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Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms
From the creators of the hit podcast comes an interactive self-help guide for creative entrepreneurs, where they share their best tools and tactics on "being boss" in both business and life. Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson are self-proclaimed "business besties" and hosts of the top-ranked podcast Being Boss, where they talk shop and share their combined expertise with other creative entrepreneurs. Now they take the best of their from-the- trenches advice, giving you targeted guidance The Boss how to weed out distractions, cultivate confidence, and tackle "fraudy feelings" Boss Habits: including a tested method for visually mapping out goals with magical results Boss how to stop freaking out about finances and sell yourself (without shame) With worksheets, checklists, and other real tools for achieving success, here's a guide that will truly help you "be boss" not only at growing your business, but creating a life you love.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
79 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 27, 2018
Disclaimer 1: I received this book as a free ARC from Copperfish Books, where I work part-time.
Disclaimer 2: I don't know how to properly review this book without talking about where my life is at right now, so this is going to be half-review, half me just talking about life.
Being Boss is probably the most important book I've read so far this year. It's a guide on how to be self-employed and be a creative entrepreneur, with advice like how to set boundaries, how to prioritize, and how to do the work.
It was just what I needed and I couldn't put it down.
Let me take a minute to explain my situation. I'm 23. I have a degree in English. I also have an LPN (nurse's) license. I worked as a nurse for the past 8 months and grew to hate the job I was at, and nursing in general. Parted ways with it Jan. 3rd for reasons I won't get into, and after the shock of actually leaving was over, I decided I don't really want to be a nurse. I want to write. I've always want to write, I'm pretty decent at it, and I have something of a following on an online creative arts hosting platform. I've done a few commissioned pieces over the last 4 years, but since leaving the nursing job, I've decided I really want to make freelance writing my career. It's been a long 3 weeks (I can't believe it's only been 3 weeks) but I've already completed 2 commissions, I have another scheduled to be completed tomorrow, and another one on deck.
Up until reading Being Boss, I kept second-guessing what I was doing. Part of it is that I write niche erotica and I don't have the backbone to announce that to everyone I meet, so when I'm asked what I'm doing I just go "Writing. A thing. Maybe. Kinda. I have no idea. I'm not telling you any details." But part of it was that it felt like I was just hiding in my room, typing up some little story on a Google Doc, and then getting a shady transfer on Paypal.
So coming back to the point I want to make about Being Boss: it validated me so much I don't know how to put it into words. When it talked about doing the work, I was patting myself on the back because I've sat down almost every day this month at my computer to do some writing. When it talks about having a plan, I've already made a specific post on that creative arts platform that schedules out how I'm going to get my Patreon up and running, how I'm going to prioritize commissions with other works, and when I'm going to look into e-book publications. When it talks about communicating with clients and being present, I look to the near-daily posts I've made about random things that remind everyone that follows me: hey, I'm here.
It's so unbelievably touching to me at this moment to have this book saying, hey, yeah, you're doing it. This is how you're doing it. I'm already doing the majority of what Being Boss says to do, and it feels so amazing to know that I have.
This week, I went from feeling completely lost and second-guessing myself to realizing that I'm already a creative entrepreneur, thanks to Being Boss. It made it OK for me to see myself as a freelance creative writer. It entirely shifted my perspective, and for that, I have to give it a 5/5 rating. I almost feel biased, because reading this book was honestly such an ego boost for me. I don't know if it's actually well-written, I just know that for where I'm at, it's the most encouraging, motivating, and validating book I could have picked up.
Disclaimer 2: I don't know how to properly review this book without talking about where my life is at right now, so this is going to be half-review, half me just talking about life.
Being Boss is probably the most important book I've read so far this year. It's a guide on how to be self-employed and be a creative entrepreneur, with advice like how to set boundaries, how to prioritize, and how to do the work.
It was just what I needed and I couldn't put it down.
Let me take a minute to explain my situation. I'm 23. I have a degree in English. I also have an LPN (nurse's) license. I worked as a nurse for the past 8 months and grew to hate the job I was at, and nursing in general. Parted ways with it Jan. 3rd for reasons I won't get into, and after the shock of actually leaving was over, I decided I don't really want to be a nurse. I want to write. I've always want to write, I'm pretty decent at it, and I have something of a following on an online creative arts hosting platform. I've done a few commissioned pieces over the last 4 years, but since leaving the nursing job, I've decided I really want to make freelance writing my career. It's been a long 3 weeks (I can't believe it's only been 3 weeks) but I've already completed 2 commissions, I have another scheduled to be completed tomorrow, and another one on deck.
Up until reading Being Boss, I kept second-guessing what I was doing. Part of it is that I write niche erotica and I don't have the backbone to announce that to everyone I meet, so when I'm asked what I'm doing I just go "Writing. A thing. Maybe. Kinda. I have no idea. I'm not telling you any details." But part of it was that it felt like I was just hiding in my room, typing up some little story on a Google Doc, and then getting a shady transfer on Paypal.
So coming back to the point I want to make about Being Boss: it validated me so much I don't know how to put it into words. When it talked about doing the work, I was patting myself on the back because I've sat down almost every day this month at my computer to do some writing. When it talks about having a plan, I've already made a specific post on that creative arts platform that schedules out how I'm going to get my Patreon up and running, how I'm going to prioritize commissions with other works, and when I'm going to look into e-book publications. When it talks about communicating with clients and being present, I look to the near-daily posts I've made about random things that remind everyone that follows me: hey, I'm here.
It's so unbelievably touching to me at this moment to have this book saying, hey, yeah, you're doing it. This is how you're doing it. I'm already doing the majority of what Being Boss says to do, and it feels so amazing to know that I have.
This week, I went from feeling completely lost and second-guessing myself to realizing that I'm already a creative entrepreneur, thanks to Being Boss. It made it OK for me to see myself as a freelance creative writer. It entirely shifted my perspective, and for that, I have to give it a 5/5 rating. I almost feel biased, because reading this book was honestly such an ego boost for me. I don't know if it's actually well-written, I just know that for where I'm at, it's the most encouraging, motivating, and validating book I could have picked up.
February 26, 2019
Right book at the right time! Really got me clear on a few things I’ve been struggling with.
May 2, 2021
I’m not on a business journey but I’m an ambitious person. This book sufficiently addressed being boss in your own life. It’s the perfect reboot if you’re feeling defeated/exhausted with work/life balance. “Being boss is a journey that starts with understanding your personal values and fostering enough confidence to face the challenges ahead. It’s also about establishing clear boundaries and healthy routines and habits to ensure you’re productive. When combined with a simple business plan, a strategy to share your expertise, and quality time for your interests, you’ll find you have everything you need for a successful business and an inspirational life.
Actionable advice:
Make a best friend.
You don’t have to be alone on your business journey. Reach out to someone you get along with who’s equally ambitious about life and work. Bonus points if she’s also setting up her own business! Schedule regular dates with this person to share your goals, ideas, challenges, and wins with each other. Think of her as your best friend in business.”
A lot of books of this genre say similar things. I’m addicted to reading them and picking up tiny habits along the way.
Actionable advice:
Make a best friend.
You don’t have to be alone on your business journey. Reach out to someone you get along with who’s equally ambitious about life and work. Bonus points if she’s also setting up her own business! Schedule regular dates with this person to share your goals, ideas, challenges, and wins with each other. Think of her as your best friend in business.”
A lot of books of this genre say similar things. I’m addicted to reading them and picking up tiny habits along the way.
April 22, 2018
Lots of good exercises and perspective. Lots of focus on how to balance hard work with a good life. I appreciate that they reframe the entrepreneur experience from all hustle all the time, a la the Silicon Valley model of product launch, VC funding, scale/buy out. Instead, a focus on the importance of smart hustle, defining your own success, and making room for life’s big adventures.
April 4, 2019
Helpful and mindful tips for creating boundaries in work and life.
April 24, 2019
One of the best books (and prettiest) (and raddest) out there on business and life.
August 23, 2018
The book presumes a level of affluence and privilege that many readers may not have (including me), but there are a lot of useful tips, tricks and encouragement here for creative entrepreneurs as well as those of us who work with implementing innovation within organizations. I'm a fan.
May 25, 2018
For full review, see https://businessbookreviewer.com/2018...
August 31, 2018
It has taken me a long time to finish and review this book because, I've been treating it like the workbook it was designed to be. Though not an entrepreneur, I gravitated to this book because I was attracted to the exercises, lists, and suggestions on how to take control of your life, career, and personal pursuits.
Mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting are all topics covered, with easy to follow steps for someone who might be new to those practices. I really liked the idea of scheduling and making lists of everything. Being organized in those ways has helped me to see what I am spending my time, efforts, and money on, and given me the ability to see the big picture of how our happiness, self-control, and decision making can drastically change the quality of life.
A tip I've taken in to my daily routine is getting up at a set time (6:30am) every day, and using that 1-2 hours to do the things I want to, such as yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, or watching the news and drinking coffee. Prior to this I'd get up, get ready, and go to work not making time for myself. I've read other reviews on this book and noticed people saying it was written for a white, female, privileged demographic and I'd agree with that. However, you can still choose your own adventure and glean needed advice without fitting that stereotype.
Mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting are all topics covered, with easy to follow steps for someone who might be new to those practices. I really liked the idea of scheduling and making lists of everything. Being organized in those ways has helped me to see what I am spending my time, efforts, and money on, and given me the ability to see the big picture of how our happiness, self-control, and decision making can drastically change the quality of life.
A tip I've taken in to my daily routine is getting up at a set time (6:30am) every day, and using that 1-2 hours to do the things I want to, such as yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, or watching the news and drinking coffee. Prior to this I'd get up, get ready, and go to work not making time for myself. I've read other reviews on this book and noticed people saying it was written for a white, female, privileged demographic and I'd agree with that. However, you can still choose your own adventure and glean needed advice without fitting that stereotype.
March 13, 2019
I mostly post fiction here, but I'm an avid non-fiction reader too... although I don't read a ton of business books. I'm so over the "hustle 24/7, I'll sleep when I'm dead, no days off" culture of entrepreneuring. I believe in paying myself first, putting the best interest of my community ahead of profits, and radical acts of self-love, even in business. But this book is different, and I knew this even before I devoured it in LITERALLY ONE NIGHT when I got my advanced copy.
•
I've been a client of Kathleen's since 2011, and have watched her brand grow and develop. She's someone I trust to guide me, the @Whole30 team, and my Certified Coaches towards building a business AND a life we love. In going through this book, I found practical tips on things like branding, marketing, and recruiting new clients, but just as much advice on honoring your intuition, healthy self-care practices, and creating positive rituals. (My favorite page: the Mandatory Lazy Day on page 96. If you can't do this, we really can't be friends.)
•
In summary, Being Boss is Suit meets Woo in the best way possible, and I'm going to recommend this book to EVERYONE who wants to learn how to create, grow, and live your business in a way that builds you up instead of breaking you down. Also, my blurb is on the cover, and I freakin' LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
•
I've been a client of Kathleen's since 2011, and have watched her brand grow and develop. She's someone I trust to guide me, the @Whole30 team, and my Certified Coaches towards building a business AND a life we love. In going through this book, I found practical tips on things like branding, marketing, and recruiting new clients, but just as much advice on honoring your intuition, healthy self-care practices, and creating positive rituals. (My favorite page: the Mandatory Lazy Day on page 96. If you can't do this, we really can't be friends.)
•
In summary, Being Boss is Suit meets Woo in the best way possible, and I'm going to recommend this book to EVERYONE who wants to learn how to create, grow, and live your business in a way that builds you up instead of breaking you down. Also, my blurb is on the cover, and I freakin' LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
September 13, 2023
I read this book as part of a mastermind I facilitate. It was suggested by one of our members.
There is some solid advice for brand-new or aspiring business owners to help them create and maintain balance as they build a business. However, if I'm honest, I was a bit underwhelmed. It read more like a bunch of blogs thrown together as a book than anything else.
The biggest issue I had, though, was the quality of the physical book. For one thing, the spine of mine fell apart while I was reading. I also think that if you are going to enmesh full-page memes/quotes/pictures or interviews into a book, make sure they aren't placed in a way that splits a sentence. More than once, I had to skip something to finish a thought and then go back and read whatever was wedged in.
Overall, I gave it three stars because I think there is value for new business owners, but if you are already an entrepreneur and looking for something to help you grow, I wouldn't say this is for you.
There is some solid advice for brand-new or aspiring business owners to help them create and maintain balance as they build a business. However, if I'm honest, I was a bit underwhelmed. It read more like a bunch of blogs thrown together as a book than anything else.
The biggest issue I had, though, was the quality of the physical book. For one thing, the spine of mine fell apart while I was reading. I also think that if you are going to enmesh full-page memes/quotes/pictures or interviews into a book, make sure they aren't placed in a way that splits a sentence. More than once, I had to skip something to finish a thought and then go back and read whatever was wedged in.
Overall, I gave it three stars because I think there is value for new business owners, but if you are already an entrepreneur and looking for something to help you grow, I wouldn't say this is for you.
Read
May 3, 2021Being boss is a journey that starts with understanding your personal values and fostering enough confidence to face the challenges ahead. It’s also about establishing clear boundaries and healthy routines and habits to ensure you’re productive. When combined with a simple business plan, a strategy to share your expertise, and quality time for your interests, you’ll find you have everything you need for a successful business and an inspirational life.
Actionable advice:
Make a best friend.
You don’t have to be alone on your business journey. Reach out to someone you get along with who’s equally ambitious about life and work. Bonus points if she’s also setting up her own business! Schedule regular dates with this person to share your goals, ideas, challenges, and wins with each other. Think of her as your best friend in business.
Actionable advice:
Make a best friend.
You don’t have to be alone on your business journey. Reach out to someone you get along with who’s equally ambitious about life and work. Bonus points if she’s also setting up her own business! Schedule regular dates with this person to share your goals, ideas, challenges, and wins with each other. Think of her as your best friend in business.
April 16, 2018
As the authors promised in their podcast, this is a book I will keep handy and refer back to as I work to “be boss” of every aspect of my life. Especially for someone who tends to work too much, this book helped me clarify the boundaries I need to create in order to have time to work on my writing and other creative projects. I have highlights and notes throughout this book, and I filled in each of their work sheet pages. I’ve also typed up MANY thoughts and notes inspired by the book. I highly recommend Being Boss for anyone who is not thrilled with the daily grind of your current life and work, or who just needs to hone in on your most important priorities and figure out how to meet them.
January 18, 2019
I started a business when I was 22; which is important to my review. I worked hard building clientele and my reputation. I’m aways a student of my surrounds and feel the need to be constantly learning and moving forward.
This book has a ton of great content, but my tip is to read it slowly to really implement the content into your business.
You also need to define your business and goals in order to know which parts are relevant to your model and which aren’t so much right now.
It’s really a textbook and guide. Bookmark, write, highlight, refer to it often. If you gulp it all up and try to implement it all at once you’ll be overwhelmed.
This book has a ton of great content, but my tip is to read it slowly to really implement the content into your business.
You also need to define your business and goals in order to know which parts are relevant to your model and which aren’t so much right now.
It’s really a textbook and guide. Bookmark, write, highlight, refer to it often. If you gulp it all up and try to implement it all at once you’ll be overwhelmed.
June 16, 2019
The advice felt trite, selective and redundant. I was doing a task while listening to this audiobook which is the only reason I got through it. There's no relevant advice on how to "take control of your work and live life on your own terms."
When the author claimed one of her goals or intentions was for this to be on the bestseller's list, it was evident she wasn't following her own advice of working hard. They needed to work harder on this book to provide value worth elevating their book to that status. This was an elementary attempt which is disappointing because it seems the authors are successful in their own rights.
When the author claimed one of her goals or intentions was for this to be on the bestseller's list, it was evident she wasn't following her own advice of working hard. They needed to work harder on this book to provide value worth elevating their book to that status. This was an elementary attempt which is disappointing because it seems the authors are successful in their own rights.
July 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I have been listening to their podcast for a while. I am not a creative entrepreneur, but it is something I am interested in. Particularly how to create additional streams of income. I love Kathleen and Emily’s approach. Even by just doing one exercise I learned something major about myself. I need to go back and do the others now.
This is a book I will return to in the future.
This is a book I will return to in the future.
December 18, 2018
I've used this book as a part of my morning routine for months now, a few pages every day to get the workday at home started. I love that the book's mantra is "Do the work."
None of that "sending good vibes into the universe and it comes back to you and your dreams come true"-bullshit. I learnt a lot from doing the tasks to find out what my core values are, and work with them to achieve my goals. I really recommend this book for all creative souls who are trying to make it on their own.
None of that "sending good vibes into the universe and it comes back to you and your dreams come true"-bullshit. I learnt a lot from doing the tasks to find out what my core values are, and work with them to achieve my goals. I really recommend this book for all creative souls who are trying to make it on their own.
June 3, 2021
Being boss is a journey that starts with understanding your personal values and fostering enough confidence to face the challenges ahead. It’s also about establishing clear boundaries and healthy routines and habits to ensure you’re productive. When combined with a simple business plan, a strategy to share your expertise, and quality time for your interests, you’ll find you have everything you need for a successful business and an inspirational life.
July 1, 2018
Like many "self-help" books, I found this much easier to digest as an audio (read by the authors) than in print. I do recommend buying or reading the print edition, though, as it comes with a URL to accompanying worksheets. The best part of this book is what the authors have to say about living by your own self-defined set of values. It shifted how I think a bit.
September 28, 2018
Great book for anyone who is interested in starting their own business. The workbook is very helpful to work through. Lots of great ideas and advice. I enjoyed the focus on energy, mindset, and actual examples on how to apply the ideas they share.
I listened on Audible, I don't recommend listening to this book and buying the physical copy.
I listened on Audible, I don't recommend listening to this book and buying the physical copy.
June 4, 2019
Really loved this book. It contained great advice for setting up and helping your business to succeed. It also had great worksheets to use. I got a lot from them. It’s also a great introduction to the Being Boss podcast, as I’ve been a fan for years. If you are looking for a non-stuffy business book that is the antithesis to the likes Gary Vee, this is the book to read!
January 6, 2020
Inspiring spot on advice
This book is so inspiring and well organized full of great advice. I am an author, a publisher and a mom to a two-year-old so I got a lot out of this book including a big dose of inspiration. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in becoming an entrepreneur or is one already.
This book is so inspiring and well organized full of great advice. I am an author, a publisher and a mom to a two-year-old so I got a lot out of this book including a big dose of inspiration. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in becoming an entrepreneur or is one already.
September 18, 2023
Excellent read for anyone seeking a values-based model to be “boss” of their life, especially if you are an entrepreneur or planning to start a business. If your hesitancy is how to maintain balance, or maybe that is a driver…this book lays out a roadmap for how to get yourself there mentally and in practice without taking a deep-dive into business specifics. I highly recommend!
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I even thought I would. Honestly, when I first started I regretted buying it because I thought it was "just another book" but I've already implemented a couple of the tips and seen a difference in my productivity. This book surprised me in all the best ways.
July 10, 2018
This is the kind of book that I love seeing written and encourage this wholeheartedly. There is some great advice and ideas in here. I have also just heard many of these elsewhere and in a way that resonated more with me.
November 9, 2018
Super quick read! It’s so engaging you won’t want to put it down. Definitely get our a note pad because the tips and tricks are amazing! Also, check out the exercises, they definitely helped me shape my business development!
May 2, 2020
If you are a business owner or looking to start your own business this is an awesome tool to have! I really liked the exercises sprinkled throughout the book. And the margins were big enough for all my notes & brain dumps. Definitely a resource I will refer back to in the future
January 3, 2021
Excellent business advice book; whether or not you're an entrepreneur. I am definitely keeping this one for myself.
My Review
My Review
May 3, 2021
Being Boss (2018) is a guide for creative entrepreneurs determined to build successful businesses.
From fostering the right mentality to establishing boundaries, setting goals, and taking time away, Being Boss shares helpful tactics for having it all, in work and in life.
From fostering the right mentality to establishing boundaries, setting goals, and taking time away, Being Boss shares helpful tactics for having it all, in work and in life.
December 26, 2018
An interesting book with lots of space to write and prompts to fill in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews