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Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works Paperback – March 18, 2010

by Melinda F Emerson (Author), Michael J. Critelli (Foreword)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 336 ratings
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"Melinda Emerson...will inspire you to pursue your own entrepreneurial vision."
—Marc H. Morial, President, National Urban League

Whether you're newly unemployed, sick of office life and longing for a change, or just want to finally turn your business idea into reality, you can follow your dream and make your passion your profession. Drawing on her experience as founder of an award-winning production company, Melinda F. Emerson shows you how in this practical month-by-month guide to getting your business off the ground.

Inside, you'll find the timetable and steps you need to take to become a successful CEO of your own venture, including:

Month 1: Meet with potential venture capitalists
Month 3: Set a one-year marketing budget
Month 5: Select a logo
Month 9: Purchase customer relationship management software
Month 11: Prepare your launch day press release

Next year at this time, you could be calling the shots at your dream job. You supply the energy, an idea, and elbow grease—and this book will supply the plan.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Adams Media
  4. Publication date
    March 18, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.8 x 8.44 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1605501115
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1605501116
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady, is one of America’s leading small business experts. Her expertise includes small business start-up, business development, and social media marketing. As CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, Melinda develops audio, video, and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. She publishes a resource blog, SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com, and hosts a weekly talk show on Twitter called #Smallbizchat for emerging entrepreneurs. Forbes magazine named her one of the Top 20 Women for Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. Melinda has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Black Enterprise. She lives in Drexel Hill, PA.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Adams Media (March 18, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1605501115
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1605501116
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.44 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 336 ratings

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  1. Melinda F. Emerson

    Melinda F. Emerson

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    Melinda F. Emerson, SmallBizLady, is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She has been a thriving entrepreneur for nearly 20 years and is an internationally known keynote speaker and expert on small business development and social media marketing. She publishes a resource blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. A pioneer in social media marketing, she is the creator and host of #Smallbizchat LIVE, and The Smallbizchat Podcast. Forbes magazine named her the #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter.

    Melinda is a founder and president of Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small businesses. Notable clients include Visa, Sam’s Club, Chase, FedEx, American Express, ADP, Verizon Wireless, Pitney Bowes, Staples, and The Hartford. She has lectured at numerous colleges and universities including; MIT, The University of Pennsylvania, Rosemont College, Chatham University, Point Park College, Temple University, to name a few.

    In addition to being a former columnist for The New York Times, Entrepreneur, and Inc. she is frequently quoted by other media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Fast Company, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News. Forbes magazine named her one of Top 10 Tech and Business Experts for 2017. She is also a contributor to Essence and Black Enterprise. She is an expert on what it takes the start a successful small business, go-to-market strategy, and social media selling. She is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, 2nd Edition, and the ebook How To Become a Social Media Ninja, and her latest book Fix Your Business. She received an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and holds an MBA from Drexel University has an amazing teenage son JoJo.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Melinda F. Emerson

    Melinda F. Emerson

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
336 global ratings
Awesome book for someone starting out
5 Stars
Awesome book for someone starting out
It gives you step by step guide from beginning to end on how to start all the way to opening the doors of your business. It gave me much insight on having a life plan and also having a financial plan as well
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Top reviews from the United States

Ken Kaufman
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Anyone Starting a Business!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2011
Verified Purchase
Emerson has comprehensively given those lucky enough to read this book before they start a business an easy-to-read AND resource-rich guide that gives just enough theoretical background and plenty of actionable tips and advice to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners everywhere to maximize their chances for success in their ventures.

I work with a lot of small business owners and entrepreneurs. I am well acquainted with the various pitfalls that await those thinking they want to start a business, and I have seen just about every possible mistake made when founding and trying to grow a company. I have also read a lot of books that try to prepare people for the entrepreneurial journey, but have always been left wanting...until NOW. Melinda Emerson's book is timely, relevant, and potentially life-changing for those who seriously study its contents, take to heart its message, and implement its action steps. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to start a business.

Ken Kaufman, Author of  Impact Your Business: An allegory of an entrepreneur's journey to clarity, cash, profit, family, and success
2 people found this helpful
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M. Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2010
Verified Purchase
I found out about the author and this book in a Black Enterprise article. I had already been planning to open my own business and it was a little late for the 12-month plan. However, I was able to use the resources in this book to tweak some of the things that I was already working on, like my business plan. The book was an easy-read, as it took me less than a week to complete. However, for my reference, I highlighted and made notes throughout the book. I know that I will come back to this book as I go along. It has been one month since I started my business and I am thankful for this information. I am about to purchase a copy for a friend as a Christmas present, since she is contemplating starting her own business. I believe this will definetely be a good place for her to start.
One person found this helpful
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Larry Battle
5.0 out of 5 stars Save, plan then launch
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
I've started a few small businesses that failed because of poor planning & structure.
Seeking for a change, I picked up this highly rated book on entrepreneurship to find out the essential skills and techniques needed to build a successful company.
Having finished this book, I've found what I've been searching for and realized my mistakes.
For example, I'm now aware that before I start my next company I need to develop a solid business plan, eliminate my debt, save up a year worth of operational cost and read this book again.
I really enjoyed reading this book since it's simple, straight forwards and offers "Emerson's Action Steps", a list summarizing each chapter.

This book covers all the aspects of a start-up, from forming a life and financial plan to marketing and hiring employees.
I recommend "Become your own boss in 12 months" for anyone starting up a business, whether on-line or off-line.

Thanks Melinda Emerson for sharing your insightful knowledge to the world.
14 people found this helpful
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CeeGee
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
This was a great book and informative although alot of the information within the book I was knowledgeable on. However, I was expecting more resources than what were provided, I think the book should highlight different businesses and what it may take to start a business such as a beauty salon. Nonetheless, it provided the basics of starting a business, I am not sure if it is actual possible to start a business in 12 months but it is a good motivational book that provides ideas. I'm not disappointed that I purchased it, it doens't hurt to have too much information about starting a business.
3 people found this helpful
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Binta
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
Many business books that I`ve read talk a lot about theory but this book actually gives you practical steps that are easily understood and implemented for the beginner. Even though I have business experience and have started several businesses, I learned a lot from Melinda. What I really like about this book is that not only is it about business but she also talks about how to stay motivated. So this book is inspirational as well. I have read it several times and each time I've learned something new. I would highly recommend this book to aspiring business owners and those who are at the early stages of starting a business.
3 people found this helpful
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Brittney J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2012
Verified Purchase
I have decided to start my own business and this book has really helped. Helped me to consider things I hadn't really thought of before. While most sections didn't apply to me, they were helpful to know. For instance, I was able to pull only a few things from the Finance portion because I am funding the business myself, there was no need for me to read about investors but I did it anyway. I am owning and operating my own business for now, so I was able to completely bypass the portion on hiring employees. One can read this book in "passing", by which I mean read the sections that will most apply to you OR the whole thing. It won't take me 12 months until start up but this is a good map to do so. I will be referring to this book all of the time!
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in India on June 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
Great read!
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Zo zo
5.0 out of 5 stars Good condition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
Good book- only read a couple of chapters but gives you advice on what you should do when you’re starting a business and how you should go about it- steps to success. Can’t wait to finish it!
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Rohit
4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Loved this book!
Reviewed in India on August 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I believe I found this book at perfect time and has helped me a lot. The only issue is with the pricing, a lil expensive i believe.
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Rohit
4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Loved this book!
Reviewed in India on August 19, 2023
I believe I found this book at perfect time and has helped me a lot. The only issue is with the pricing, a lil expensive i believe.
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ANKIT THAKKAR
1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Reviewed in India on February 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
Poor quality book seems used and very dusty
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Abigail Darling
2.0 out of 5 stars Not for me
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
Not sure of the reasons why I found this book not useful and slightly irritating. Not for me however may suit others.
One person found this helpful
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