Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works

by Melinda F. Emerson, Michael J. Critelli (Foreword)

"Melinda Emerson...will inspire you to pursue your own entrepreneurial vision."
—Marc H. Morial, President, National Urban League

Whether you're newly unemployed, sick of office life and longing for a change, or just want to finally turn your business idea into reality, you can follow your dream and make your passion your profession. Drawing on her experience as founder of an award-winning production company, Melinda F. Emerson shows you how in this practical month-by-month guide to getting your business off the ground.

Inside, you'll find the timetable and steps you need to take to become a successful CEO of your own venture,

Month 1: Meet with potential venture capitalists
Month 3: Set a one-year marketing budget
Month 5: Select a logo
Month 9: Purchase customer relationship management software
Month 11: Prepare your launch day press release

Next year at this time, you could be calling the shots at your dream job. You supply the energy, an idea, and elbow grease—and this book will supply the plan.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship, Startup, Reference, Buisness, Self Help

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Melinda Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book, for all those people who hate their job and want to start a business. There must be a profit center in your passion. This is not a book about writing a business plan, it's a book about starting a successful small business.

I hope people enjoy reading it. It was a labor of love

[Erick Corona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to start a small business.

[Casey · Rating 1 out of 5]

So dissappointing Don't let the title or her cover fool you. If this is your first foray into self-business, you will probably be overwhelmed by "every little darn thing". If you have read a few other books, you will be bored. She tries to say it is a nice formula for what to do each month before starting you business, but it is just a selling point and I doubt it would work for anyone in real life.
If you are serious about perhaps starting your own business, I would highly recommemd,
HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN by Mike McKeever This was one of the first business books I read and even if you don't want to write a business plan, it has tons of helpful stuff and things you might never think of on your own. Very helpful.
I don't know who Melinda Emerson is, according to her she is "the" small business lady, but her book read like a droll outline with very little useful information at all. Pass it by and get other business books!!!!!

[Leora Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melinda Emerson's book is definitely one of the better business books I have read. She goes over many of the tasks one must do as a small business person. As someone who has already started a business, there were marketing checklists that I should really complete for my own business strategics. Much of the book was geared more toward products, brick-and-mortar businesses and businesses with a small staff than freelancers or technical service businesses, but there is much to gleam from her knowledge. I enjoyed her relating of her own experiences and learning about her supportive family.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a decent read. The most enlightening parts for me were the chapters on social media and marketing. Best for people who want to start a small business, but not necessarily a startup looking to scale quickly.

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only downside I find about this book, despite being so US-financially centred, is that most people that want to start their own businesses don’t actually have 12-24 months in income savings. It’s an ideal but not a realistic goal to set if you feel unstable at your current work situation.

[Nik Havert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good guide for the basics of starting a business. The author makes sure to point out the importance of a web presence, which I appreciated. I plan to use some of this book to start a side business, so it's worth the price for me.

[Joana Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resumo muito informativo sobre os pontos a considerar na criação de negócio próprio. Muito claro e educativo.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, kinda an overview. Not for all small business ventures but points you to what you need.

[Sarah Abdelhamid]

i need you guys to recommend for me best books that have tips for startups

[Victor Rissoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma aula de Empreendedorismo. Ser dono do seu negócio.

[Patrick Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a while back and thought it had alot of useful information. I feel like I should read it again.

[Juliana Ferreira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessante e completo. O público alvo é o mercado americano, por isso é necessária alguma adaptação do conteúdo à realidade pessoal.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

REAL DEAL, Solid, FACTUAL information in a WORKABLE 12 month Plan!

Most books about starting a business are fluff and inspiration. Melinda Emerson provides SOUND, PRACTICAL, FACTUAL INFORMATION and a WORKABLE 12 month plan. This is THE BEST book I have EVER read on starting a business and recommend it to everyone. Melinda, THANK YOU for taking time to add value and share useful and solid information.

[VaLinda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great help in understanding what it takes to become your own boss. It offers some serious advice on money, what is involved in running a business and how much faith you have to have. Believe me, you need some serious faith to go out there. It can be done and if you want to be your own boss, make this book one of your top list. I also had a lot of fun reading it. If the government furlough didn't get you thinking, maybe you are not ready to take a faith of leap. Just leap, baby, just leap!!

[Karen Jett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive overview of what it takes to start your own business. Not only is it thorough in the different areas that it takes to be prepared to run a successful business, it also includes many great tips, examples, and action steps. If you are contemplating becoming a first time entrepreneur, I recommend you read this book before you quit your job as it will boost your chances of success.

[Gerda Gallop-goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for anyone thinking about starting a business, and serves as a brushup for those already in business. Garnered from years of experience, Ms. Emerson has crafted a how-to guide that includes critical information along with sharp insights and details that only a seasoned entrepreneur would think to include. It is well organized and reader-friendly.

[2tasks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed full of information to get you started and going. I do not agree with taking an entire year to get going but many of the idea solid and seemed like solid advice. There are many great references to highlight as well. I would suggest it to anyone looking into entrepreneurship.

[Valarie Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hidden and revealing thoughts make this book a smooth, quick read. If you are serious about stepping out on your own, or re-stepping back into your destiny, this book will give you a great charge, direction and instructional path.

[JoAnn Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books lines out the steps to establish your own business. It is a great book to assist you in the process and to serve as a resource.

[Gil Michelini · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT insight and the steps necessary for starting a business BEFORE the first day your business is open.

[Divesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid step by step system.
Clear and concise action planning, however it is very long and should be simpler.