The E-Myth
#679 of 2,654 all-time
The E-Myth
Michael E. Gerber
10 people recommended it in 6 threads, 2009–2021.
What people on Hacker News said
The E-Myth Revisited kinda starts where the above one ends in that it points out the tragic flaw in many entrepreneurs: they want to practice their "craft" to the detriment of the actual business.
His opening line nails it: "Everything needs to be a system. Think of your business as a franchise prototype. You should be able to hand the "how-to" manual to just anyone, to do it as good as you."
It really gets to the heart of what businesses do right and wrong, and how to build an organization correctly based on systems instead of based on personality. Very important.
For example, if you are considering joining a company, you can use the principles described in the book as a way to evaluate that company. If you are starting something or a business owner trying to grow, it describes accurately the mistakes you might make and a path forward.
Really makes a huge difference to think about things in the Entrepreneur/Technician/Manager frame, and things make a lot more sense.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What's the best first business book for a programmer? 2009 · 4 recommendations
- What are the most indispensable books for indie hackers? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are the best books for professional effectiveness? 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you plan to read in 2020? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life? 2018 · 1 recommendation