The self-employment book written by someone who’s been there
If you work for yourself, you’ll know it can be one of the best things you ever do. The freedom, the variety, the buzz of a new customer. You’ll probably also know the days when it feels like you’re juggling everything on your own.
I wrote Smashing Self-Employment for exactly those moments. It’s like having a chat over a cuppa with someone who’s walked the same road, made plenty of mistakes along the way, and is happy to share what actually works. You’ll find simple, practical ideas for winning customers, pricing with confidence, getting more done and keeping your spirits up when things get tricky.
What you’ll find inside
Everything in this book comes from real life, not a textbook. I’ve run my own businesses for a long time, and I’ve had some brilliant wins and some expensive slip-ups along the way. I’ve poured all of that into these pages so you can borrow what works and skip the painful bits.
No complicated theory or business jargon. Just friendly, practical ideas you can put to use straight away.
Marketing
Marketing is simply how you find customers and keep them coming back. Lots of us find it daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
You’ll discover easy, down-to-earth ways to get your name out there and attract the right people.
Planning
Planning might sound a bit dull, but a simple plan can make a huge difference.
The book gives you an easy template to map out your work, then shows you how to stick to it without it feeling like a chore.
Being productive
When you’re your own boss, there’s no one else to keep things on track.
You’ll pick up loads of handy ways to organise your time so you can get more done and still have a life outside work.
Networking
Networking is a great way to meet potential customers and like-minded people.
You’ll find tips to help you make the most of every event, so your time is well spent and you come away with real connections.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the trickiest parts of working for yourself, so it gets two whole chapters.
The first helps you set prices you feel good about. The second shows you how to raise them with confidence and use them to attract the right customers.
When the going gets tough
Every self-employed person has tough days. That’s completely normal.
You’ll find practical ways to get through the harder times and keep both your business and your confidence in good shape.
Other useful info
This book is packed with simple ideas to help you:
- get more done in less time
- win more customers (and keep the ones you already have)
- keep customers happy (and make sure you get paid)
- feel less stressed and more in control
- take a day off without feeling guilty
It isn’t a rags-to-riches story, and it won’t promise you overnight millions. It’s about helping you find more success on your own terms, whether that means more income, more freedom, more time or simply running your business the way you want to.
Real advice from a real business owner, for people doing the real work. If that sounds like you, this book is a great place to start.
Ready to dive in?
The Smashing Self-Employment ebook is available right here on the website for $9.87 (USD). Just click the button below, check out securely, and you’ll be able to download it straight away and start reading on your phone, tablet or computer.
Once you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you think. Your feedback helps me keep improving and helps other self-employed people decide if the book is right for them.
About the author
Hi, I’m Karl. I started my first business at 19 and I’ve been working for myself, in one way or another, ever since.
Along the way I built Buzz, a web design and marketing agency in Leicester that doubled its sales in under a year and was shortlisted for Innovative Business of the Year. I’ve also had my share of setbacks, including going bankrupt in 2008. Those ups and downs taught me more than any course ever could.
Today I run Smashing Self-Employment, helping small businesses across New Zealand and the Pacific with their marketing, websites and automation. I still love sharing what I’ve learned, which is exactly why I wrote this book.
What readers have said
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a bit of feedback from those who’ve already read Smashing Self-Employment:
I love the way Karl puts this stuff across. If you’re running a small business then this book just hits the nail on the head because it’s just packed with useful information that’s easy to read and understand.Not many authors provide such straightforward help for those who are self-employed and this book gives you plenty.
Paul Chapman,
Director, Marketing Jumpleads
Karl’s conversational style of writing and the degree of candour he writes with, regarding his own struggles and successes with self-employment, is very refreshing and enlightening.
The bite-size chapters are ‘to the point’ and are packed full of excellent tips and advice from a small business owner who clearly speaks from experience.
Smashing Self-Employment is an invaluable tool for anyone thinking of joining the ranks of the self-employed or for those who have already made the leap and may be struggling.
Sharon Ireland,
Property Investor
Smashing Self-Employment is a back to basics, no nonsense book about the roller coaster ride that is starting a business or trying to survive (and thrive) in self-employment.
This book is an ideal, straightforward guide from someone who has made it, messed it up, got it back together, learnt from his mistakes and simply got on with it to make his business and himself a success.
Karl details his ups and downs and presents his experience in a no-frills way, which serves as a great book to keep an existing business owner on track as a reference guide, or as an ideal start-up book to give to a budding entrepreneur who needs guidance as they begin their self-employment journey.
Fully recommended.
James Blacklaws,
Director, JB Commercial Finance
Started reading this and within 10 minutes I’d picked up 3 things I can put into effect in my business right away.
Karl puts the information across in such a straightforward way.
Vimal Chauhan,
Director, Executive Chauffeurs
