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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Unprepared to Entrepreneur summary
Sonya Barlow
A Method to the Madness of Starting Your Own Business
18 mins
Brief summary
'Unprepared to Entrepreneur' by Sonya Barlow provides insights for starting a business without prior experience. It explores the common mistakes, challenges & offers key strategies for a successful entrepreneurial journey.
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Unprepared to Entrepreneur
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The process of launching a business is often messy.
In Spring 2018, Sonya had planned absolutely everything for her brunch – from what she would wear to what she would order and even to exactly which chair she’d sit in at the restaurant. It was the day of the soft launch of her business, and she’d spent three weeks considering and reconsidering every detail.
When she arrived, she ordered a breakfast, a coffee, and an orange juice. Then she waited. And she waited . . . until 45 minutes had passed, and the waitress asked for the table back.
The 12 RSVPs she’d been expecting had turned into 12 no-shows. In short, her very first experience launching a business had ended in tears and failure.
Like Minded Females, the organization that was supposed to have been launched at that brunch, was Sonya’s plan to solve a personal problem. At that time, she was a young, lonely, stressed professional trying to climb the corporate ladder in the tech industry. She felt like she didn't have any allies despite living in busy, metropolitan London, and she really wanted that missing community.
Sonya didn’t give up, despite this embarrassing failure. She may have been so ashamed that she fibbed a little and announced to the Like Minded Females LinkedIn group that seven people had showed up to the brunch. But after that she hosted another two brunches. It wasn’t until the third attempt that someone actually showed up – and that was all it took to break the ice.
Over the next weeks and months, the LMF community continued to grow; it became more active both on- and offline. Companies began contacting Sonya to help them create career-building communities. She received opportunities to speak in public about her story. Eventually, her LinkedIn group transformed into a limited company.
In many ways, Sonya fell into entrepreneurship by accident. She didn’t exactly have a starting plan. Instead, she followed a few basic, fundamental steps that she used to create, test, and launch her business. We’ll discuss those steps in just a moment – but, before we do, take a few seconds to stop and think about what brought you to this Blink in the first place? How is everything going today? Are there any vital elements or resources you’re missing? What do you want for your life in the next 12 months? Don’t get too bogged down with the details. Whatever vision you have is enough to get started – welcome to entrepreneurship!
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What is Unprepared to Entrepreneur about?
Unprepared to Entrepreneur (2021) is a frank, lively guide to starting a business for those who fear they don’t have the requisite knowledge, worry they’ll fail, or aren’t sure how to begin. Packed with practical tips and personal anecdotes, it shows you that to be successful in the business world, you don’t need a perfect plan or an expensive degree. You just need a vision, the motivation – or madness – to make it happen, and the resilience to always get back up on your feet.
Unprepared to Entrepreneur Review
Unprepared to Entrepreneur (2022) is a book that tackles the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs and offers valuable insights on how to navigate them successfully. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with practical strategies, it provides actionable advice on how to overcome common obstacles and build a thriving business.
- Through real-life stories and examples, the book offers relatable experiences that inspire and teach valuable lessons about entrepreneurship.
- With a focus on self-reflection and personal growth, it goes beyond business tactics to help readers develop the mindset and skills necessary for success.
Who should read Unprepared to Entrepreneur?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who identify as women or minorities
- Young people wondering what it takes to run a business
- Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome
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Unprepared to Entrepreneur FAQs
What is the main message of Unprepared to Entrepreneur?
The main message of Unprepared to Entrepreneur is to navigate the challenges of starting a business and find success through personal growth and strategy.
How long does it take to read Unprepared to Entrepreneur?
The reading time for Unprepared to Entrepreneur varies depending on the reader's pace, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Unprepared to Entrepreneur a good book? Is it worth reading?
Unprepared to Entrepreneur is a valuable read for aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides practical insights and guidance for navigating the uncertainties of starting a business.
Who is the author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur?
The author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur is Sonya Barlow.
What to read after Unprepared to Entrepreneur?
If you're wondering what to read next after Unprepared to Entrepreneur, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Employee to Entrepreneur by Steve Glaveski
- Third Shift Entrepreneur by Todd Connor
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Write Your Business Plan by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- A Beginner's Guide to the Stock Market by Matthew R Kratter
- Secrets of Sand Hill Road by Scott Kupor
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