As a freelancer, I think it’s not only a good idea to occasionally review, re-think and re-tool one’s business strategies, it’s necessary, especially against the backdrop of a weak economy in which businesses are scaling back and altering their business practices. After reading and recommending the very excellent The Boss of You, I found a few other titles that I think any freelancer or small business owner, new or veteran, should put on their reading list.
Birthing the Elephant isn’t your typical how-to guide to starting your business with instructions on how to write a business plan or how to use social media to the hilt. Instead, its authors describe it as a “portable success coach” that takes readers through the various cycles of launching a new business and guides them through the emotional ups and downs they will – not might but will – face during that process. Authors Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman interviewed a diverse group of women including cosmetics giant Bobbi Brown, each of whom describes everything from their “aha!” moment to suffering self-doubt and fears, giving up the paycheck mentality, and avoiding major pitfalls. What I liked most about this book is that it paints a very realistic picture of the kinds of challenges that all entrepreneurs face – and provides sound, common sense approaches on how to deal with these obstacles. After reading this book, I realized it was okay to have occasional meltdowns and sob sessions when things are awful. Or, to eat a pint of Cherry Garcia in five minutes when things are most excellent.
If there is a book out there that covers just about every aspect of the life of a freelance writer, My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman is it. Goodman writes in a very humorous and yet no-nonsense manner about what it takes to leave the cubicle life (she is the author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide), and more importantly, what it takes to keep the freelance life going. Although Goodman’s advice is targeted primarily at writers, it could apply to anyone who is entertaining the idea of leaving the comforts of a steady paycheck for the dangers that lurk outside. Filled with entertaining anecdotes and advice from other freelancers, My So-Called Freelance Life is the book I wish I had read before I hung my shingle outside my door. Goodman covers everything from writing a simple business plan to building your web portfolio to dealing with clients from hell. This is a very thorough book; so thorough, in fact, that it might discourage some people from leaving their comfy jobs. Which is a good thing. I’ve met too many people who thought they wanted to strike out on their own, tried it, and realized that full-time hustling, constant shameless self-promotion and regular rejection is overwhelming. But for those of you who know you want to fly solo, or are have just started out, dont wait for this book to become available at your local library, buy it. Also, check out Goodman’s excellent blog, The Anti 9-to-5 Guide.
