Can parenting give you an edge when it comes to starting your own business? This author seems to thinks so.
Julie's book is based on her own experiences as an entrepreneur and as a parent. Throughout the book she compares the stages of developing her businesses with the developmental stages of her children.
For example, just as infants need around-the-clock care, so do some fledgling businesses. I won't divulge here how Julie compares each and every stage of child development - you'll have to read the book to find that out. While the metaphors aren't perfect, there are definitely some interesting comparisons.Better than the comparisons between child rearing and starting a business, however, are the real-life anecdotes from Julie's business experience and the experience of the entrepreneurs that she interviewed. Over and over again I found myself thinking, "I've been there ..." If you want to feel validated, this is a good book to read. While many work-at-home moms (WAHMs) won't have experienced entrepreneurship on the same scale as Julie, the underlying feelings are the same.
I read Julie's Chapter 9 with a particular interest. That chapter is titled, "Having It All - Myth or Reality?" I've often asked myself that very question.
While I don't agree with every point that Julie makes, I do agree with her final chapter in which she lists the five business benefits that we learn from raising children. My own experience supports her conclusions.
The ParentPreneur Edge is not a step-by-step how-to-start a business type of guide, but it is not intended to be. What it is, however, is a collection of interesting observations and lessons learned. If you're feeling a bit frustrated with your business, then Julie's trials and successes are bound to be an encouragement to you. I definitely recommend this book for women entrepreneurs everywhere.
What about you? Are you interested in learning more about this book? Have you read the book yourself? (I'd love to hear your opinions.)
Leave us a comment and let us know.
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