Recommended Books

I have read a lot of books on starting and running a business; these are the special ones that made a big difference. I highly recommend each of these titles! - Patty Ayers

Getting Business to Come to You: A Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Attracting All the Business You Can Enjoy by Paul Edwards, et al

This book is a goldmine of wisdom, information, and suggestions on the most crucial challenge for the new business - getting clients. It really worked for me. Of course I didn't do everything in this big thick book, but even just using the techniques that suit my personality (as they suggest) got my business rolling.

The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic Design or Communications Business by Cameron S. Foote, Mark Bellerose

Though this book was written largely from the perspective of the graphic design business, the majority of it applies quite well to web development. I devoured this book, desperately needing the common-sense, this-is-standard-business information it provides. I still refer to it frequently.

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

This book was one of those that changed my viewpoint on the future of my business in a major way. I only found out after reading it that it's actually a classic in the small-business world. The essential point it makes is that your business will not succeed if it depends completely on you - instead, it needs to become a well-oiled machine which can eventually run while you're in a hammock in the Yucatan (or at least taking an occasional day off!)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter

Another classic bestseller, and for good reason - for me, it was a big eye-opener. Reading this was like having one of those people who actually know how to make money take you aside for a couple of days and share their secrets.

Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss by Sarah Edwards, Paul Edwards

This was the book I read at my desk at the last "real" job I had, more than three years ago. It gave me the information as well as the inspiration to take the leap and go into self-employment full-time.

The Guru Guide to Entrepreneurship: A Concise Guide to the Best Ideas from the World's Top Entrepreneurs by Joseph H. Boyett, Jimmie T. Boyett

Another horizon-expander for me: life stories and tips on succeeding as an entrepreneur from the likes of Jim Barksdale, Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Marc Andreessen, Mary Kay Ash, Warren Buffett, Debbi Fields, Ray Kroc, Ross Perot, Dave Thomas, Lillion Vernon, and dozens more.

Smart Women Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Achieving Financial Security and Funding Your Dreams by David Bach

His premise (and yes, the author is a man) is that women particularly need this information, because of the cobwebs of "he'll take care of everything" (husband, father, partner, somebody else) that still keep many of us from making good plans and decisions. Interestingly, one of the best things I got from this book was the concept (and habit) of specific, conscious goal-setting.

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence
by Joe Dominguez, Vicki Robin

A classic in the "simple living" movement. This book has the crucial perspective to balance out the information in all the books above. And that is: money is not the point, but a happy, fulfilled life - and simplifying your material needs is essential to getting yourself un-enslaved from the rat race.