Bootstrapped Millionaire: Defying The Odds Of Business Hardcover

by Tim T. Mercer

The Age Of Opportunity Is Now Growing up in poverty-stricken rural South Carolina, Tim Mercer wasn’t exactly set up for entrepreneurial success. Despite the odds stacked against him, he would go on to found the technology consulting business Intelibox, growing the company to a multimillion-dollar business. But Bootstrapped Millionaire is not only the true rags-to-riches story of one man’s life; it’s also an inspirational guide to budding entrepreneurs hoping to reach similar heights. Follow along as Tim explains the Three Phases of Entrepreneurship (Independent Consulting, Small Business Ownership, Public Corporation), with practical advice to apply no matter where you are on your own entrepreneurial journey. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to start your own business, but it will take commitment, strategy, and financial literacy in order to succeed.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2020

Reviews

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Your mindset and work ethic can overcome the disadvantages you’ll face’

Georgia author Tim T Mercer is the founder of Intellibox, the renowned technology consulting business that provides information security training, consulting, and digital solutions to government agencies, corporations, and small businesses. In this his first book he explains his journey from a childhood of poverty to becoming a hugely successful entrepreneur millionaire!

In his introductory comments Tim draws our attention to the contemporary situation we face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism and police brutality, and abysmal business climate, and adds ‘The economic climate of today is filed with fear and uncertainty. Corporate job security is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Going to school, getting a good job, and working twenty years for the same company is not a reality anymore. We must learn how to chart our own path, overcome fear, disrupt the status quo, and defy the odds.’ He then offers his personal history – ‘‘Despite the overwhelming challenges I faced, through the help of God, I was able to get out of that environment by serving in the military and later graduating college with valedictorian and summa cum laude honors.’

In sharing his motivation and insights and hindsights about determination and all the values he has experienced, Tim has created one of the finest and most honest resources for overcoming obstacles in striving to achieve success in business as well as in life. This manner of following his footsteps not only inspires but also instructs all of us how to succeed. Given the opening climate challenges he so thoughtfully places before the reader, Tim substantiates how with discipline, creativity, imagination, and ingenuity, the possibility of starting a new business - and accomplishing that goal – is accessible. His plan for entrepreneurship progresses from independent consulting to small business ownership to becoming a public corporation, delivered in honest terms that serve as a standard available to everyone no matter their origin handicaps and seemingly impassable barricades. ‘Try the things you want, even the things you seem to fear the most. Do everything in your power to take a chance on yourself and your ideas, and you’ll find out just how successful you can be.’ ‘Follow your principles and persist in times of failure…We can all be better. We can all have more. Start by doing a little more today than you did yesterday, and then do it again tomorrow. It will change your life. I know it changed mine.’

Not only is this a business lesson from a wise man; it also serves as a standard bearer for a satisfying life. Very highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Mercer gives us his success story. From an unlikely childhood into wealth and prosperity, Mr. Mercer built his wealth through out of the box thinking and an independent streak that pushed him to go even further, and not accept the status quo. In this book, he tells us his story and with it lays the groundwork for up and coming entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance from those who have come before.
Well written and inspirational for those looking to start a new business, or even those who are established but hitting some rough patches in the road. I was able to connect with Mr. Mercers’ story, I too served in the military and it helped pay my way through college and I now own a small business myself. I think that the story is important, almost as important as the guidance on how to build something and the mindset needed. People do better when they have a goal they are striving for.

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my point of view, “Bootstrapped Millionaire” can be defined as an inspirational memoir of its author, Tim T. Mercer.

Based on his own experiences, Mercer defines the three phases of entrepreneurship (Independent Consulting, Small Business Ownership, Public Corporation). But beyond conceptual definitions, I think that the aim is to motivate entrepreneurs to overcome tough circumstances, fears, and challenges. This book really made me understand the importance of sheer determination and hard work to get over disadvantages. I totally agreed with the author that a positive mindset and strong work ethic will make everything possible!

This is a useful guide not only for business people, but for everyone who wants to achieve personal goals. So I strongly recommend it for all kind of readers

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the author explains a “Bootstrapped Millionaire” is not someone who wakes up one day decided to be rich and achieves it magically. To become a millionaire or simply to succeed in any business, hard work, determination and effort are needed. In this fascinating book, the author, Tim T. Mercer shares his personal experience of self-growth and success in a straightforward and simple manner. I am not an expert in finance and business. However, I found this work very interesting and easy to understand. Telling his life story, the writer inspired me from the first pages. In the introduction, he included examples of well-known people such as Disney and Edison, who started their careers with rejections and succeeded due to their sheer determination which allowed them to show their intelligence and capacity. I really liked to read those examples as well as Mercer’s experiences.

[Susel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy when I finished reading this captivating and inspirational book written by Tim T. Mercer, a very successful entrepreneur who through his work ethic overcame his many disadvantages in life and became a business leader. What I enjoyed the most about this book is that the author shares insights and strategies from his own experiences in life to help others succeed, and that is what makes this book so fascinating.
I think Mercer wrote this book to inspire and motivate the reader to achieve their goals in the business world. Additionally, it is not just a book that grabbed my attention, it also provides useful and practical tools to actually help people succeed. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an entrepreneur and wants to succed in the business world!

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the start. Knowing that the author shares his own personal experience makes the read trustworthy. It is certainly an inspirational guide that provides advice to any type of entrepreneur, whether new or with certain experience.
It was written in the first person, making the read natural; reading it was if I was listening to the author speaking. In a few pages, because it is a short read, the author provides inspiration and hope and that is what I liked the most about the book.
The only criticism I am able to make is that at times the author makes things seem easier than they are because he has already walked through the path to success. But anyways, it is a very interesting view which I think will help me to reach my goals.

[Ivana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very useful mainly because it encourages you to try new approaches. “Bootstrapped Millionaire” is divided into seven clear chapters plus a very useful conclusion. Along the chapters, the author tells his own experience so I could notice that he is a person like me with the same difficulties and doubts.

This book was a solid choice for building and improving my economy elementary knowledge because I wanted something simple to read. I am not really inside this subject and I need everyday vocabulary to understand things clearly, and I found it. Moreover, it incorporates real-life examples along the parts, offering a relatable context for how the economy operates and how it affects the people who live within it, such as saving money and good financial management.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and helping book.

Even though some people are raised with little opportunities, it is important to be confident enough to change and consider other possibilities that might twist life. This is one of the reasons I decided to read “The Bootstrapped Millionaire” written by Tim T. Mercer; he tells the way he has succeeded during his life.
It is a practical and easy to follow reading since there are examples and explanations for every topic dealt. In my case, I learned a lot about finance and strategies to reach specific goals. Besides, I liked the way he put his own life as an example and told about what he has gone through. It is an admiring as well as inspiring life and book. I highly recommend it.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the life story of Tim Mercer, Bootstrapped Millionaire wants to prove that starting from the bottom and getting to the top is real and possible and it is, actually, the main motto of this book. Mercer grew up in poverty, but he is now earning millions thanks to a company he himself founded.
Seven chapters of inspirational prose, melded with money information on how to turn into an entrepreneur when the odds are against you, are the main ingredients of the book. It is extremely well-written and easy to follow.
I have found this book totally motivating for the time when I would like to set up a business or when I am at a standstill just looking for inspiration to get my working life together.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim T. Mercer wrote a very astute guide about entrepreneurship and how to maintain a successful experience along the way. Even though the book has some personal experiences, the author explains with details some very important aspects to keep in mind before going ahead with certain actions; he advises us when and how to proceed.

What I also liked was how raw and genuine his words were about his progress in life, where did he came from and how much it took him to reach his maximum and still, he grinds.

To sum up, I think it is a very suitable book for people involved in this industry and those who want to get inspired to accomplish any goals in mind.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Bootstrapped: Millionaire”, Tim T. Mercer highlights the fundamentals of money, how to start your own business and to succeed in it. Along the chapters, the author explains the Three Phases of Entrepreneurship and he also gives practical advice to apply no matter where people are on their own entrepreneurial journey.
I think this book is aimed mainly at individuals and families to apply in all their present and future financial decisions. This guide helped me to increase my wisdom about money management and how I can build a solid financial future. Without doubt, I would recommend this very interesting book.