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The Magic of Tiny Business: You Don't Have to Go Big to Make a Great Living Paperback – Illustrated, May 8, 2018

by Sharon Rowe (Author)

4.4 224 ratings

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"This is a powerful book--Tiny is mighty. Sharon Rowe's simple shift in thinking is a profound idea, precisely what we need to hear."
-Seth Godin, Author Linchpin

Too many of us feel trapped by work that keeps us from living our purpose. We fantasize about starting our own business, yet we're warned against falling into debt, working eighty hours a week, and coping with the pressure to grow. Eco-Bags Products founder Sharon Rowe says there's another way: go tiny.

Like a tiny house, a tiny business is built on maintaining a laser focus on what is essential by living an intentional life. As an entrepreneur and mother, Rowe is most concerned with putting family first, maintaining financial security, and doing something that makes an impact in the world. Using the success story of Eco-Bags Products, Rowe distills the step-by-step process of building a profitable, right-scaled, sustainable venture that doesn't compromise your values. She shows you how to test your concept, manage your money and priorities, and more, while staying true to the "tiny" ethos.

Print length

160 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Publication date

May 8, 2018
Dimensions

5.56 x 0.39 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1523094788
ISBN-13

978-1523094783
See all details

From the Publisher


Seth Godin Author, Linchpin	Zibby Owens Podcast: Mom’s Don’t Have Time To Read	Entrepreneur Magazine	Dr Judith Wright

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is a powerful book—tiny is mighty. Sharon Rowe’s simple shift in thinking is a profound idea, precisely what we need to hear.”
—Seth Godin, author of Linchpin

“Using the success of Eco-Bags Products, Rowe distills a step-by-step process for building a profitable, sensibly scaled, sustainable venture that doesn't compromise your values or take over your life. She shows readers how to test a concept, and manage money and priorities, while staying true to the 'tiny' movement ethos.”
—Kate Harrison, Forbes

“Tiny Business Is Serious Business. There are 'small' businesses. Then there are 'tiny' ones, concerned about the personal and social impact they make.”
—Entrepreneur

“Ask Sharon Rowe, who founded ECOBAGS 30 years ago, and she'll tell you that there's absolutely nothing wrong with being a tiny business…in her new book, The Magic of Tiny Business: You Don't Have to Go Big to Make a Great Living, she writes that too many of us feel like we need to build huge businesses in order to feel successful, which is crazy considering over a million small businesses sell on Amazon. So why not rethink your strategy and embrace the idea of building a tiny company?”
—Lambeth Hochwald, Inc.

“Honest, intentional, and downright brilliant, this book is a must-read for any entrepreneur dedicated to launching a value-driven organization in an ever-changing world. Sharon has built a masterful guide to finding the optimal balance between purpose and profit.”
—Onyeka Obiocha, Director of Innovation, Yale University Center for Public Service and Social Justice

“This is the best business book I’ve ever read. It’s Essentialism and Start with Why meet Good to Great with a sensibility for the way life actually unfolds. From comic storytelling to pinpointed nuggets of wisdom, The Magic of Tiny Business is a book to keep on hand. One read through prepares the reluctant and curious to-be founder for what’s to come. Down the road, opening any page and reading any sentence will offer a touchpoint of sanity that every businessperson needs.”
—Caroline Duell, founder and CEO, All Good

“As a company that started with only $350—and that today provides funding to emerging women-owned businesses—we agree that tiny businesses are magical. They have the power to change the world through their vision and passion. Sharon Rowe is living proof that tiny businesses can, indeed, serve the greater good while serving their bottom line.”
—Amy Hall, Director, Social Consciousness, Eileen Fisher, Inc.

“The Magic of Tiny Business is a compelling story of true entrepreneurship that is relatable, inspiring, and full of simple, practicable steps to living your desired business journey. It helps us look inside ourselves and inside the business as to what matters really in making a great living without losing our mind along the way! Sharon guides us through a story that can only make your business better and help you reflect on the journey of a life worth living!”
—Henry Cross, Executive Director, Hosh Yoga and Hosh Kids

“There’s nothing tiny about the vision behind this inspirational book that’s part memoir and part how-to guide for dreamers who yearn to be doers and start up their own businesses. Authentic, transparent, and funny at times, Rowe will entertain as well as inspire you to action with her stories from the trenches and lessons learned over her successful career as a mission-based business owner and thought leader. This book’s premise is the antithesis of the ‘go big, go broke’ or ‘go big, go home’ masculine concepts that define what it means to be a winner. Instead, Rowe challenges her readers to define what success means for them and then build a business to support a balanced vision. Anyone who believes that time is worth more than money is a great candidate for reading this book. So if you’re itching to do something with your life that lights up your passion and provides a paycheck, settle in for a good read. Keep a pen and paper at your side because you’re going to have tons of actionable ideas flowing your way page by page!”
—Sandra Ann Harris, founder of ECOlunchbox

“Sharon challenges the Wall Street mindset of how businesses should grow and should be run. This is an inspiring book for all entrepreneurs looking to embrace an alternative paradigm—where tiny businesses are sustainable, purpose-driven, and successful.”
—Nona Lim, founder and CEO, Nona Lim Foods

“‘Begin with your life in mind’ is the mantra that drives this book. I love the mix of (true) anecdotes, exercises, and challenging questions that poke holes in the traditional assumptions about business success. The magic of the tiny business approach is the intentional commitment to grow our companies in a way that supports the quality of our lives.”
—Ellen Ornato, Founding Partner, The Bolder Company

“The writing was an appealing mix of Zen-like wisdom and practical, actionable business advice. The overall effect was honest, human, useful . . . food for thought, a manifesto for action, and a blueprint for success in one book!”
—John Ford, Dovetail Publishing

“Craft the life you want—with a business to support it. It’s the message we all need to hear.”
—Susan Danziger, founder and CEO, Ziggeo.com

“The Magic of Tiny Business offers much-needed relief from a dreary life pursuing business as usual. Rowe proves it is not only okay to prioritize a high quality of life and an honorable vocation, but it is exactly this magic combination that makes it all worthwhile. I encourage people to follow the simple and timely principles of this book.”
—Shawn Berry, cofounder/worker-owner, LIFT Economy

“If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or aspiring leader, Sharon Rowe will remind you why you love business and how much good you can do in the world—at any size.”
—Corey Blake, founder and CEO, Round Table Companies

“A delightful wake-up call to what’s possible when you want big impact, big satisfaction, and big fulfillment done your way. With Sharon Rowe, tiny but mighty takes on a whole new meaning! Sharon shows you how to have a beautiful business that is a blessing to your staff and your community no matter how big or how small it may be.”
—Dr. Judith Wright, coauthor of The Heart of the Fight

“A definitive book. Tiny business is big business!”
—Karen Sands, MCC, BCC, leading GeroFuturist, bestselling author, thought leader, and speaker

“In a business world often defined by an ethos of ‘move fast and break things,’ The Magic of Tiny Business is a welcome invitation to rethink how business is built and how we define success. The assumption that building a business means embracing rapid growth and scaling leaves out the opportunity to build something more intentional and personally meaningful. Through her book, Sharon Rowe translates the wisdom she has gained over her years in business into a practical guide and gentle nudge to get going on building a business that will fulfill you.”
—Jessica Quinn, Managing Director, Civic Hall

“Rowe’s book is a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship, reminding both new and experienced founders to take a deeper look at what it means to be successful, happy, and impactful in our work.”
—Desiree Vargas Wrigley, founder of Pearachute

“The Magic of Tiny Business is a practical, hands-on guide to launching and running an impact business (so your business doesn’t run you).”
—Denise Taschereau and Sarah White, cofounders of Fairware

“Sharon shows us the magic that unfolds when we use business to serve us and are not servants to it.”
—Rose Penelope L. Yee, CEO, Green Retirement, Inc.

“Building a business that solves social or environmental problems can be a daunting endeavor. The Magic of Tiny Business confronts the fears commonly faced by entrepreneurs who strive to change the status quo. Through her personal journey of creating and growing her business, Eco-Bags Products, Sharon Rowe shares pearls of wisdom on how to zero in on the mission while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.”
—Alisa Gravitz, President and CEO, Green America

“How lucky are today’s entrepreneurs to have this gift of reflection, inspiration, and practical guidance for their journey? Sharon articulates the grand purpose behind a ‘tiny business’—an entrepreneur’s North Star. In the constant-swirling mind of a business owner, Sharon’s words are calming and a reminder of how to focus on what’s important and define success in our own terms.”
—Rebecca Rodskog, cofounder of FutureLeaderNow and founder of 12@12

About the Author

Sharon Rowe is the founder and CEO of Eco-Bags Products, which grew to become a $2.2 million business. Featured in Time magazine and in the indie film Bag It, Rowe has been the recipient of several awards, including the Business Council of Westchester's Entrepreneur of the Year, Enterprising Woman of the Year, and the Women's Enterprise Development Center's Lilian Vernon Award.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berrett-Koehler Publishers; Illustrated edition (May 8, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1523094788
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1523094783
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.016 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.56 x 0.39 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #204 in Green Business (Books)
- #396 in Sustainable Business Development
- #460 in Venture Capital (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.4 224 ratings

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Sharon Rowe

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I'm a social entrepreneur, CEO, author, and speaker. My business is Eco-Bags Products (www.ecobags.com) and my brand is ECOBAGS.

I started a business, to make a good living, put my family first, and create a culture shift. I wanted (and still do) to inspire people to kick the single-use plastic bag habit and "clean up the planet one bag a time," by choosing reusable bags. Against great odds, I found success by being patiently persistent.

From experience, I know you can make a big impact and a good living, by being laser-focused with a "tiny" business. I was a new parent, and an actor, who needed work to work for me. I wanted a platform to create the change I wanted to see and... I wanted work to fit my life. Don't you?

Time Magazine calls me a “pioneer.” Glamour Magazine featured me as an "Eco-Hero." The Oprah Show featured our brand. I’ve been on QVC, in the acclaimed documentary "BagIt and recognized with entrepreneur and women in business awards.

I introduced ECOBAGS® in 1989 and built a successful, “tiny” social impact business from scratch. With more than 9 million ECOBAGS sold, I'm thrilled and humbled, to see the movements toward reusable and away from single-use waste.

I speak on social entrepreneurship and "tiny" business to audiences all over the world, from Yale University to the maximum-security Sing-Sing Prison, The FaFa Institute in Nairobi and in Reykjavik Iceland to women entrepreneurs.

BCorporation, Social Venture Circle, Green America, Women President’s Organization, and the Westchester Collaborative Theatre.

Follow: @sharonfeldmanrowe | IG: @sharonrowe_ | www.sharonrowe.com

IG: @ecobags_us

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4.4 out of 5

224 global ratings

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Hc

Wow! What a gem

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023

Verified Purchase

Forget all the hyped books and models around startup mentality - this might just be the most important business book that you ever read. It brings to life all the things that make businesses successful - a purpose, a mindset to create value, perseverance, and of course excellence in execution. However, what made this book stand out among business books for me was that the author doesn’t talk down at you. Reading it was like listening to a wise person at a campfire. And for that same reason the lessons stick with you. I found myself taking notes on things I could do better in my own business.
Do yourself a favor - don’t miss this short but mighty book!

Helpful

Pat Black-Gould

Valuable information for anyone starting a business

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022

Verified Purchase

I appreciated Sharon Rowe’s story of how and why she created Eco-Bags and grew the business from there. Guided by a passion to create a sustainable eco-friendly business while also having time for her family, was not an easy task and I had to smile over a point she made: “A tiny business is about building something agile and profitable, on your own terms, so that you (and your team) can be home for dinner.” The thing is, this entrepreneur did it and she takes readers step-by-step through the process.

What I really liked was her down-to-earth approach in telling the story, especially details such as deciding on the name and the evolution of a brand logo. I also found this book delightful to read. She includes a series of cartoons, cleverly designed to fit the chapters, and, I discovered at the end of the book, were created by her son, Julian. At the end of the book, I was pleased to see how how a woman with a passion for “cleaning up the planet” was able to get her message across to a wide audience, both nationally and internationally, and even including her ECOBAGS being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Shows’ first Earth Day episode in 2007.

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writes4coffee

a little too repetitive

Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2020

Verified Purchase

The Magic of Tiny Business is informative, engaging, and filled with tips for how to start a small business.

Sharon Rowe talks about her business, and the mistakes she made throughout growing said business.

She also talks about what she did right and offers tips.

I’m only giving this 4 stars. While I found the tips and information valuable, I think Rowe kept circling back to own business too much. I wasn’t personally interested that she swims almost every day or that she was an actress before ECOBAGS became a business.

I know everyone has a “how I got here” story, but some of the details were repetitive and could have been left out.

Other than that, it’s a great book; easy to read and full of useful info.

One person found this helpful

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Mark C

A MUST READ

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2019

Verified Purchase

"The Magic of Tiny Business" by Sharon Rowe is a great, instructive, thoroughly enjoyable read. Ms. Rowe shares valuable insights gained while growing her business, from its inception as an idea and with a small investment, into a multi-million dollar company - Eco-Bags Products, Inc.

Eco-bags are ecologically friendly bags that are now sold worldwide. Ms. Rowe was ahead of the curve, creating the supply just as the demand for environmentally sound products was emerging.

She writes of the planning, execution, problem solving, and customer care that enabled her to become a successful entrepreneur and still be home for family dinners, noting in her introduction, "A tiny business is about making a good living and a great life. You need to be able to stop and smell the flowers.... you need to enjoy the journey."

Contributing to the book's allure are numerous cartoons by the author's son, Julian Rowe, whose cartoons have appeared in the New Yorker magazine.

"The Magic of Tiny Business" belongs on the list of must reads for anyone contemplating embarking on such an adventure.

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

This book has some good advice but over all it's repetitive and not as informative as I had hoped it would be. Comes across as more of a personal day to day diary for Rowe instead of the ins and outs of what it takes to start and maintain a small independently run business. I got the sense she wasn't struggling as much as she would like you to believe in the beginning and I think she had a lot more help getting started and marketing herself than she lets on. Like i mentioned there are few bits and bobs that are good to know, otherwise the book doesn't live up to its hype.

Helpful

Bob Miglani

Big lessons from a Tiny book

Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2018

Verified Purchase

Loved this book! The author has a great story, one which I think many of us working in the job world could learn from. A lot of people want to start their own business but have these fears. Fearing lack of knowledge or maybe the business won't generate the income we get from our current job. But the author shows us that it is possible. Mistakes and all, she did it and helps us understand how we can too. It is possible to design a business, like the author has done, to suit her life and passion...and profit.

I also love the laser focus and clarity that this book has helped me to bring to my business as well. Helping me cut out the clutter and keeping the focus (but not the vision). “Tiny” has been liberating for me in my work and I loved reading about how the author made it work for her over decades. Eco Bag Products has been around since the 1990s and as founder, the author’s business journey is a real inspiration for entrepreneurs or would be entrepreneurs who are sitting on the fence.

2 people found this helpful

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Samantha Slade

Healthy holistic thinking around business

Reviewed in Canada on November 1, 2018

Verified Purchase

I love the mission driven focus of this how-to-run-a-small-business guide and how clarity of purpose helps in your decision-making and direction. The message that stood out to me the most is how being a Tiny Business with laser-sharp priorities keeps you “whole.” It is the opposite of selling your soul to make a killing.

2 people found this helpful

The Woman in Bed for a While

A Tiny Read of Magic Business

Reviewed in Spain on March 8, 2019

Verified Purchase

Small but perfectly formed. I found this insightful book via Marie Forleo. Have highlighted plenty and may be in touch.

Miss Marple

A Must Read for potential business owners

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2019

Verified Purchase

Great book to show you how to set up a business so that it runs for You - not You for it.

Anita Hoffmann

Inspiration to start and build a values driven business

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2018

Verified Purchase

A lovely and engaging book by Sharon Rowe, founder of ECOBags, telling the story of how she created a several million dollar Purpose driven business and a good life style with time for family etc.

It shows how by sticking to your values and principles (e.g. only working 9-5) you still can create a great business and provide good quality employment to others.

Well worth the read.

Cameron

Slow start, meh finish

Reviewed in Canada on November 12, 2019

Verified Purchase

This wasn’t what I’d hoped for. It might be a good read for someone in a similar business, but I didn’t get much insight into what a tiny business is and how it fits with my company. It was a very personal book, which might appeal to some, but wasn’t hooking me. The book becomes more practical as it moves on, but not enough to save it for me. Some people will like this and I hope it’s you.

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The Magic of Tiny Business: You Don't Have to Go Big to Make a Great Living Paperback – Illustrated, May 8, 2018

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From the Publisher

Seth Godin

Zibby Owens

Entrepreneur Magazine

Dr Judith Wright

Editorial Reviews

Review

About the Author

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About the author

Sharon Rowe

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Buy new:

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Ships from: CYCLE BOOKS

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