I like this book, a lot! I like it because more and more workers these days are attracted to the idea of running their own business, but lack lessons in how to do that. Now, however, they can listen in, as it were, to interviews with people who have gone down the road before them, successful, articulate, smart, reflective people talking about how they started their own business. (I know two-thirds of them personally). Required reading, if you are even thinking about starting your own business.

Richard N. Bolles, author, 2007 What Color Is Your Parachute? (9 million copies in print)

This practical book gives you, the reader, insights into the thinking and doing of successful entrepreneurs. Combined with saavy exercises, this book will get you and keep you going in your business.

Dr. Deborah Bloch, Professor, University of San Francisco

Starting and Growing a Business in the New Economy is inspiring, and shows us all that ideas, backed by passion, can create significant impact in the world today.

Mike Marriner, Roadtrip Nation

Entrepreneurs learn from their own experiences and, maybe more importantly, from the experiences of other successful entrepreneurs. The key value of this monograph is that, collectively, it contains wisdom gained from literally hundreds of years of career development entrepreneurial experience.

Jim Kirsner, Former Board Member, Ask Jeeves

Sally created an innovative program that met a high demand from participants. The participants received much needed information and training about "solopreneuring. Sally coordinated input from experts around the country.

Jack Chapman, Lucrative Careers, Inc.

Such helpful information. It ought to be included in every major/graduate program where self-employment is a more than likely prospect--whether by choice or labor market realities. I'm beginning to wonder if self-employment how-to's are something we need to start teaching even at the high school level. I'm thinking of the people that go directly from high school into construction and eventually obtain their contractor's license and then get themselves in trouble when they can't manage the marketing, bookkeeping, and paperwork aspects of their business. Those of us in helping professions I think have an especially hard time orienting ourselves to charging for what we are so happy to share with anyone who is interested. As someone who has spent my career in government, I'm in awe of those who venture forth as entrepreneurs.

Linda Hax, Research Analyst, Employment Development Department

Dr. Gelardin and contributors have compiled a practical collection of "reality check" essays and exercises. I am encouraging my family business clients to complete the monograph BEFORE they build a business plan or a strategic plan for their enterprise."

Eugene J. Muscat, Senior Associate Dean and Director, Gellert Foundation Family Business Center, University of San Francisco

The first part includes inspiring and instructional first person narratives from successful career practitioners. The sixteen authors describe the triggers that launched their independent practice; ways to integrate personal mission with market needs; barriers and keys to success; and strategies for business development. The second part supplies clearly defined self-assessment exercises covering topics including: getting started; getting organized; strategic and business planning; defining your competitive advantage; and succession planning. Readers can easily scan exercises for those most relevant to their interests and needs (Jacobsen, 2007).

Mary H. Jacobsen, MSW, PhD, is a clinical social worker with a private psychotherapy and career coaching practice in Arlington, MA. She is the author of Hand-me-down Dreams: How Families Influence Our Career Paths. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her second book, MONEY: An Intimate Biography.

This is an extraordinary book for anyone beginning, managing or dreaming about starting a business and living a meaningful life. Dr. Sally Gelardin has invited a stellar group of 17 ultra successful and prosperous career entrepreneurs to answer questions and share their personal stories in each chapter.

Each story of life and business contains universal truths and practical, tactical information and strategies that will beat back the weeds on your path to leading an independent business life. This book is really a partnership with these master depth educators and a privileged encounter. The stories they share invite you into their worlds for a in-depth look at when, how and why they first became entrepreneurs and then shows you what they did that brought them solid success. Their generosity and wisdom will shave years off your learning curve, save you time, money, relationships and your health. Do the exercises (19 of them included) and you have 17 savvy mentors on your side helping you to grow and go forward with clarity and strength in the direction of your dreams.

A distinguished career educator herself, Dr.Gelardin has edited this magnificent guide that will truly help you create a life and a business that is your own. I found that I could read the book in several different ways. It is so well written that I could ‘cherry pick” chapters and accompanying exercises that best suited my business needs right now, and then also read the stories again as enjoyments. I retain information of any kind best in story form and these compelling voices and messages went powerfully into my desires, dreams and imagination for the global success and lasting contribution of my own speech coaching business.

I greatly appreciated that reading this book provides the reader with a two-way door to their success. Herein lies the path for you to choose that leads you to grow you from the inside-out as well from the outside-in. Your choice!

Dianne Legro is a master speaking and presentation skills coach and owner of Speaking Success International, a firm dedicated to coaching, and communications consulting for individuals and companies. View Diane Legro's website. Email: Dianne@diannelegro.com.

Dr. Gelardin presents a plethora of information in a most inviting format and with such clarity!! What insight!

Joyce E Henderson

It's very helpful for people who are considering starting a company. The suggested exercises are simple to understand and easy to use.

Christine Won, Director, Student Affairs Accounting Program, UCLA