The Entrepreneurial Seizure

The theme of the E-Myth is that people rarely start businesses as great entrepreneurs. They start businesses for many reasons, but entrepreneurship is not always one of them. That's the myth. Greber has a term for this. He calls it 'the entrepreneurial seizure'. He contends that this 'seizure' leads many to start a business - many of which fail.

It sounds harsh and Gerber doesn't mince words, but you are drawn into the book by a thoughtful narrative and the hope that he is going to provide some insight into the solution to starting a successful small business. 

A Technical Problem 

 The problem, Greber explains, is that people go into business and keep the role of 'technician' instead of building the business. That's the trap. A barber opens a barber's shop; a carpenter becomes a contractor and so on. They continue to work in the business, instead of thinking about running a business. If you think the two are the same - then you should read this book!

Sarah and Her Pies 

The first part of the book expands on the myth. Gerber introduces Sarah and her pie business and uses her as the model for turning around a small business. Sarah is of course a clever literary device where Gerber can expand his theme and act as mentor to the lost and dejected Sarah. Gerber leads Sarah down the business path and takes her from technician to entrepreneur. On the way the Gerber dispenses his business lessons and gives us an insight into how to run a business.

The Lesson in 3 Parts 

The E-Myth is divided up into three main parts:

• Part I:  The E-Myth and American Small Business
• Part II: The Turn-Key Revolution:A New View of Business
• Part III:Building a Small Business That Works!

Each part of the book is fairly self contained, although Gerber's unique style and narrative keep you interested. The book isn't so much an A-Z of starting a business, but rather the principles of good business practice. The dialogue with Sarah I found a little tedious at times, but then I was always rooting for her to succeed.

A Good Read on The Train 

For those of you who commute an hour or so every day, you should finish book this within the week. But after that, I would advise going back over some of the chapters again - you'll be surprised at what you will find a second time around.

In conclusion, this book is well worth the small price tag. A must read for anyone thinking about starting a business.

Tetsou