I was predisposed to hate this book. The title sounds like a cable infomercial, one of those change-your-life sales pitches that snags you in a moment of late-night weakness, only to reveal itself as an embarrassing credit card charge in the cold light of day. Indeed, because of the wide ground covered, you may experience a moment or two of regret or uncertainty, or even anger, as you digest the author’s advice. But that’s a good thing, and it’s why you chose this book. Beckner attempts to inspire growth in your life, both professionally and privately. Even in disagreement, he makes you think about your life, goals, and beliefs, and that’s an accomplishment in itself.

The book is not all about self-empowerment, though. There is a lot of very practical information on starting and running a business, and moving from the protected cul-de-sac of employment onto the superhighway of entrepreneurship. Forms, letters, contracts, marketing, forming a corporation--it’s all in there, interspersed with personal anecdotes and great quotations. Having started two businesses myself, I can verify that the author’s recommendations cut through a lot of confusing and even contradictory legal and accounting clutter. That alone makes the book worth buying.

There are 14 chapters squeezed into just over 200 pages, and the writing style is light and conversational. It’s ideally suited for consuming in one or two sittings so as to absorb the entire breadth and scope. You can then go back and re-examine specific chapters in detail as you make your business plans. Here’s the chapter list to inspire you: “Travel”; “Skills”; “Discipline and Education”; “Ethics”; “Structuring Your Business”; “Advertising and Marketing”; “Prospecting and Sales”; “Proposals and Contracts”; “Fees and Income”; “Goal Setting”; “Growth and Expansion”; “Health”; and “Freedom Through Business.”

One last note: only about ten percent of the material, maybe less, is specific to coding or technology. Any aspiring entrepreneur would appreciate this material.

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