Monday, March 5, 2012

The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss & Achieving Financial Freedom by Carrie Wilkerson (Book Review)



 
Want to read the first chapter of this book? Click here to read online now.

Summary:

Don’t Think You Have What It Takes to Run a Business? It’s Time to Reconsider.
For the person who longs to run their business from home, author and highly successful entrepreneur Carrie Wilkerson says it is possible (she doesn't just say it though, she shows you how). In her new book, The Barefoot Executive, Carrie helps readers of all types understand the necessary ingredients in starting and running a lucrative home-based business. You’ll learn how to reclaim your time, determine your income, and change your lifestyle-all while keeping personal priorities intact.

Successful at running her own seven-figure business from home and being an active speaker on the subject, Carrie demonstrates business models with tables and charts in an easy-to-understand format. Chapters within the book include such subjects as finding a target markets, developing marketing strategies, and brand development. Especially important are the common pitfalls listed to avoid in starting a business from home.

The Barefoot Executive offers the opportunity to live life on your terms with the financial freedom to do it. Want to start your workday with e-mail and coffee on the back patio? Want the flexibility of joining your fourth grader on an all-day field trip? Are you ready to take that vacation you’ve been planning for years? Then you have a choice to make, and The Barefoot Executive will help jumpstart your transition. 

You’ll learn:
  • Your “why.” The most important question. Why do you want to work for yourself?
  • What type of business best suits your experience and talents.
  • How to stay focused on your goal and avoid distractions.
  • Where to find the support that will accelerate your success.
  • How to link your business to the right market.
Whether it’s a service, a product, or your insight or expertise, you already have the raw materials necessary to transform your life. Carrie will walk you through the process of building the business you need to achieve the life you want. Her guidance is practical. No philosophical silliness, no theoretical abstractions—just concrete action steps alongside insights from fellow entrepreneurs, interactive exercises, and links to Carrie’s online video coaching segments. It’s the next best thing to working one-on-one with her. The Barefoot Executive will have you energized by the possibilities and embracing the extraordinary life that is well within your reach.

My Thoughts:

As many of you know, who follow my blog regularly, I became a mother in 2010 and then again last year, all while starting a new business and blog.  Whenever I tell people this, they are amazed that I can fit all this in a day's work.  I will not lie, it has been hard and stressful at times, and I have found myself wanting to throw in the towel and give up.  But, through my weekly Spotlight on Mommy features, as well as by reading books from other mom entrepreneurs, I find the strength to push through those tough days to continue. 

It has always been my dream to have a family and be able to stay home and watch them grow up, as did my mother.  But, in today's economy, both parents need to work, in order to pay bills and be able to provide for our children.  So, when I decided to stay home back in 2010, I also took on the venture of creating a baby product, and watching it go from idea to prototype.  I learned the ins and outs of having a business, like what paperwork to file with the IRS, the steps on becoming an LLC, to hiring freelance workers and bringing a product to market, all while raising two daughters under the age of 2.  I admit that I have a few extra grey hairs from the juggling and hectic schedules -- but, I wouldn't change it for the world.  I was home to see my oldest daughter take her first steps and say her first words, and am now watching her bond with her little sister. 

Having the opportunity to blog and share other moms entrepreneurial journeys have been very fulfilling.  I am amazed day and in day out as I listen and talk with moms I will be featuring on my blog.  Each and every one talks about books that they have found beneficial in beginning their business journeys.  One book that I have continually heard about was "The Barefoot Executive."  Moms loved Carrie's personal approach in sharing how to start a business, through her own personal experiences, as well as with a step-by-step approach.  So, after this book title repeatedly talked about, I had to get my hands on it and see for myself, why many mom entrepreneurs I have worked with swear by this book. 

I was recently sent a copy of this book to review, and was able to read it in a weekend.  As soon as I began reading this book, I was hooked.  I loved the personal feel Carrie took in writing this book.  She shared her ups and downs and how she was able to achieve both personal and professional goals.  People have to realize the sacrifices you have to make and how much time actually goes into starting a business.  At first, I thought I would be able to allot a few hours a day working on my business while the girls were asleep, and then again when they went to bed.  I never but into the equation, teething, fussiness and missed naps, which in turn prevented me from working.  There have been days that my to-do list stayed just that, to-do, without being able to check off one completed task.  These have been the times I questioned if having a business was right for me.  But, after reading this book over the weekend, my determination and drive have kicked in again, and I am able to see clearer on why I began my business two years ago, and why I make the sacrifices that I do.  Yes, I may give up a weekend here and there to make up for days I missed during the week to work.  But, every time I look at my girls, I know they will be proud of what I am trying to accomplish, in hopes to provide a better life for them, and to show them that if they have a dream and work at it, it can come true.

So, if you on the fence on starting your own business and don't know where to start, why not pick up Carrie Wilkerson's book, "The Barefoot Executive" today.  Carrie will break down each step needed from start to finish, in a manageable way, as not to overwhelm.  And, best of all, she is a mom like us, so she understands about juggling a family, while running a successful business.  I am glad I had a chance to read this book, and can see why so many moms I talk to swear by this book.

 ---BUY NOW---

You can buy this book directly from Amazon for only $16.49, as well as through Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Bulk Orders via 800CEORead.

About the Author:



Carrie is a wife and mom of four who is juggling life. Just like you she has the demands of health, family, finances and community. After finding herself over six figures in debt, overweight & overwhelmed, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Being denied for job interviews and feeling hopeless, she started her first profitable business at home.

With no official business training, 2 little ones at home, a husband traveling with his job and zero start up capital, Carrie launched a small business that grew to the six figures its first year.

She has now founded & sold several companies, paid off every dime of debt, added 2 more kids to the mix and believes you can create a part time or full time business on your terms.

A popular speaker and trainer, Carrie's style is easy to understand and hard to misinterpret. She tells you in simple terms her 5 favorite business models and helps you understand which is best for you, where your market is and how to get started right now.

No hype. No boasting. No 'instant solutions.' Just dozens of examples, real stories and actionable tips for today.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book from Living Your Moment to review and provide an honest opinion on.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

 

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