Up until a year ago, I would never have described myself as a person with an entrepreneurial spirit. Other than being the daughter of a mother who has successfully run several of her own businesses and patented a mascara brush, my tie to entrepreneurship was essentially nonexistent. Often referred to as “quiet” and “shy” growing up, I decided a long time ago that I was probably better-suited for the following rather than the leading path. I doubted myself and preemptively excluded myself from opportunities because I believed I belonged in the audience and had no business stepping up to the podium.
Working as a school psychologist for the last five years, I’ve been forced to find my voice, my opinion, and my presence in conversations. Had I known so much of my job would be spent presenting information pertaining to tricky-to-navigate topics, I probably would have run for the introvert hills long before stepping foot in graduate school. However, with experience by my side and fearful moments tackled, I've grown to love that role and to value my own voice in important conversations. It’s because of my experience as a school psychologist that I was finally brave enough to carve out the path for Blissful Basil to be a bigger part of my life than a neglected hobby. Since that point, I’ve discovered a more creative, slightly entrepreneurial side of myself, and I’m grateful for it. I’m not saying it’s been easy or that I’ve been fearless, quite the opposite actually. It’s consistently challenging, and I’ve been incredibly fearful much of the time. But fear is where the rubber meets the road and we learn to pave the path to opportunities we never could have imagined while we were lounging around in our bubbles of comfort.
I have a lot to learn about entrepreneurship, and in an effort to educate myself I've become a bit obsessed with inspiring business books, blogs, and podcasts. When I was contacted to review Better and Faster -- written by founder and CEO of TrendHunter.com, Jeremy Gutsche -- I jumped at the opportunity to fuel my new-found passion with fresh food for thought. I traded in a few nights of recipe-testing last week for time with this book and found myself immediately hooked. Jeremy enlightens with a clearly-delineated approach to discovering and forging the untraveled business path. He draws upon the experience of both successes and failures to convey an informed perspective that has roots in humbled realism all while maintaining an optimistic, encouraging stance on a complicated topic. I've found myself constantly nodding in agreement as I've worked my way through this book. Jeremy reminds us of the dangers of resting on the laurels of our successes and encourages us to push past complacency to a place of ever-evolving, cutting-edge business evolution. This is a book I'll be returning to time and time again, and it's a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on business innovation.
Here is a sneak peak at the prologue and first chapter, and be sure to enter the giveaway below as three copies of the book will be given away.
Better and Faster Book Giveaway
Three winners will receive a copy of Better and Faster by Jeremy Gutsche. For a chance to win, simply enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below and comment on this post between April 13th and April 27th. Note: giveaway open to US residents only.
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I'd like to read the book because I'm starting a new (self-employed) career path and would benefit from a book about entrepreneurship and owning your own business. :)
This book looks so awesome!
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I stay inspired because I am doing what I love. My blog is about my passions and I am able to share it with such a wide audience every day!
I would love to read this book to keep inspired while moving forward in my career.
I stay inspired in my career by making a conscious effort to focus on the positives and build on those instead of dwelling on the negatives.
I remain inspired by having mini goals that I set for myself.
Being optimistic is SO key to success. I have never seen a Debbie Downer truly be as successful as someone who looks at a glass half-full.
Thank you so much for sharing Ashley! I just launched my first ecommerce business and I, too, am starting the journey as an entrepreneur. Like you, I've been more comfortable as a follower rather than a leader so I chose to go the "safe" route by finishing my undergrad, then completing my masters in education and ultimately working in the corporate world. While that's all been great, I'm ready to pursue something on my own now and I want to keep reading books like this to keep me inspired and pushing forward to improve every day. Good luck on your journey and most importantly, have fun! :)
The person that I want to read 'Better and Faster' is actually my husband. He's been on a near bender of discovery and innovation with his work these days.
I would absolutely love to read this book because I am trying to start my own business now! I would love to gain some insight from this book. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
I love thinking of myself as an entrepreneur! The thought of building my own career from nothing to a thriving online business is SO exciting, that I am really driven to learn as much as I can about being a successful business person!
Im starting a new job as a Vender.. I would love to read this for my business.
I like to hear the successes of my peers. It inspires me to work harder! Thank you for the giveaway!
I love reading entrepreneurial books, as I am a young woman who has started several companies and have most recently begun a new one that I believe is it! It's great to stay focused, read inspiring books, and continuously learn. This book loves great!
I stay at my job because I hope I am making a diffrents in people lives..... I care more to have a job that helps people than one that makes me rich....
I feel the exact same way. Fulfillment from a career, day in and day out, is worth so much more than money. Although this book makes mention of the financial aspect, it's much more focused on passion and excitement for the actual work than it is the monetary outcome.
I am finishing my freshman year in college this week (finals are not fun btw!) and I have been thinking about my future career lately. I attend a liberal arts college, and we are not allowed to declare a major until our sophomore year. The path I am choosing can open doors in almost any discipline. It focuses on how and why individuals, groups, and organizations develop and behave the way they do. I will probably go into consulting, but I would love to work in the non-profit sector. I also love business and leadership! I think this book would be a great summer read for me and help me figure out my life in college! Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm interested in started my own small business and would love to read this!
I have always stayed inspired by reaching for challenges and by mentoring others. I am currently in transition and looking to start a business of my own. I'd love to read this book and see what encouragement and inspiration it will provide.
I am starting a new home based business and would love to read this
Reading, continuing education, and meeting like-minded professionals keeps me excited about my career.
I'd love to read something new.