The Next Business Book I'd Read (if I hadn't already started a business)

Cool Tools has added the book: Incredible Secret Money Machine to its list of recommended tools. From the Cool Tools review:

When I first started to get serious about making money I ran into this book written in 1978 by a hippy-hacker living in Arizona. His advice was aimed at “craft and technical” types who wanted to create a small business “doing their thing” whether that was creating ceramic pots, designing outdoor gear, or writing computer code. He talked about doing a starting up before that term was subverted by the implication that your start up would take over the world. Instead the author preached one-person self-employment that made you a living.

As someone who's living this lifestyle, I say, bravo! A quick scan through the excerpts show a number of points that I heartily agree with. If you've got something you love to do, but can't see how you can turn that into a business, you'll definitely want to check this book out. Best of all, it's available for free. Given the availability of tools (Blogger, WordPress, Pinterest, Twitter, etc.) and sales platforms (eBay, Etsy, Craigslist, etc.), you've definitely got a leg from someone starting a business just a few years ago.

Somewhat connected to this book recommendation is a post from Seth Godin titled Those People. A snippet from his elegant post:

"Well, the bad news," she said, "is that we have to let everyone in. And the truth is, many of these kids just can't be the leaders you're describing, can't make art. We need people to do manual work, and it's those people."

I couldn't believe it. I was speechless, then heartbroken. All I could think of was these young adults, trusting this woman to lead them, teach them, inspire them and push them, and instead being turned into 'those people.'

I've got to think that everyone's got a passion. You may flip burgers by day, but be a fan of Civil War Re-enacting or love to watch Reality TV shows by night. Whatever it is, you love it and get lost doing it. It's only a matter of creativity to find a way to turn that passion into a business. Maybe the Incredible Secret Money Machine book can help you do this. Or maybe not. Whatever you do, don't give up trying.