“The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” is a business book written by Michael E. Gerber, first published in 1995 and revised in 2021. The book challenges the myth that most entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to be their own boss and demonstrates that this motivation, without proper planning and management, can lead to failure.
Gerber argues that most small businesses fail because the entrepreneurs who start them are typically skilled in a specific trade or technical expertise but lack the skills to run a business. The author describes the three personalities of an entrepreneur: the technician, the manager, and the entrepreneur. The technician is the person who loves to do the technical work; the manager is the person who loves to organize and manage things, and the entrepreneur is the visionary who dreams of building a successful business.
Gerber introduces the concept of working on your business, not just in your business. He encourages entrepreneurs to build a system that can work without them, allowing them to focus on growth and innovation. He recommends creating a business plan that includes a detailed organizational chart, job descriptions, and an operations manual.
The author also emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer and building a system that provides consistent and excellent customer service. He suggests creating a “client fulfillment system” that delivers on the promises made to customers.
Throughout the book, Gerber uses real-life examples to illustrate his points, and he includes exercises and action steps for readers to implement the ideas presented in the book. The book also includes a section on franchise businesses and how they can be successful when run properly.
Overall, “The E-Myth Revisited” is a practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to build a successful business. The book emphasizes the importance of building a system that can work without the entrepreneur and provides a clear roadmap for doing so.