Who's read the E-Myth?

Who's read the E-Myth?

Didn't find your answer?

I decided I really ought to get around to reading the E-Myth and my copy arrived yesterday.

I opended it up last night about 10.30 with the intention of having a quick flick through - and I just couldnt put it down - a quick flick though became 70 pages. I never read books like this. I have truly never ever read such a relevant book.

I am convinced the author has been watching me and my practice - I AM THAT TECHNICIAN!! I do bake the pies...It is ME!

For those who have read it you will know what I mean, for those that havent get a copy.

I must know does the book provide the answer/solution as well as it sets out the problem?
Liz

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By dialm4accounts
07th Nov 2007 12:44

A good read - but...
The E-Myth makes a lot of valid points but there were a couple of areas where I felt it fell down.

Firstly, it doesn't make any allowances for businesses who want to start small and stay small - people who do just want to be "technicians". What if Sarah had just wanted to stay on her own and bake pies from her kitchen? What about electricians, gardeners, taxi drivers etc who want to work on their own, not develop a larger business?

And secondly, it uses far too much terminology and definitions - starting with Entrepreneur/Manager/Technician, then going on to Innovation/Quantification/Orchestration, and a dozen more. Before it got to the end my brain was spinning.

M

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By AnonymousUser
07th Nov 2007 12:45

E Myth
I've got it, after hearing it recommended on here, and I've started reading it (and yes, I bake pies! that's me too!).

However I also got the last 2 Harry Potter books shortly afterwards and they took precedence! (Highly recommended, by the way!!) And then I forgot about the E Myth. But thanks for reminding me, and yes I get the feeling it's very good. Must read more, if I find the time in between baking pies!

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By User deleted
07th Nov 2007 12:49

Brilliant
I think you're right, it's a brilliant book, and one that I've passed on to clients who are considering taking their next step forward.

It's certainly a challenge when applying it to an accountancy practice. In many ways, our profession operates back-to-front, with the owners (partners) being the front-line of client contact and so having their time taken up which could otherwise be spent on strategic/growth matters.

The key then (for me) is to create time in order to create growth. As yet unable to afford permanent staff, I've initiated outsourcing. Technology is also brilliant at automating some tasks.

Solutions are a bit thin on the ground in the book since you have to apply it to your own industry. However, a good tool is where it suggests you create an organisational chart for your business, assigning all the different jobs to a different position, and creating a job responsibility contract for each one. Then you yourself have to sign each contract, until such a time as you're able to employ someone to do it or find another solution. Very challenging, and it shows you just how far you have to go.

Must read it again soon.

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By User deleted
07th Nov 2007 12:52

Emily
Hi Emily,

I think the book does deal with the 'want-to-stay-small' people, in that it points out that this way of doing things isn't really a business. It's another job that you've created, albeit one with no paid holidays or sick pay. As such the book adopts a 'grow-or-die' or 'grow-or-why-bother' attitude. As much as it would be more 'comfortable' for me to stay small, real freedom in terms of cash and time can only come through growth.

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By User deleted
07th Nov 2007 14:48

Unmasked!
Steve

Are you really Al Murray the pub landlord? I seem to remember that sort of comment on his radio shows

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By User deleted
07th Nov 2007 14:04

Hi Jenny
I will eventually get around to reading the E Myth as it has been so highly recommended. However, I should like to point out that Harry Potter is for CHILDREN. That's CHILDREN - not adults. That's anyone under 13 years old or thereabounts. The next time I see an adult on the train reading Harry Potter, I'm going to go out and catch a witch or something.

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By AnonymousUser
07th Nov 2007 15:18

Steve
I am an adult, and a Harry Potter fan, and a witch. So there :-P

Seriously, if I am reading E-Myth and Tolley's all day, I need something totally different with which to unwind!! Or is that with witch.....

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By dialm4accounts
07th Nov 2007 15:51

How big do you have to be?
Hi AJ,

I don't agree with Michael Gerber's theory that a micro-business or one-man band isn't a real business. Earlier this year I ran a one-woman business for 6 months (before I got a job offer from one of my customers) and it felt nothing like being in a job!

For a small business that does want to grow, then The E-Myth would be a very valuable resource. However for someone who wants to be their own boss, but just wants to tick along quietly and earn enough to pay the bills, which a lot of small business owners do, I would say it's less valuable.

That's my view for what it's worth.

Steve - I agree with Jenni, I read Harry Potter too! And Furnunculus to you!!

M

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By AnonymousUser
07th Nov 2007 16:23

Books
I haven't read e-myth and on the strength of this debate I don't think I will be bothering. What a load of nonsense that a small business is not a real one ..... I have had a few employers and none of them let me do whatever I wanted every single day!

Haven't read Harry Potter either but I love Enid Blyton's Adventure series and I always take one on holiday as it fills you with all those comforting childhood thoughts of caves, picnics & ginger beer!

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By User deleted
07th Nov 2007 16:32

Dont dismiss it so quickly
Steven I am not trying to sell the book (honest no commissions are coming my way) but if you are truly interested in growing/running a business have a read before you pass judgement.

If you dont find it useful yourself I guarantee you will pick up tips to help your clients.

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By AnonymousUser
07th Nov 2007 16:41

E Myth
Steven

As someone who doesn't think I'm going to grow my business much beyond a work-from-home practice, I still think the E Myth has something to offer.

The split between a Techncian and a Manager is useful - just because we are great accoutants doesn't mean we automatically know how to run our (small but still valid) businesses efficiently. If nothing else, it's worth a read through to see if it prompts any thoughts about the way we run things. One should never be closed to the idea of changing for the better!

And yes, Enid Blyton gets my thumbs up too (along with Ginger Beer!). Must see if my parents still have any of my old books...

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By User deleted
08th Nov 2007 14:00

A good read
and makes you think about a lot of things.

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By User deleted
08th Nov 2007 11:19

Jenni - all is forgiven
I'm sorry about my Harry Potter comments earlier. If you like Enid Blyton you can't be all bad.

PS I've just ordered my copy of the E-Myth.

PPS Genuine apologies for spelling your name wrong in my last post.

Steve

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By AnonymousUser
08th Nov 2007 17:19

Cheers!
Cheers, Steve.

Have a virtual ginger beer ;)

Jenni

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By jmd.accounting
09th Nov 2007 14:44

who's the author?
This book sounds great - what's the full title and author - i'll put it my christmas list along with the Enid Blyton

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Nigel Harris
By Nigel Harris
09th Nov 2007 14:56

Simply brilliant
I think it's a brilliant book. I give it to my new trainees to read, and I have given quite a few copies away to new clients and prospects. All the talk by people like RAN One/RAS, 2020, Boot Camp, Steve Pipes, etc about systematising your practice comes directly from this book.

Don't confuse it with the 'eMyth Manager', Gerber's follow up book, which is rubbish in comparison, a long-winded rehash of all the same stuff - a bit like Stephen Covey's '8th Habit'!

And if you ever get a chance to see Michael Gerber at a seminar, grab it, he's great value.

Janette: Details are
E-myth Revisited
by Michael E. Gerber
Publisher: HarperCollins; 3Rev Ed edition (8 Nov 1994)
ISBN-10: 0887307280
ISBN-13: 978-0887307287

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