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Chillpreneur: The New Rules for Creating Success, Freedom, and Abundance on Your Terms
Feeling burned out by your business? Sick of the 'hustle and grind' culture of your industry? There's a better way! Get over your perfectionism and embrace the flow of the Chillpreneur.
Denise Duffield-Thomas, money mindset coach and best-selling author, will show you how with her trademark humor and down-to-earth wisdom. In this book, she shares invaluable business advice and counterintuitive millionaire mindset lessons (no blood, sweat, or tears necessary) which will set you on the path of abundance - without all the hard work.
You'll discover how to find the business model that works perfectly for your personality, learn about key concepts - such as the Golden Goose and the Keyless Life - to help you work less and earn more, and become a marketing pro without feeling like a sleazy car salesman. Plus, Denise talks you through the smaller - but no less important - details of being an entrepreneur, including how to deal with awkward money situations and find the most effective ways to price your offers.
Full of reassuring and practical advice, Chillpreneur challenges the old, boring assumptions of what it takes to create success in business, so you can create financial independence with ease and grace.
Denise Duffield-Thomas, money mindset coach and best-selling author, will show you how with her trademark humor and down-to-earth wisdom. In this book, she shares invaluable business advice and counterintuitive millionaire mindset lessons (no blood, sweat, or tears necessary) which will set you on the path of abundance - without all the hard work.
You'll discover how to find the business model that works perfectly for your personality, learn about key concepts - such as the Golden Goose and the Keyless Life - to help you work less and earn more, and become a marketing pro without feeling like a sleazy car salesman. Plus, Denise talks you through the smaller - but no less important - details of being an entrepreneur, including how to deal with awkward money situations and find the most effective ways to price your offers.
Full of reassuring and practical advice, Chillpreneur challenges the old, boring assumptions of what it takes to create success in business, so you can create financial independence with ease and grace.
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
389 people are currently reading
2223 people want to read
About the author
Denise Duffield-Thomas
14 books239 followersDenise Duffield-Thomas is the money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world.
She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives.
Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.
Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 6,000 students from all around the world.
She's a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia.
Check our Denise's free workshop all about identifying and clearing the seven most common money blocks here:
https://www.denisedt.com/blocks
She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives.
Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.
Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 6,000 students from all around the world.
She's a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia.
Check our Denise's free workshop all about identifying and clearing the seven most common money blocks here:
https://www.denisedt.com/blocks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 15, 2019
Decent - motivational but some of the concepts seem to contradict each other. Also, I'm not into "manifestation." I think this book is really for wealthy women who want to start a business (not that you can't do that if you're not rich and white, this one is just focused on that population). Also - this felt like a grab for more money and sales by the author - a lot of the information was vague, which she discusses is because she wants people to purchase her $2000 boot camp.
Could have been great, some of the concepts were good - maybe I'll eventually find a good entrepreneur book.
Could have been great, some of the concepts were good - maybe I'll eventually find a good entrepreneur book.
March 18, 2019
I have been following this author for a while and joined her Money Mindset Bootcamp not sure what I was getting into. However, over the last two years I have learned that what she teaches about money mindset is absolutely true. This book is great if you are an entrepreneur, particularly female. And I would say it is good for anyone at any stage in their game. There is sound advice on how to handle what might feel like sticky situations - including scripts to help. Denise also shares her own personal experience. She is open and honest, which makes this book such a gem in the sea of entrepreneurial "how to's". If you are an entrepreneur, you will not be disappointed if you get this book. Added value: I bought the audio.. it was nice hearing her voice reinforce what she teaches and shares with the world.
June 18, 2019
A look at entrepreneurship from a female perspective + with practical tips. Yes!
March 27, 2021
I listened to Chillpreneur on audiobook after it was recommended multiple times in a small business owners' group I am in. WOW. I recommend this highly to all budding entrepreneurs--particularly female entrepreneurs--out there! I loved Denise Thomas' practical advice and know I will revisit this book again in the future. There was so much great advice that my mind could not possibly retain it all.
Love the audiobook!
Love the audiobook!
March 22, 2020
I'm a bit surprised to say that I'm really impressed with Denise's work.
She's very heavy-handed on the universe and manifestation talk (although less in this book than in the other one I've read). But if you're into that or can manage to not get too hung up on it, I think you'll find that her overall message is very down-to-earth, practical, useful and refreshing in this world of business books permeated by hustle culture mentality.
I appreciate that Denise doesn't go too far into the woo-woo to stop making sense, as other woo-woo or Hay House authors do. And her ideas are something I have heard very few people explore. There's a lot of business advice out there, but (from what I've found) there aren't too many people talking about the personal beliefs and mental blocks that stop us from taking advantage of that advice. There are even fewer people who talk about those beliefs that are more common and problematic among women entrepreneurs in particular.
Are there better written books out there that deserve a 5-star review much more? Yes. But this book does exactly what it says it will do, in an in-depth and pleasant to read way. That is enough to make it a five-starrer in my opinion.
She's very heavy-handed on the universe and manifestation talk (although less in this book than in the other one I've read). But if you're into that or can manage to not get too hung up on it, I think you'll find that her overall message is very down-to-earth, practical, useful and refreshing in this world of business books permeated by hustle culture mentality.
I appreciate that Denise doesn't go too far into the woo-woo to stop making sense, as other woo-woo or Hay House authors do. And her ideas are something I have heard very few people explore. There's a lot of business advice out there, but (from what I've found) there aren't too many people talking about the personal beliefs and mental blocks that stop us from taking advantage of that advice. There are even fewer people who talk about those beliefs that are more common and problematic among women entrepreneurs in particular.
Are there better written books out there that deserve a 5-star review much more? Yes. But this book does exactly what it says it will do, in an in-depth and pleasant to read way. That is enough to make it a five-starrer in my opinion.
December 29, 2020
Even though I've designed my business from the beginning to create a peaceful, easy life for myself as much as possible, I still got some important insights from this book. One that was particularly timely: don't kill the golden goose. Sometimes I forget that I am the golden goose in my business, and boy do I pay every time I do.
This feels like a solid, basic book for beginners in the world of lifestyle business, but I've been doing this for a long time, and I still got a lot out of it. Good stuff.
Highlights:
I’m the biggest introvert in the world.
Yellow highlight | Location: 443
I no longer get hugely nervous when speaking on stage, and I don’t feel overwhelmed by meeting hundreds of people at events, because I know they aren’t showing up to see ‘me.’ They want to see a representation of themselves.
Yellow highlight | Location: 488
Lisa Lister’s amazing book Witch;
Yellow highlight | Location: 490
According to spiritual teacher Kimberly Jones, the Witch Wound is ‘the psychic scar in the collective consciousness that (mostly) women start to awaken to and feel deeply in their bodies as soon as they consider stepping into their power.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 575
‘To people making mean comments about my GG (Golden Globe) pics, I mos def cried about it on that private jet on my way to my dream job last night.’ ACTRESS GABOUREY SIDIBE
Yellow highlight | Location: 799
All these thoughts swirling around in my head cast a dark cloud over what should have been a day of celebration. (This is normal, by the way. I call it a ‘success hangover,’ which is when something that’s supposed to feel good has the opposite effect, and you feel weirdly guilty or bad.)
Yellow highlight | Location: 932
The idea behind personal development isn’t to change everything about yourself; it’s about polishing your true, inherent beauty.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,207
A few years ago, I won a business award and one of the runners-up (a guy) apparently said, ‘I can’t believe I lost to a blog!’ Ha, ha! Yeah, you did.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,252
Karly Nimmo owns the voice-over agency Killer Kopy (a service);
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,304
There are many things Chillpreneurs can learn from this story, and the first is that you are the Golden Goose. You can profit for a long time through your skills and talents, but not if you kill the source of your creativity.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,306
When Mark joined my business and saw what I’d created (a million-dollar turnover, despite my working part-time and half-assing everything), he concluded that, if we just worked harder, had more launches, and perfected everything, we’d make even more money! Let’s flog that Golden Goose! Not only did that kill my energy and enthusiasm for the business, it almost killed our marriage!
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,356
‘My Aunt Minnie would always be punctual and never hold up production, but who would pay to see my Aunt Minnie?’1 Marilyn brought the magic.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,371
The perfect example is marketing funnels. Most of my business is run on ‘placeholder’ marketing. As in: ‘I think this is total crap (it’s not), but I’ll leave it up until I create the “perfect version.”’ Most of my placeholders are still there years later – making money and helping people.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,420
It’s okay for you to make money with ease and flow. Honestly.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,422
The truth is that I work a lot, but I just don’t feel busy. It’s because every part of my business and life is set up to help me thrive.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,452
But what you’ve invested is never a waste. You can learn from any business ‘failure.’ The bigger waste would be to stick with something out of stubbornness or fear and never find your true calling.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,784
You’re not an idiot. You can figure out how to write and publish an e-book, and you can research the steps for creating an e-course; it’s not rocket science, but if you’re still not doing it, why not? Because you have an underlying belief that you have to work hard to earn money.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,845
EXERCISE: WHAT CAN I OFFER? In your journal or in a conversation with an entrepreneurial friend, answer these questions:
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,952
Find Your Chillpreneur Team The most straightforward approach is to ask people you know, advertise in your own newsletter, or post in your business networking group. Don’t overcomplicate this.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,967
EXERCISE: GET DELEGATING
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,568
It’s normal to feel nervous, so always remind yourself that it’s okay to make money doing what you love. You’re allowed to be successful, charge more than others in your industry, and have a wildly profitable business.
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,756
Script #1 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,766
Script #2 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,774
Script #3 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,780
Script #4 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,785
Script #5 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,302
Same with dogs. Have you ever tried to chase a dog that doesn’t want to be caught? It’s frustrating. But if you give up and lie down on the grass, it can’t help itself: it’ll run over and lick your face. Reminder: find the path of least resistance.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,406
Knock on a dozen doors, and the universe will knock on 1,000 for you.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,703
book coach: ‘I help people write the best book they can, so they can reach more people and make more money.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,737
My best sales technique has been to say, ‘I have this thing that could help. Here’s how you can get this thing.’ For example, ‘I have a Money Bootcamp that could help you with your money blocks; here’s where you sign up.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,812
If you’re interested in the statistics, the normal 1 percent of people buy the Manifesting Course, but a whopping 20 percent of those people upgrade to the Money Bootcamp at $2,000. Trust me: it’s worth making the offer!
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,846
openly tell customers that the reason I offer an incentive is that I know some people need a nudge to do something they want to anyway. And I remind them that, if they sign up later, they’ll just have to pay full price, so no big deal either way. I’m giving them an option and a choice to take it.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,953
Remember, for a mass-market campaign, your results will be 1 to 2 percent. If you’re selling from the stage, it could be five to 15 percent, and if you’re selling over the phone, it could be 25 to 75 percent.
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,040
In his book The War Of Art, Steven Pressfield says that ‘Madonna does not identify with “Madonna.” Madonna employs “Madonna.”’ I feel the same about ‘Lucky Bitch Denise.’ She works for me: the real Denise who makes mistakes, farts out loud, and is sometimes not very nice to her husband.
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,049
Sandy Forster, author of How to Be Wildly Wealthy Fast,
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,111
The person that you think you’ll become one day? You’re already that person.
This feels like a solid, basic book for beginners in the world of lifestyle business, but I've been doing this for a long time, and I still got a lot out of it. Good stuff.
Highlights:
I’m the biggest introvert in the world.
Yellow highlight | Location: 443
I no longer get hugely nervous when speaking on stage, and I don’t feel overwhelmed by meeting hundreds of people at events, because I know they aren’t showing up to see ‘me.’ They want to see a representation of themselves.
Yellow highlight | Location: 488
Lisa Lister’s amazing book Witch;
Yellow highlight | Location: 490
According to spiritual teacher Kimberly Jones, the Witch Wound is ‘the psychic scar in the collective consciousness that (mostly) women start to awaken to and feel deeply in their bodies as soon as they consider stepping into their power.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 575
‘To people making mean comments about my GG (Golden Globe) pics, I mos def cried about it on that private jet on my way to my dream job last night.’ ACTRESS GABOUREY SIDIBE
Yellow highlight | Location: 799
All these thoughts swirling around in my head cast a dark cloud over what should have been a day of celebration. (This is normal, by the way. I call it a ‘success hangover,’ which is when something that’s supposed to feel good has the opposite effect, and you feel weirdly guilty or bad.)
Yellow highlight | Location: 932
The idea behind personal development isn’t to change everything about yourself; it’s about polishing your true, inherent beauty.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,207
A few years ago, I won a business award and one of the runners-up (a guy) apparently said, ‘I can’t believe I lost to a blog!’ Ha, ha! Yeah, you did.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,252
Karly Nimmo owns the voice-over agency Killer Kopy (a service);
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,304
There are many things Chillpreneurs can learn from this story, and the first is that you are the Golden Goose. You can profit for a long time through your skills and talents, but not if you kill the source of your creativity.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,306
When Mark joined my business and saw what I’d created (a million-dollar turnover, despite my working part-time and half-assing everything), he concluded that, if we just worked harder, had more launches, and perfected everything, we’d make even more money! Let’s flog that Golden Goose! Not only did that kill my energy and enthusiasm for the business, it almost killed our marriage!
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,356
‘My Aunt Minnie would always be punctual and never hold up production, but who would pay to see my Aunt Minnie?’1 Marilyn brought the magic.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,371
The perfect example is marketing funnels. Most of my business is run on ‘placeholder’ marketing. As in: ‘I think this is total crap (it’s not), but I’ll leave it up until I create the “perfect version.”’ Most of my placeholders are still there years later – making money and helping people.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,420
It’s okay for you to make money with ease and flow. Honestly.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,422
The truth is that I work a lot, but I just don’t feel busy. It’s because every part of my business and life is set up to help me thrive.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,452
But what you’ve invested is never a waste. You can learn from any business ‘failure.’ The bigger waste would be to stick with something out of stubbornness or fear and never find your true calling.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,784
You’re not an idiot. You can figure out how to write and publish an e-book, and you can research the steps for creating an e-course; it’s not rocket science, but if you’re still not doing it, why not? Because you have an underlying belief that you have to work hard to earn money.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,845
EXERCISE: WHAT CAN I OFFER? In your journal or in a conversation with an entrepreneurial friend, answer these questions:
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,952
Find Your Chillpreneur Team The most straightforward approach is to ask people you know, advertise in your own newsletter, or post in your business networking group. Don’t overcomplicate this.
Yellow highlight | Location: 1,967
EXERCISE: GET DELEGATING
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,568
It’s normal to feel nervous, so always remind yourself that it’s okay to make money doing what you love. You’re allowed to be successful, charge more than others in your industry, and have a wildly profitable business.
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,756
Script #1 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,766
Script #2 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,774
Script #3 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,780
Script #4 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 2,785
Script #5 for a Brain-Picker
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,302
Same with dogs. Have you ever tried to chase a dog that doesn’t want to be caught? It’s frustrating. But if you give up and lie down on the grass, it can’t help itself: it’ll run over and lick your face. Reminder: find the path of least resistance.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,406
Knock on a dozen doors, and the universe will knock on 1,000 for you.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,703
book coach: ‘I help people write the best book they can, so they can reach more people and make more money.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,737
My best sales technique has been to say, ‘I have this thing that could help. Here’s how you can get this thing.’ For example, ‘I have a Money Bootcamp that could help you with your money blocks; here’s where you sign up.’
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,812
If you’re interested in the statistics, the normal 1 percent of people buy the Manifesting Course, but a whopping 20 percent of those people upgrade to the Money Bootcamp at $2,000. Trust me: it’s worth making the offer!
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,846
openly tell customers that the reason I offer an incentive is that I know some people need a nudge to do something they want to anyway. And I remind them that, if they sign up later, they’ll just have to pay full price, so no big deal either way. I’m giving them an option and a choice to take it.
Yellow highlight | Location: 3,953
Remember, for a mass-market campaign, your results will be 1 to 2 percent. If you’re selling from the stage, it could be five to 15 percent, and if you’re selling over the phone, it could be 25 to 75 percent.
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,040
In his book The War Of Art, Steven Pressfield says that ‘Madonna does not identify with “Madonna.” Madonna employs “Madonna.”’ I feel the same about ‘Lucky Bitch Denise.’ She works for me: the real Denise who makes mistakes, farts out loud, and is sometimes not very nice to her husband.
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,049
Sandy Forster, author of How to Be Wildly Wealthy Fast,
Yellow highlight | Location: 4,111
The person that you think you’ll become one day? You’re already that person.
March 29, 2020
This book breaks it down for every man or woman who wants to start a business but might feel overwhelmed. For example, Denise's definitions are very easy to follow: Marketing - Share information and make offers. Her explanation of her own success - I half-assed it all the way to a million dollars. Her cool attitude about taxes - giving back. All in all, listening to Denise's cheerful book helped me think I had a friend in the business, who is possibly less disorganized than myself, and if she can do it, so can I. Recommended. I will be reading it again. My rating - 4.5
December 30, 2021
I was grateful to see DDT speak in NYC a few years ago and enrolled in her Money Bootcamp course that night. Her energy and passion radiates throughout this book, too. Loved the bit at the end about legacy and grandmothers
June 14, 2021
"Good news, you don't have to decapitate her!"
That was it, I was sold. Working in a competitive marketplace I suffer from massive comparison and money blocks. Such a refreshing and fun read...actually listen. If you have an accent, it's going to be a good book in that regard alone.
I'm a teacherpreneur by definition and finding books that relate to our business are hard to come by. Even though her audience is COMPLETELY different, I felt I could actually implement some strategies. My goal is to start doing less of the tasks I hate and more of the tasks I love.
That was it, I was sold. Working in a competitive marketplace I suffer from massive comparison and money blocks. Such a refreshing and fun read...actually listen. If you have an accent, it's going to be a good book in that regard alone.
I'm a teacherpreneur by definition and finding books that relate to our business are hard to come by. Even though her audience is COMPLETELY different, I felt I could actually implement some strategies. My goal is to start doing less of the tasks I hate and more of the tasks I love.
September 7, 2019
Overall I found the book had some valuable tips but there were a few aspects that I didn't like as much. I think a more accurate title for the book would be Money Mindset Advice for Female Entrepreneurs. As a wellness coach and personal trainer who is looking to market himself I found the mindset advice and tips useful. It's important to value what you do, charge a fair rate (fair to you and your clients) and not be afraid to make money using your skills. I didn't know that this was written specifically for women before I bought it but found it useful despite that. I totally support empowering women to be financially and vocationally successful but as a male reader I wish she had been more inclusive.
The book seemed overly focused on fears around marketing yourself and making money, constantly referenced manifesting and the writing style, while conversational and fun, seemed unfocused and lacked concise, clear direction. It was so focused on mindset and positive thinking that there were hardly any actionable, practical steps. The book would've felt more balanced if she had more practical advice to balance the positive psychology. Overall the book is good but be aware that there's a lot of fluff (believe in yourself! Manifest your dreams! etc.) and repetition. However, if you're looking for an easy read about having a more positive and success focused mindset for working as a female entrepreneur then you'll probably enjoy this title. Just don't expect it to be as practical or revolutionary as the 4 hour workweek.
The book seemed overly focused on fears around marketing yourself and making money, constantly referenced manifesting and the writing style, while conversational and fun, seemed unfocused and lacked concise, clear direction. It was so focused on mindset and positive thinking that there were hardly any actionable, practical steps. The book would've felt more balanced if she had more practical advice to balance the positive psychology. Overall the book is good but be aware that there's a lot of fluff (believe in yourself! Manifest your dreams! etc.) and repetition. However, if you're looking for an easy read about having a more positive and success focused mindset for working as a female entrepreneur then you'll probably enjoy this title. Just don't expect it to be as practical or revolutionary as the 4 hour workweek.
January 27, 2020
Ok, so I tried to finish this but in the end I just couldn't. I really want to believe the hype about DDT but I don't. She is wildly successful because she sells an idea that everyone can achieve success without stress and overwork. Although she may live like that now, she couldn't be where she is without the things that made her and that includes stress and overworking.
If you believe her message then this book is a fun and easy read with lots of interesting food for thought and instagrammable messages. If you don't buy into this kind of business lifestyle message then I'd say just pass on this book.
If you believe her message then this book is a fun and easy read with lots of interesting food for thought and instagrammable messages. If you don't buy into this kind of business lifestyle message then I'd say just pass on this book.
August 18, 2019
- Not a bad book...Quick and easy...Denise Duffield Thomas usually has a succinct, casual style.
- There are a few good strategies in there, but if you are expecting in-depth tips about execution or instructions on how to run your business, this book isn't it.
- I think I actually prefer her previous book, actually, "Lucky B and how to life a first class life", as there were more tips and tricks in there that I found useful.
- There are a few good strategies in there, but if you are expecting in-depth tips about execution or instructions on how to run your business, this book isn't it.
- I think I actually prefer her previous book, actually, "Lucky B and how to life a first class life", as there were more tips and tricks in there that I found useful.
March 6, 2020
This book was recommended to me when I mentioned to one of my business coaches that I'm "anti-hustle." She said "Then you'll love Chillpreneur!" And she was right!
While Denise's mindset advice is brilliant, she also gives practical, actionable tips for running a virtual business to create a life of more chill. I highlighted many sections and now will go back and implement what I've learned!
While Denise's mindset advice is brilliant, she also gives practical, actionable tips for running a virtual business to create a life of more chill. I highlighted many sections and now will go back and implement what I've learned!
September 26, 2020
The writer is actually an introvert which leads to a business perspective I really appreciated reading. Her book is also a nice break from dude-bro business books which mostly just say 'hustle more,' or even business books by well meaning men whose journey to success stories aren't that relatable.
Also great: her book has actual suggestions and scripts you can use. It will be most helpful for someone with a service style business, but I still found it useful.
Also great: her book has actual suggestions and scripts you can use. It will be most helpful for someone with a service style business, but I still found it useful.
March 10, 2019
A great book for entrepreneurs
I am a huge fan of Denise. I loved this book because I get caught in the “if I’m not working hard, I can’t earn money”. This book tells me to chill the eff out. The strategies I can implement in my business as a writer. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
I am a huge fan of Denise. I loved this book because I get caught in the “if I’m not working hard, I can’t earn money”. This book tells me to chill the eff out. The strategies I can implement in my business as a writer. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
September 22, 2021
I bought this immediately after finishing 'Get rich lucky bitch' but I didn't love it as much as I loved that book.
To be fair though, I don't have much of a business at the moment. I think if you are further into the entrepreneur thing you'll get a lot of value from this and it may be a book that I revisit later on.
To be fair though, I don't have much of a business at the moment. I think if you are further into the entrepreneur thing you'll get a lot of value from this and it may be a book that I revisit later on.
May 24, 2020
A very interesting book that helped me changed my perception about money and business. I have to read to for a second time though cause there is a lot in there and if you don't implement while reading you can loose a lot of important tips and info.
July 5, 2020
Maybe I'd have got more out of this if it was relevant to my family business (running a shop), but it was more aimed at people who are just starting out and who have clients rather than customers. It is mostly about mindset rather than practical tips.
September 14, 2019
The exercises in this book are very impactful. Wonderful book!!
May 26, 2023
A must read for anyone considering going into business for themselves! I only wish I read this book 10 years ago before I started my business. Denise gives some great tips about how to get what you want by sacrificing as little of yourself as possible. I love that she also addresses that just because you make good money, you don’t have to spend it on extravagant things. I can use that extra money to support local businesses. I can buy good food whenever I want. I can have flexibility in my life.
For me, I used my youth to enter the housing game. By staying in one place and filling my house with roommates, I was later able to pay off and rent it out in order to have money coming in. Then I went to massage school and opened a spa. To this day I continue to do massage therapy because it still suits all my needs. It quiet place to go that gets me out of the house for a few hours out of the day and in return, I get to choose my path with the rest of the time I have. I prioritize friends and family. It’s always been a goal of mine to get to the point where I have enough money coming in from other sources that I can choose to work or to not. They are calling that FI (financial independence) as in the FI in F.I.R.E.
From her book:
Denise writes- “Millions of woman throughout history have been burned, drowned, hanged, burned, tortured or enslaved for their beliefs or just for being born a girl.”
Me- Women got the right to vote relatively recently. So it makes sense that this world feels like it’s in transition. I even notice a huge difference between television today and television programs from 10 years ago. I see a ton mostly white male leads with every other comment towards a female being about her appearance….no f*ing wonder we all have issues with our bodies. It’s been drilled into us from television that we are nothing but something to observe and stay silent unless spoken to. but with the help of books like these and brave women who put themselves out there now for future generations to witness, things are slowly changing.
Denise: “I use a pattern-interrupting mantra for this purpose: ‘I serve, I deserve.’ It helps me remember that giving and recieving is a virtuous circle and that it is safe for me to make money helping others.”
Me- She asks us to list our top three strengths. Here are mine which are similar to hers
1. I take action quickly
2. Don’t need a lot of preparation to get started
3. Empathetic- can see the issues from both sides.
She recommends tips such as a car with keyless entry, making sure all 4 digit pins are the same number, phone chargers for every room in the house, electric front door locks. Pretty much- if you can automate things you do every day and make them simple, you will save a lot of time. Enter the AI era…coming soon. We will be seeing much easier automation in the next 10 years. But will people actually use that extra time to rest and replenish their souls? Probably not but tbd.
“I regularly ask myself these important questions: What’s feeling bad right now? What do I want instead.”
“The most significant mistake people make in both internet dating and marketing their business is being too passive.”
“Micro-commitments! When you have available clients, ask them to commit to you in very small ways.”
Me- She suggests having them wait with a foot bath and magazine while you wrap up another client, or offer chips and salsa while they are waiting in the lobby. Magazines, anything that will keep them there with you.
“If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”
For me, I used my youth to enter the housing game. By staying in one place and filling my house with roommates, I was later able to pay off and rent it out in order to have money coming in. Then I went to massage school and opened a spa. To this day I continue to do massage therapy because it still suits all my needs. It quiet place to go that gets me out of the house for a few hours out of the day and in return, I get to choose my path with the rest of the time I have. I prioritize friends and family. It’s always been a goal of mine to get to the point where I have enough money coming in from other sources that I can choose to work or to not. They are calling that FI (financial independence) as in the FI in F.I.R.E.
From her book:
Denise writes- “Millions of woman throughout history have been burned, drowned, hanged, burned, tortured or enslaved for their beliefs or just for being born a girl.”
Me- Women got the right to vote relatively recently. So it makes sense that this world feels like it’s in transition. I even notice a huge difference between television today and television programs from 10 years ago. I see a ton mostly white male leads with every other comment towards a female being about her appearance….no f*ing wonder we all have issues with our bodies. It’s been drilled into us from television that we are nothing but something to observe and stay silent unless spoken to. but with the help of books like these and brave women who put themselves out there now for future generations to witness, things are slowly changing.
Denise: “I use a pattern-interrupting mantra for this purpose: ‘I serve, I deserve.’ It helps me remember that giving and recieving is a virtuous circle and that it is safe for me to make money helping others.”
Me- She asks us to list our top three strengths. Here are mine which are similar to hers
1. I take action quickly
2. Don’t need a lot of preparation to get started
3. Empathetic- can see the issues from both sides.
She recommends tips such as a car with keyless entry, making sure all 4 digit pins are the same number, phone chargers for every room in the house, electric front door locks. Pretty much- if you can automate things you do every day and make them simple, you will save a lot of time. Enter the AI era…coming soon. We will be seeing much easier automation in the next 10 years. But will people actually use that extra time to rest and replenish their souls? Probably not but tbd.
“I regularly ask myself these important questions: What’s feeling bad right now? What do I want instead.”
“The most significant mistake people make in both internet dating and marketing their business is being too passive.”
“Micro-commitments! When you have available clients, ask them to commit to you in very small ways.”
Me- She suggests having them wait with a foot bath and magazine while you wrap up another client, or offer chips and salsa while they are waiting in the lobby. Magazines, anything that will keep them there with you.
“If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”
May 18, 2023
CHILLPRENEUR is exactly what I needed at the exact time that I needed it. I was feeling stagnant in my business, and at a point where I was so busy trying to juggle everything that I lost sight of why I opened my doors in the first place.
Denise's writing style is incredibly approachable and honest. It's clear that she speaks from a place of confidence, and she's essentially sharing what's worked for her. What I admired about this book is that, in true Chillpreneur fashion, she lays out her strategies and says take what fits for you and if you don't like the rest, well that's okay but it doesn't have very much to do with me.
Where I think the book excels is in its money mindsets, and its use of prompts to help immediately action the strategies, particularly those around marketing and people's fear around money. The book was chock-full of insights and I know this is a work that I'll be pulling off my bookshelf to reference often.
So many business books are geared towards men and completely disregard experiences and responsibilities such as balancing a family, the unseen labor of women (which we can't unsee), and the power structures that quietly shift the landscape in which we're operating. CHILLPRENEUR is very much a book by a woman, geared towards women, and I found that both extremely comforting and relieving. I felt seen in so many ways, and I'm eternally grateful for it.
That being said, I did feel like book felt entrenched in a white woman perspective. It felt like reading Sandberg's LEAN IN or Harts' THE MEMO, one that was geared towards "women" but really white women", and the other that was geared very intentionally towards black women. I never got my full Goldilocks moment of oh whew this fits. But, I'm a big proponent of not throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I'll take the discomfort if you give me gems, and this books has gems aplenty.
I've recommended this to a few friends already (with the caveat I just mentioned) and I'll continue to recommend it to a few more.
This work allowed me to level set my business, take a lot of the stress off that I was putting on myself, have a clear plan of action going forward, and most importantly it shifted my mindset and reminded me that its okay to want to be successful in business and still live a soft life of ease and flow.
Full ratings below:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Gender Representation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Race Representation: ⭐⭐/5
Ability Representation: N/A
Queer Representation: N/A
100% would recommend.
A bit about me:
I'm a South Asian diversity adviser, writer, and activist, whose work is rooted in the cross-section of storytelling and activism. In a nutshell, I help writers write about lived experiences outside of their own.
I guide my clients in shaping diverse characters and authentic stories so they can reach wider audiences, tell more impactful narratives, and be more confident when writing stories that veer from the communities they're familiar with. No one wants to be canceled and no one wants to lose the trust of their readers. Luckily you don't have to.
If you're interested in scheduling a free consultation, you can find me here: Website I Instagram I Medium I Twitter
Denise's writing style is incredibly approachable and honest. It's clear that she speaks from a place of confidence, and she's essentially sharing what's worked for her. What I admired about this book is that, in true Chillpreneur fashion, she lays out her strategies and says take what fits for you and if you don't like the rest, well that's okay but it doesn't have very much to do with me.
Where I think the book excels is in its money mindsets, and its use of prompts to help immediately action the strategies, particularly those around marketing and people's fear around money. The book was chock-full of insights and I know this is a work that I'll be pulling off my bookshelf to reference often.
So many business books are geared towards men and completely disregard experiences and responsibilities such as balancing a family, the unseen labor of women (which we can't unsee), and the power structures that quietly shift the landscape in which we're operating. CHILLPRENEUR is very much a book by a woman, geared towards women, and I found that both extremely comforting and relieving. I felt seen in so many ways, and I'm eternally grateful for it.
That being said, I did feel like book felt entrenched in a white woman perspective. It felt like reading Sandberg's LEAN IN or Harts' THE MEMO, one that was geared towards "women" but really white women", and the other that was geared very intentionally towards black women. I never got my full Goldilocks moment of oh whew this fits. But, I'm a big proponent of not throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I'll take the discomfort if you give me gems, and this books has gems aplenty.
I've recommended this to a few friends already (with the caveat I just mentioned) and I'll continue to recommend it to a few more.
This work allowed me to level set my business, take a lot of the stress off that I was putting on myself, have a clear plan of action going forward, and most importantly it shifted my mindset and reminded me that its okay to want to be successful in business and still live a soft life of ease and flow.
Full ratings below:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Gender Representation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Race Representation: ⭐⭐/5
Ability Representation: N/A
Queer Representation: N/A
100% would recommend.
A bit about me:
I'm a South Asian diversity adviser, writer, and activist, whose work is rooted in the cross-section of storytelling and activism. In a nutshell, I help writers write about lived experiences outside of their own.
I guide my clients in shaping diverse characters and authentic stories so they can reach wider audiences, tell more impactful narratives, and be more confident when writing stories that veer from the communities they're familiar with. No one wants to be canceled and no one wants to lose the trust of their readers. Luckily you don't have to.
If you're interested in scheduling a free consultation, you can find me here: Website I Instagram I Medium I Twitter
March 29, 2019
Get your CHILL "on" in life and biz. An awesome read
Hustling so hard you burn your light out has never appealed to me as a particularly awesome way to live. Yet, a high octane lifestyle celebrating sleep deprivation (come on people when I get a solid 7 hours sleep I feel like I’ve won the lottery, my energy is SEXY, and I’m a better human to my people), like some screwy badge of honour is often what is pushed upon folk as the only way to “get after it,” and get what you want out of life.
The awesome Denise shows us another way in her latest read, the way of a Chillpreneur, and I ADORE it and this woman – her way of working/ creating in a world fake leadership is refreshingly REAL, accessible and down to earth.
Divided into Four Parts, Mindset, Business Models, Money, and Marketing, so much ground is covered in this high impact book! Denise helps you find your chill when you crash into obstacles and your belief account is drained of funds. You know those times where you want to take out a “belief loan” at the Bank just to borrow some belief until you one day wake up and CHOOSE TO BELIEVE because …
People want your magic, not perfectionism
There’s so much I LOVED about this book! Running a biz or a side hustle sounds very complicated, and blow up the difficulty setting HARD, we’re talkin EPIC LEVEL HARD PEOPLE yet I adore how Denise shows us how seductively uncomplicated it can be if you CHOOSE it.
The mindset hacks for achieving greater abundance and chill were so good, and her ability to batch and schedule the content she creates ahead of time is FREEDOM! Batching videos, social media content, tasks (i.e emails) is such an awesome time and freedom hack - Denise does suggest no more than 6 months ahead though or else you’lll infect what you’ve created with STALE O RAMA vibes and you’ll fade to beige in terms of attraction. What a great way to honour and conserve your sexy energy for the truly important. When you’re running on spiky mania, panic and pure adrenaline you’ll get IT done sure, but at what cost? What will you miss? It’s like those people I see shovelling food into the big hole in their face MINDLESSLY. Robotic. Automatic. No magic. From a place of CHILL you bring ALL OF YOUR On FIREYAH WITH PURPOSE ENERGY into what you are creating which is more than a little bit awesome.
Denise reminds us that:
There are people less qualified than you doing the things you want to do simply because they decided to believe in themselves. Period. UNKNOWN
Top three things I'll be APPLYING from this awesome book
- The mindset hacks on BELIEF and earning what you are worth (her work on money blocks is crazy good!)
- Batch it baby! Creating some content ahead of time sounds like a good way to get my chill on, and find freedom. YAY!
- The Five Essentials for a Chillpreneur Biz - Chapter 7
Hustling so hard you burn your light out has never appealed to me as a particularly awesome way to live. Yet, a high octane lifestyle celebrating sleep deprivation (come on people when I get a solid 7 hours sleep I feel like I’ve won the lottery, my energy is SEXY, and I’m a better human to my people), like some screwy badge of honour is often what is pushed upon folk as the only way to “get after it,” and get what you want out of life.
The awesome Denise shows us another way in her latest read, the way of a Chillpreneur, and I ADORE it and this woman – her way of working/ creating in a world fake leadership is refreshingly REAL, accessible and down to earth.
Divided into Four Parts, Mindset, Business Models, Money, and Marketing, so much ground is covered in this high impact book! Denise helps you find your chill when you crash into obstacles and your belief account is drained of funds. You know those times where you want to take out a “belief loan” at the Bank just to borrow some belief until you one day wake up and CHOOSE TO BELIEVE because …
People want your magic, not perfectionism
There’s so much I LOVED about this book! Running a biz or a side hustle sounds very complicated, and blow up the difficulty setting HARD, we’re talkin EPIC LEVEL HARD PEOPLE yet I adore how Denise shows us how seductively uncomplicated it can be if you CHOOSE it.
The mindset hacks for achieving greater abundance and chill were so good, and her ability to batch and schedule the content she creates ahead of time is FREEDOM! Batching videos, social media content, tasks (i.e emails) is such an awesome time and freedom hack - Denise does suggest no more than 6 months ahead though or else you’lll infect what you’ve created with STALE O RAMA vibes and you’ll fade to beige in terms of attraction. What a great way to honour and conserve your sexy energy for the truly important. When you’re running on spiky mania, panic and pure adrenaline you’ll get IT done sure, but at what cost? What will you miss? It’s like those people I see shovelling food into the big hole in their face MINDLESSLY. Robotic. Automatic. No magic. From a place of CHILL you bring ALL OF YOUR On FIREYAH WITH PURPOSE ENERGY into what you are creating which is more than a little bit awesome.
Denise reminds us that:
There are people less qualified than you doing the things you want to do simply because they decided to believe in themselves. Period. UNKNOWN
Top three things I'll be APPLYING from this awesome book
- The mindset hacks on BELIEF and earning what you are worth (her work on money blocks is crazy good!)
- Batch it baby! Creating some content ahead of time sounds like a good way to get my chill on, and find freedom. YAY!
- The Five Essentials for a Chillpreneur Biz - Chapter 7
June 9, 2021
This was squeed over by Rachael Herron, and then I saw it at my local library. Neat! And wait, the author is an Aussie! Should have guessed from the cover, eh?
I liked her 'voice' and she has some great ideas about marketing, and gives you the scripts to use when you face a new situation.
Women, especially, get derailed by fear and comparisons with others. She says deal with your money mindset and the rest will work out.
She is pretty honest about her own situation; she can do a bit of the 'manifest' thing but says you can light all the candles you like but if you don't do the work, it isn't going to happen. Do the work AND light the candle. What have you got to lose?
And there's a lot of science to suggest our brains go where they are pointed, so if you imagine / dream your ideal future it at least gets your brain pointed in the right direction. Ten steps in ten different directions, gets you nowhere.
4 stars
I liked her 'voice' and she has some great ideas about marketing, and gives you the scripts to use when you face a new situation.
“The weird thing is that, when normal, inevitable challenges come up – like a refund request – some people not only fall down, they launch themselves down a snake/chute and refuse to play the game again, convinced they’re a failure. They quit, or remain paralyzed by fear, shame, and indecision for years.”
Women, especially, get derailed by fear and comparisons with others. She says deal with your money mindset and the rest will work out.
She is pretty honest about her own situation; she can do a bit of the 'manifest' thing but says you can light all the candles you like but if you don't do the work, it isn't going to happen. Do the work AND light the candle. What have you got to lose?
And there's a lot of science to suggest our brains go where they are pointed, so if you imagine / dream your ideal future it at least gets your brain pointed in the right direction. Ten steps in ten different directions, gets you nowhere.
4 stars
May 30, 2020
This book could change your life. I say could and not will because it all depends on you applying what you learn.
Having started a marketing business in February, this book was perfect. I didn’t know what to expect but was drawn in on the idea of being able to establish a work-life balance at a time that I felt like I was doing a lot of work for not much gain.
Well, from the get go I fell in love. I feel like it was packed with such practical advice that I really needed to hear right now. It had the perfect balance between woo-woo spiritual mindset ideas and actual actionable tips to implement.
I read it much slower than normal because I wanted to focus on the exercises and really let each chapter sink in. The practical exercises at the end of each chapter are so good and I would recommend downloading and completing the accompanying workbook!
Would I recommend? YES! A must read for any business owner or blogger!
Having started a marketing business in February, this book was perfect. I didn’t know what to expect but was drawn in on the idea of being able to establish a work-life balance at a time that I felt like I was doing a lot of work for not much gain.
Well, from the get go I fell in love. I feel like it was packed with such practical advice that I really needed to hear right now. It had the perfect balance between woo-woo spiritual mindset ideas and actual actionable tips to implement.
I read it much slower than normal because I wanted to focus on the exercises and really let each chapter sink in. The practical exercises at the end of each chapter are so good and I would recommend downloading and completing the accompanying workbook!
Would I recommend? YES! A must read for any business owner or blogger!
May 2, 2021
I definitely preferred Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, but this one was still really good! Reinforced a lot of my own approach to business, and I like the way the author provides chapter summaries, guided questions, and encouraging reframes/mindset shifts.
The sections with templates/scripts for different aspects of business could have been moved to an Appendix at the end, as they would only be relevant for specific situations. I found myself skipping past those parts, and in some ways, because they were slotted right into the middle of a chapter, they detracted a bit from the mindset work that the book focuses on. But all in all, this was a solid resource that a lot of entrepreneurs could benefit from reading.
The sections with templates/scripts for different aspects of business could have been moved to an Appendix at the end, as they would only be relevant for specific situations. I found myself skipping past those parts, and in some ways, because they were slotted right into the middle of a chapter, they detracted a bit from the mindset work that the book focuses on. But all in all, this was a solid resource that a lot of entrepreneurs could benefit from reading.
May 9, 2021
Denise Duffield-Thomas is a delightful, inspirational guide to entrepreneurism. She unabashedly shares her delight in her own successes and mistakes along with her delight in helping others experience the same, but on their own terms. She understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to creating a business, but that there are certain tips and principles which can help anyone. Reading her book is like an extended coffee date with your super-successful best friend who thinks that you can be equally successful and she's going to help you make it happen.
I'm also a fan of her "Get Rich, Lucky Bitch"!
I'm also a fan of her "Get Rich, Lucky Bitch"!
August 12, 2021
Stars, I feel SEEN by this book! :O
I figured I'd probably learn something, but I didn't think it'd make me cry in the first few pages o.o
This has changed how I view and approach my author business. I read the ebook, but I took so much away from it that I'll be buying the paperback, too, so I can read it all again, cry some more, and highlight a few/a lot of things.
If you're a woman who wants to have any kind of business, you should read this. It's been a breakthrough for my mindset, and I'm grateful that I found it when I did. Thank you, Denise, for writing it. I and my business are already more chill.
I figured I'd probably learn something, but I didn't think it'd make me cry in the first few pages o.o
This has changed how I view and approach my author business. I read the ebook, but I took so much away from it that I'll be buying the paperback, too, so I can read it all again, cry some more, and highlight a few/a lot of things.
If you're a woman who wants to have any kind of business, you should read this. It's been a breakthrough for my mindset, and I'm grateful that I found it when I did. Thank you, Denise, for writing it. I and my business are already more chill.
February 6, 2020
Chillpreneur eroaa paljon muista yrittäjyysaiheisista kirjoista - hyvällä tavalla. Sen sijaan että paasattaisiin, kuinka on pakko herätä aamulla klo 5 ja tehdä kovasti töitä menestyäkseen, tämä kirja neuvoo löytämään fiksumman (ja itselle sopivamman) tavan työskennellä, karsimaan pois turhia aika- ja vaivasyöppöjä ja näyttää miten tehdä elämästä kitkattomampaa, kuitenkaan tuloista karsimatta.
Idea siis kiteytettynä: Miten luot arkesi niin, että siinä on mahdollisimman vähän vastustusta.
Ps. Jos Gary Vaynerchukin paasaukset vaadittavan työn määrästä saavat sinut ahdistumaan, lue tämä!
Idea siis kiteytettynä: Miten luot arkesi niin, että siinä on mahdollisimman vähän vastustusta.
Ps. Jos Gary Vaynerchukin paasaukset vaadittavan työn määrästä saavat sinut ahdistumaan, lue tämä!
April 28, 2020
There are so many things I loved about this book.
It is perfect for the newish entrepreneur as it covers a lot of ground including topics that you don't get in other books about money mindset and other mental roadblocks that you may find thrown in your way. The essential message is that starting and owning a business doesn't have to be difficult, which is a reassuring thought.
On top of busting through your mental roadblocks, it's also chalk full of useful and tactical advice on business ownership and marketing, and full of funny anecdotes that will keep the pages turning along the way.
It is perfect for the newish entrepreneur as it covers a lot of ground including topics that you don't get in other books about money mindset and other mental roadblocks that you may find thrown in your way. The essential message is that starting and owning a business doesn't have to be difficult, which is a reassuring thought.
On top of busting through your mental roadblocks, it's also chalk full of useful and tactical advice on business ownership and marketing, and full of funny anecdotes that will keep the pages turning along the way.
October 20, 2020
Loved this book. Love Denise!! Lots of great useful stuff presented in a practical approach. Her business' doesn't completely align with mine, but there are great take-aways and some applicable info.
Progress Note about 60% through - I was really enjoying this up until the last little bit. Before it was broader. Now it's focusing on just those with personal coaching businesses, so it's a little bit harder to relate when my businesses are very much service & product oriented. But I really really like the author and I find her amusing, engaging & charming."
Progress Note about 60% through - I was really enjoying this up until the last little bit. Before it was broader. Now it's focusing on just those with personal coaching businesses, so it's a little bit harder to relate when my businesses are very much service & product oriented. But I really really like the author and I find her amusing, engaging & charming."
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