Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO Book Summary - Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO Book explained in key points
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Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO summary

Beverly E. Jones

50 Indispensable Tips to Help You Stay Afloat, Bounce Back, and Get Ahead at Work

4.2 (186 ratings)
20 mins

Brief summary

Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO by Beverly E. Jones is a practical guide that helps you develop an entrepreneurial mindset, become a better leader, and achieve success in your career.

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    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO
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    For a strong start to a new endeavor, make a plan.

    New beginnings are exciting, but a strong start requires more than just a positive outlook, something the author, Beverly E. Jones, learned the hard way.

    On her first day at a Washington law firm 30 years ago, she faced a surprisingly chilly reception. A senior partner even told her that he didn’t see why his colleagues had hired her. She would need to prove herself to get work inside the firm, he told her. She spent her first day with nothing to do – no one offered her any work, and she hadn’t prepared anything for herself.

    Things quickly got better, partly because she learned something from the disaster of the first day right away: no one else was going to make her successful – she had to do it herself. On day two, she had already begun planning ways to keep busy, manage clients and make others inside the firm aware of what she could do.

    These days, an employer would probably do a better job of onboarding you to a new job. But creating your own plan for success is still crucial, and a few tricks can help.

    Figure out what your boss wants. Keep an eye on her schedule, how she prefers to communicate, and what she needs to keep her bosses happy. How does she typically share information with both subordinates and superiors? Don’t expect to be told these things.

    As you start to settle in, set yourself realistic objectives that you can work toward in the short term. Prioritizing and achieving goals will help keep you on the right track. High-priority items can be included in this, but so can small, achievable things like scheduling introductory meetings with new colleagues.

    Put in an intense effort for four to six weeks, giving an extraordinary amount of focus to kickstarting your new endeavor. Clear your calendar to focus on work – it won’t be sustainable for the long term, but it doesn’t need to be. Set a deadline for transitioning back into a more normal life, satisfied that the intense work you’ve put in is a worthwhile upfront investment. This step isn’t likely to be easy but, as the CEO of your own career, laying the groundwork for future success is crucial.

    Meanwhile, keep an eye on your stress as you adjust to a new and unfamiliar environment. Take responsibility for managing this and be sure that you invest time in a fitness program that will help you stay cool-headed and energetic. The only person who can keep you healthy and functioning at your best is you.

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    What is Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO about?

    People used to follow a straightforward path in their careers from education to steady employment and on to retirement. But the world has changed, and it’s more important than ever to know how to adapt. In Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO (2015), Beverly E. Jones outlines her tips for becoming a more agile, resilient professional in charge of her or his career.

    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO Review

    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO (2011) is a valuable read for anyone looking to take control of their professional future. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • It provides practical insights and actionable strategies that empower readers to think like entrepreneurs and achieve success in any industry.
    • With real-life examples and case studies, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business.
    • The book's engaging storytelling and thought-provoking ideas ensure that readers stay gripped throughout, eliminating any possibility of boredom.

    Who should read Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO?

    • Careerists
    • Young people entering the professional world
    • Experienced professionals looking to make a change

    About the Author

    Beverly E. Jones has followed a winding career path of her own from writer to leader of university programs for women, to becoming a barrier-breaking female attorney in Washington. She has worked as an executive coach and leadership consultant since 2002.

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    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO FAQs 

    What is the main message of Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO?

    In Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO, the main message is to think and act like a successful leader in all areas of life.

    How long does it take to read Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO?

    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO can be read in a few hours, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO is worth reading because it provides valuable insights and practical guidance for thinking and acting like a successful CEO.

    Who is the author of Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO?

    Beverly E. Jones is the author of Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.

    What to read after Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
    • 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management by Kevin Kruse
    • Unprepared to Entrepreneur by Sonya Barlow
    • Built to Last by Jim Collins
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