While there is no shortage of business books offering advice on how best to make your fortune, many of them suffer from a narrow focus fixed solely on how to maximize profit. In SLOW BURN ENTREPRENEUR: Succeed on Your Own Terms with the RELAX Method, Michael Weber takes a refreshingly holistic approach to entrepreneurship, recognizing the importance of personal happiness and individual growth. Weber identifies the importance of downtime. Indeed, his “RELAX” method hinges on allowing time for the business to take care of itself.
In Weber’s world, “RELAX” is an acronym. R stands for “recognize your value.” E is “exercise your creativity.” L means “leap out of your comfort zone.” A stands for “act as if,” by which the author means that the reader should act as if they are already the successful entrepreneur they will become in the future. Finally, X, by way of a linguistic sidestep, becomes “examine your motivations.” When put together, these steps form the basis for Weber’s strategies for success, and he breaks down each section with examples from his own life and other businesses. Readers will notice the emphasis on “you” in Weber’s advice. One of the book’s strengths is its firm focus on the individual entrepreneur, emphasizing that their attitude and experience will drive profits. Weber maintains that the best asset for any fledgling business is investing in and maximizing the unique outlook of the individual. By building a business with the simple tools he proposes, any entrepreneur can be the architect of their own success.
As if to prove his point, Weber confesses to having been “nobody special,” outlining his CV, which includes numerous failed businesses. He stresses that there is always an opportunity to learn from mistakes and that these early failures can pay for themselves in the long run. Negatives can be viewed positively, as they can be signposts for opportunity. He writes: “Entrepreneurs who have an abundance mentality and gratitude for how much opportunity is available in our society are the ones winning at this game.” Much of Weber’s strategy is rooted in old-school positive thinking. He discusses “brainwashing your way to success” and suggests ways to enhance positivity. High on his “to-do” list is stopping the consumption of news, nurturing your own creativity, and not being afraid to ask for favors. There is also a template for readers to create their own positive affirmations as a personal pledge.
The book is well-written, and Weber is an affable guide as he explains his business trajectory. Supplementing his own thoughts are quotes from various business gurus and interesting asides, including business case studies like Enron and Webvan. Of course, no business book can guarantee the reader will make a single cent in profit, but SLOW BURN ENTREPRENEUR is distinct enough from the usual how-to guides that it could be worth a look for any budding entrepreneur who values their work/life balance. As Weber writes: “The life of an entrepreneur, if nothing else, should be an exciting adventure—one of unparalleled challenge and an incredible amount of freedom.”
Michael Weber’s SLOW BURN ENTREPRENEUR is well-designed and easy to follow. Weber provides a refreshing take on building a business while ensuring that the entrepreneur can also enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling life.
~Kent Lane for IndieReader