of your entrepreneurial journey this book may be a bit basic for you, but it's the perfect primer for any woman just starting out.

[Catherine Hodder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it - full of honesty and inspiration

Truly didn't know what to expect but Carrie Green shares her successes, failures, and wisdom to give an honest account of what it takes to start a business. Lots of great advice and encouragement. I will be recommending to other entrepreneurs.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie Green takes an honest and welcoming approach to the traditional business book. She lays out her successes, her failures and everything in between in She Means Business. It should be considered required reading for anyone interested in an entreprenurial life, though females may take the most away from the novel, as Carrie is an everywoman--she has all the struggles we all tend to have.
This book has an actionable 28 day challenge, freebie links within content and amazing inspirational quotes to help you along the way. I don't know how I anticipated making my own business a success without this book!
Since reading this book, I've been able to make notes and action plans on my own business AND I've been able to get a few things I've been working on (as it relates to my site's intent) completed for the first time in YEARS. I cannot stress how awesome this book is!

[Nadia Leona Yunis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started my personal development brand at the same time as Carrie launched FEA. I have gone through many, many challenges and I so resonate with every word in this book. This book has helped me so much and it's exactly what I needed. I'm all up for business teachings and strategies however THIS is what I needed and this has helped me get back on track with my biz and brands. This book is a MUST read for all aspiring and current entrepreneurs. The message moving forward? I can and I will. Watch me!!! :)

[Cassidy]

After the first 8 chapters, seems like this is going to be more of a touchy-feely motivational book instead of an actionable advise kind of read. Not something I’m looking to spend my time on right now.

[Marni Unscripted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildly motivating, while making me feel at ease in this entrepreneurial journey.

[Jessi Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and brilliant. Carrie shares her journey and invigorates yours.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for some motivational reading, then this is definitely for you. Green shares with readers her entrepreneurial journey, offering advice based on her experiences with creating and growing her business. I enjoyed the book, but thought it would contain more information about the business administration and operations side of starting one's own business. Maybe discussing some common financial issues entrepreneurs run into and how she addressed them when she faced them on her own journey. She primarily focuses on that emotional piece/investment entrepreneurs have to make when they decide to pursue the dream of owning and operating their own business, which is equally important as some of those more administration or financial pieces.

If you're seeking a book that's more of an encouraging piece of business literature, focusing on that more emotional experience of starting a business (overcoming fears, self-doubt, visualizing, etc.), then this is for you. If you're seeking a book that is more of a step-by-step guide for starting a business (like deciding on pricing, completing taxes as a business entity, etc.), then this is probably not for you. This is the only reason why I gave it 3 stars. It leaned a little more toward motivational reading, rather than a how-to business book.

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Feel guilty giving such a poor review but truly It's unfortunate expected more from it. Truly from the cover to the end it was full of no surprises. Normally I enjoy Hay House author books. I feel guilty. Sorry. Though within her book she writes ....

Within five years we had 300,000+ fans on Facebook, 100,000+ email subscribers, 80,000+ visits to our website each month, and the business was generating more than $90,000 per month. You would think there would be more reviews.

I felt the content didn't reflect her accomplishment. Maybe she has been lucky with first in best dressed on the internet wave. Good luck to her ❤️

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal! I recently joined FEA and have fallen in love with the group because everyone is so amazing, supportive, and knowledgeable! So, it only made sense I check out Carrie’s book. Well, she certainly did not disappoint! Every single thing I love about her personality in her videos and trainings is depicted perfectly throughout the book! She gives you so many tips and advice on going through the extremely overwhelming journey of being an entrepreneur. It was great to fully realize I’m not alone in some of the things I’ve been going through on my journey and I can’t wait to start the she means business 28 day challenge! Highly recommend this book!!

[Stephanie Nora Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Carrie's business but I've never been a huge fan of visualization and the more woo-woo side of her business. That being said, I was presently surprised by how helpful this book was. I find myself going back to it to work on the questions and follow the 30 day challenge. I think this a book you need to read slowly and really work through as you read. However, the formatting was awful. Chapters were just a couple paragraphs long and it drove me insane. There were quotes and new chapter breaks in the middle of ideas and it was just very hard to read. Hence: reading it slow.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO proud of Carrie for writing this book and feel so honored to have been a part of her journey in the early days! This book is so inspiring to me and where I am currently at with starting all over from scratch with a whole new business, and I am so happy to have read it (AND to have even been mentioned in it!). Thank you so much for continuing to share your light with the world in bigger & bolder ways, Carrie! You are amazing and the words you have shared have always been so helpful for me. xo

[Kellie Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new business owner I could really relate to some of the stresses and worries and Carrie went through in her early stages. Sometimes it’s so hard to find the motivation to keep going or wonder if you’ll ever find that first client but her book really teaches you to stay positive and visualise your dreams - I know I will refer back to this book time and time again 😀 it’s going to become my business bible for sure.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Ideas and Inspiration

I initially chose this book because it for my budget. I recognized the author's name from Facebook and though she might have something interesting to say. She sure does! I highlighted sections and made notes. I have so many ideas and much-needed motivation.

[Lora Leathco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Green is a fantastic teacher. She shares her experiences with honesty and caring. I love her simple explanations and advice that is so easily actionable. She lays it out in a way that is super easy to implement. You don’t have to be superwoman to implement her plan. She’s there for you beyond the book as well. Carrie walks her talk and is there with you every step of the way.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to finish, but only because I took on way too much in my personal life. It definitely is a must read for anyone who has an idea to build a business, but is unsure of how to start. Carrie Green makes some excellent points and is very encouraging throughout the entire book. A good motivator for those of us who are interested in starting a business.

[Marina Nikolova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very well written!
Very motivating and edited in such a way that the info is not too much and yet everything you need to know is easily-found. A lot of extra material can be found throughout the book, as well as a lot of additional books, podcasts and interesting people to follow. Great read!

[Angie Kunschmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a friend and I couldn't put it down. Carrie is purely inspirational and I want to buy this book and read it again. Of course I also want to do the work exercises as well. Anything to help my little business become a big succes.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was great to gain clarity and I actually journaled after each segment to truly be present. This way I could utilize the info more to take away and put in place what I needed to for my business ! Highly recommend

[Chelsea Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got exactly what I wanted out of this one; didn’t over deliver but it was great thought material. Listened on audible and enjoyed the narration

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every single part of our entrepreneurial journey will begin as an idea that will only become reality when we show up and bring it into the world.”

Synopsis:
More and more women are starting to feel like there are so many opportunities out there to turn their ideas into a reality, build a successful business and do what they love. The problem is that they don't really know how to go about it, and so they set off on their entrepreneurial journey and quickly feel out of their depth, overwhelmed, confused and like they're crazy for even thinking that they could do it. The purpose of this book is to inspire and empower these women to take back control of their mind, their ideas and businesses, and to provide strategies for them to make it happen.

This book is full of personal stories, tips and exercises to inspire you and get you in to action. Honest, realistic and practical, She Means Business speaks to today's creative, ambitious and talented generation of female entrepreneurs, as well as those that wish to join their ranks by following their dreams.

My Take:
I have heard so much about this book from a few female friends. The book's main audience seems to be (aspiring) female entrepreneurs. I decided to pick it up mainly to read alongside and motivate a friend of mine who is embarking on her journey towards starting her own business.

Carrie Green is an established female entrepreneur who turned her passion into a real tangible business within a few years. She founded the Female Entrepreneur Association (https://femaleentrepreneurassociation...).

This book is the fruits of her hard work and experience embarking on that journey.
To my surprise, I have found the book very practical and inspiring and there is no reason why it should be tied to a specific audience (female entrepreneurs). The book is very gender-neutral and covers many aspects of self-motivation, business startup and the quest to be successful in the goal you have set for yourself.

What I liked about this book is the lack of fluff and the consistent format. The author takes you through the journey that starts in your head, the willpower, all the way to how to go about setting your business goals, starting your business and keeping your head above water in the early stages.

Every chapter starts with an inspirational quote and ends with a clear "Action" you need to take.

There are a ton of freebie material that comes with this book (on the Carrie's FEA website) which compliments the book. For example, 28-day action plan and exercises from the book. Be sure to download those.

Also, the noteworthy item is the FEA membership for those (female) entrepreneurs who which to sign up to Carrie's FEA 28-days plan which guides you step by step through all the steps to succeed in putting the book's principles into real actions. You will also benefit from joining a 4000 strong community of entrepreneurs who can also help you along the journey.

I am currently not ready to launch my own business mainly due to the "idea" or "niche" not being there yet. I have marked this book for a definite re-read once I am ready to kick off my journey.

"Hello dream, let’s be a team. I’m here for you and will do all I can to put you out into the world."

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted @ The Fit Librarian
I absolutely LOVED this book.
Seriously...it might just look like another entrepreneur/self-help/'how-to' book, but it is sooo much more!!
Carrie is the creator of the Female Entrepreneur Association . She wanted to build a community for women that were trying to build their own businesses because when she started there was really no support system for her or anyone like her. She walks you through all of her many, many struggles to get her unique online business off the ground.
I am not sure if it is because she is British and the Brits just have a way of explaining things to me that makes total sense or if the content she is laying out is that eye-opening? I don't know? What I do know is that I have never felt more motivated to get to work on my blog then after reading She Means Business.
I must have read this book in about a day. I simply couldn't put it down. She really explains how to decide what it is you want your business to be and gives you steps to finding your actual vision. I have spent nearly a year as a Beachbody Coach; listening to author after author, speaker after speaker say how important your vision is, but Carrie is the first person to actually explain HOW to uncover it. I.Need.Steps. and she gives you little challenges in each chapter to start you on the right track.
She writes as though she is actually sitting down and talking you through everything you need to do to be successful and gives amazing real-life examples so you have a frame of reference. I had never heard of FEA or Carrie until I saw that this book was coming out, whilst surfing through Amazon. I am so happy to be a bit of a book-nerd or I might never have found it or found the courage to start blogging, again!!

[Jason Wicky Ong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book contains good advices and there's nothing much to dispute about at all. It does feel a bit repetitive and a bit rudimentary. Some of the techniques such as visualisation can be found in many books and the author do not elaborate on most of them.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie Green who also runs the She Means Business membership and The Female Entrepreneurship Association or FEA for short details how she started up a business while at Uni and then decided to set up the FEA in order to connect with other female business owners.
There's a number of good business tips in this book and although some are obvious, they serve as a good reminder of what it takes to run a successful business.
There's also quotes such as "A Strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink!" Gina Carew.
The book is set out in such a way that there are a number of main points that are in bold text and centred on the page to make the sentence/s stand out. This makes it easy to dip in and out of the book to get to where you want to read. Each chapter ends in a similar way with action points.

Some of the main items that were useful for me are the following points.
1. The three Cs, which are Lack of Clarity, Confidence and Competence. Carrie talks about how when we lack these traits the results can be disastrous.
2. Carrie recommends journalling which is one of the top general recommendations for gaining clarity, something that I still don't do as often as I could.
3. The third of the various points that I'd recommend is about enrolling in the "University of Opportunity". This is something I had not come across before in my various reading of self development books. It is essentially about seeking out opportunities and looking for extra ways of finding opportunities.

[Katie Trivette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here's the thing... I wanted to love this book. Like... LOVE this book. I wanted it to be life changing. I wanted to come out of it having learned so much about Carrie's journey as an entrepreneur and how I could apply it to my life. She started with nothing, literally 0 fans or followers and no money, and worked her way up to having an amazing and wildly successful business. But that's not what this book is. It's a lot of fluff with no real content. It's a lot of "you can do this!" But no "here's how I made this happen." Just when you think it's about to scratch deeper than the surface, she changes to another short chapter on another fluffy topic. She does talk a lot about visualizations. And to a degree, I do understand - she has a monthly membership site where she teaches females how to run a business. If she gives her tips, tricks and teachings away in a book, there will be no need for people to pay monthly to access the content. But still - I wish there was more. I was expecting more than just a cheerleader.

That being said, I do absolutely LOVE Carrie and there are some nice extra resources that come when you do purchase the book that have been a wonderful guide. But you're almost better just joining her association or looking out for her freebies.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've added this book to those which I recommend to my business owner friends. Carrie went into detail about everything she knows about setting up a successful business. From start to finish. With excellent questions to ask yourself to get you to where you want to be. It's also peppered with excellent inspirational quotes. I love a good quote. It was quite inspiring to know that, like me, Carrie learns everything she wants to do herself. I've begun implementing some of the things she mentions in the book. I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

I finished it in two sittings. Which I rarely do these days. I think if I had started earlier in the day I would have read it in one. I have so much of it highlighted to be read over again.

[Latrice Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMB Changed The Game For This One Happy Wifey

There are no words that will express fully what this book has done for me on my entrepreneurial journey. I am truly grateful and blessed to have come across Carrie on YouTube a few months ago. I then started following her on FEA and then connected on Instagram and Facebook. This was not by chance but written in the cards I pulled long ago. I'm so excited for the future of FEA and my own wildly successful writing and entrepreneurial business venture. "She Means Business" book was just what I need and right on time. I was feeling lost and the words in this book was just what I needed to be jolted back to reality to start showing up for my dreams. Look out world here comes the One Happy Wifey! 😉

[Wendy Maka · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected this book to offer best practices and tactical tips and ended up disappointed. If this is literally the first book or even article you are reading on starting an online business, you may find some value. If you are even slightly informed on the process, look deeper into a book with more substance. The first 27 chapters are a lot of cheering on the reader and affirmations to help you when things get hard. Not my thing at all. Much of the time, I thought I was reading The Secret instead with all the law of attraction and “ask the universe” for what you want comments. If you need a cheering section, this book is a good pick. If you want to get to work, spend your time more wisely.

[Shawna Peryea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book for years, ever since I started my entrepreneurial journey. This is the first year I am really trying to read (mostly listen to) books about business and creating a better life.

I'll be honest, I felt like this could have been good, but there was little solid advice and more antidotes about her business. A lot of advice was regurgitated over and over, and by end end, I honestly felt like it was a marketing ploy to by the membership to her site.

Sad this didn't hit home for me, but after reading other books that give clear advice and didn't feel like I was being sold to, this wasn't a win.