Michael E. Gerber

I love this book because it opened my eyes to why so many small businesses struggle despite the owner’s talent and hard work. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber challenges the common misconception that technical skill alone is enough to run a successful business. Through clear storytelling and practical examples, Gerber illustrates how many entrepreneurs get trapped in the day-to-day operations, failing to work on the business itself.

What I found most valuable is the distinction show more Gerber makes between working in your business versus on your business. He emphasizes building systems, processes, and a business model that can function independently of the owner, the very principle that separates a sustainable business from a hobby or a job disguised as a business. The book is both motivational and instructional, encouraging business owners to step back, plan strategically, and create repeatable processes.

If there’s a critique, it’s that some concepts may feel obvious to experienced entrepreneurs, and the examples can lean toward older, traditional small businesses. Nevertheless, the insights are timeless for anyone starting or scaling a business. I highly recommend this book to small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to build a business that can thrive long-term rather than rely solely on their personal effort. show less

The book contains some useful information but the self-righteous tone of the author makes reading it a chore. There are better books on the importance of business process, with less double-speak, and less entrepreneur-as-noble-visionary rhetoric.

The E-Myth Revisited was recommended to me ages ago, but I never felt inspired to read it.

One evening, I was perusing my stacks, pulling books out to look at their covers, hoping to find the “perfect” book to read next.

Literally, The E-Myth Revisited dropped to the floor. I took it as a sign from The Universe and dug in. Boy, am I glad I did because it was exactly the book I needed!

The E-Myth Revisited is a classic business book for a good reason: It teaches you a workable business show more model – one that allows you to help your ideal clients while earning a profit.

The premise is the business franchise model. Think of McDonalds. No matter what McDonalds you go to in the U.S., you can count on the same experience, food, and service. That’s because McDonald’s is a franchise, and franchise owners receive the tools and training to ensure their restaurants are profitable.

What if you set up your business like a franchise? What if your business was designed in a way that you could sell it later (even if you never sell it)? How does this perspective change how you run your business?

The idea of running my business like a franchise, where I am focused on how I am delivering my product (versus what the product is), was a game changer for me. It changed how I am running Celestial University, specifically my Virtual Networkers division.

If you are out of ideas – or need new ideas – on how to make your business profitable, it’s time to reach for a classic. It’s time to reach for The E-Myth Revisited.

My big takeaways:

#1: Focus on my method of delivery

I am the founder of an online university for women entrepreneurs. I have the platform, but how am I delivering my service, really? That’s something I will be thinking about more and more.

#2: I need an org chart, pronto

One of the exercises Gerber recommends is to create an org chart and include positions that you can’t fill yet. Once the org chart is done, I will complete “position contracts” so that I have the job descriptions nailed down before I hire someone. In the past, I shied away from both exercises because I am a one-woman show. I now know that I will stay a one-woman show if I don’t think about who to add to my team.

#3: I am tired of not being very profitable

I am blessed to earn a profit, but I want to be more profitable. I wasn’t sure how to become more profitable until I read this book. Now I have a plan. Equally important, I know I can attain it. Time to bust out of my comfort zone and do it!

How The E-Myth Revisited relates to entrepreneurs:

If you’ve gotten down this far in my review, it’s probably a no-brainer how The E-Myth Revisited relates to entrepreneurs. To be sure, this book will ask hard questions and make you think outside your comfort zone. If you are ready to grow your business but need direction on how to do so, your next book should be The E-Myth Revisited. No question about it! show less

The best overall reality check on business acumen I have found to date. To wit: "The economic model is a myth." (p.179) Quite simply put, people must be at the center of your attention, yourself included. This is not a cheesey "know thyself and listen to others" self-help book. It is a wholesome sandwich. And you will likely be able to read it in the time it takes to make and eat an artfully delicious sandwich.

What I liked most was the recognition that people are the most unmanageable part show more of whatever we are trying to do in a business enterprise-- whether they are customers or employees or partners or ourselves.
This book broadens and deepens one's business acumen by suggesting that it is tied to one's self-awareness and awareness of others. We all have a lack of complete consciousness and to do business well, we must admit this and strive to be more conscious of the world we are in and the people in it.

In it's detail, it articulates key considerations about the visual, emotional, functional, financial preferences of people. "One must be interested in how things look, and how things feel, and how things work, and then, finally, in the money...[Money] is not the primary reason or justification for being in business." (p.179)

Toward the end of the book you get this summary that is supported by thoughtful, substantive, quick-reading exposition in the middle. "An E-Myth Enterprise is a business that takes personal responsibility for the condition of the world it finds itself in; for the condition of the people with whom it interacts; for the condition of their children and their children's children; for the condition of the very quality of life itself." (p. 181)

It is deceptive lightweight sandwich that nourishes like any surprisingly delicious lunch. Fresh ingredients, simple preparation-- it restores energy and renews purpose. I will put this on a list for re-reading often. show less