The Sleeping Giant: The Awakening of the Self-Employed Entrepreneur

McElroy, a successful self-employed entrepreneur, encourages would-be entrepreneurs to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities available even in the current economy. He identifies an emerging group of people who are creating their own employment destinies%E2%80%94a group he calls the "Sleeping Giant." To illustrate the varied yet pragmatic paths available to those seeking to take charge, he includes 20 stories by successful individuals who carved out careers for themselves with an idea and little experience or money. While some of McElroy's terminology seems dated%E2%80%94new economy versus old economy and the Internet and its endless possibilities%E2%80%94the stories he includes are just the opposite. Fresh, practical, and full of warts-and-all commentary, the advice these entrepreneurs share is insightful and of value to those contemplating starting their own businesses. Carol Frank's "Choose Your Partners Well" is a cautionary and frank account that everyone starting out should read. Neil Balter's "A Twenty-Year Overnight Success Story" shows the importance of resilience and highlights best practices as well as mistakes to avoid. And "Follow the Cash" by Richard Levychin shows that sometimes new business opportunities find you and advises on everything from cash flow to brand integrity. Interestingly, McElroy's own story is missing, but he more than redeems himself in his solid choice of contributors who harness a wealth of wisdom that can set new entrepreneurs on the right path.