The Bootstrapper’s Bible by Seth Godin

Some time ago (yes, I am somehow behind in my writing) I read Seth Godin’s Bootstrapper’s Bible when it was published in ChangeThis. Sadly it’s no longer free but if you are wondering about starting your own business any time, you should get your hands on a copy. It gives some great pointers on the difference between a freelancer and an entrepreneur, or which business to go in, what to watch out for, basic finance. Some simple rules for choosing your business model as an example:

It should be profitable (yes, some still go into business with something that isn’t)

It should be protectible (I am not sure there, because they world might be changing too fast for keeping things protectible in the long term, of course it would be nice)

It should be self-priming

It should be adjustable

It should have an exit strategy (optional)

That’s a good list to think about when going into business. A good point follows: “ _Successful bootstrappers know this: Your business is about the process, it’s not about the product._ ” Another important item is to redo the business plan and mission statement every three months. This thing should be short, but it gives a guiding light that needs to be pointing in the right direction.