What I'm Reading: E Myth

Book Review: The E-Myth Revisited – Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work (and What to Do About It)

(here's where to get it https://amzn.to/46Qf8ch)

If you’re a small business owner who feels like your business is running you—instead of the other way around—The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber should be at the top of your reading list.

This classic business book challenges the romantic idea that being great at your craft automatically makes you great at running a business. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

What Is the “E-Myth”?

The “E” in E-Myth stands for Entrepreneurial, and the myth Gerber debunks is this: that most people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs. In reality, most are technicians—people who are skilled at what they do (bakers, designers, consultants, etc.) but not necessarily skilled at building and managing a business.

The result? Burnout, inconsistency, and businesses that stall—or fail.

The Three Roles Every Business Owner Plays

Gerber outlines three key personalities inside every small business owner:

• The Technician – Loves to do the work (e.g., baking the cakes, fixing the cars).

• The Manager – Focuses on order, systems, and day-to-day operations.

• The Entrepreneur – Thinks about vision, growth, and strategy.

According to Gerber, most business owners get stuck in the Technician role, working in their business rather than on it. Long-term success comes when you recognize and balance all three roles—and build a business that can thrive without being 100% dependent on you.

Key Lessons from The E-Myth Revisited

• Work on systems, not just tasks: Gerber emphasizes creating replicable processes so your business can operate consistently—even when you’re not the one doing the work.

• Think like a franchise: Even if you never plan to franchise, designing your business as if you will ensures it's scalable and consistent.

• Clarity around roles is critical: You must clearly define every role in your business—even if you’re filling all of them right now.

• Build your business with the end in mind: Whether that’s selling, expanding, or stepping back, having a long-term vision shapes today’s decisions.

Who Should Read This Book?

• New business owners who feel overwhelmed

• Solo practitioners looking to grow without burning out

• Entrepreneurs stuck in the weeds of daily operations

• Anyone tired of wearing all the hats

Final Thoughts

The E-Myth Revisited is not a flashy read—it’s a foundational one. Gerber's wisdom is both practical and transformational, especially if you’ve hit a plateau or feel trapped in the hustle.

This book doesn’t just teach you how to run a better business—it helps you become a better business owner. If you’re ready to stop being your business’s only employee and start building something that works for you, this book is your blueprint.