Right from the "Introduction" I knew Jeanne Torrence Hauer’s Millionaire Women would be a different read than other success books about women. In non judgmental style, the author sets the stage by explaining the complex choices women are faced with in today’s world.
Millionaire Women earns its success from Hauer's skill as a storyteller and her background as a marketer. The book offers a unique look at how and why 16 women began and succeed, beyond all dreams, in their kitchen table businesses.
Don’t let the words kitchen table fool you, these women entrepreneurs are no light weights when it comes to achieving financial and personal success. Lorraine Tribe, Quest Personnel, an international recruitment firm, had billings of $40 million when she sold her company for almost $5 million (stock and cash).
Did you know that the first self-made millionaire in the U.S.was an African American woman? Madam C.J. Walker, founder of C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, made her fortune from hair care products. Some of the other women highlighted include: Doris Christopher - The Pampered Chef, Arlene Lenarz - Mary Kay Cosmestics, Lillian Vernon - Lillian Vernon Corporation, Rian Van Velzen-Bastaansen - Nature's Choice.
In addition to inspiring stories, the book provides specific strategies and tactics that any business person can put into practice. Several important, common themes run through each woman's story.
1. Find and follow your passion
Not everything will be easy. There will be obstacles, but follow your passion. - Doris Chistopher, The Pampered Chef
2. Take care of your customers
Treat your customers as though they were your grandparents. - Sally Degnan, Two Men and A Truck
3. Great people make a great company
Our success has been founded on our choice of great people to work with. - Pat Miller, Vera Bradley Designs
4. Build strong, authenic relationships
People-based relationships and performance will continue to be most important in the formula for success. - Lorraine Tribe, Quest Personnel
5. Keep life and business in perspective
Don't take life too seriously and don't make everything personal. - Cynthia R. Jones, Jones Worley Graphic Design Consultants
A must read for business owners, those thinking of entering the entrepreneurship world or when your world spins too fast and you need a bit of encouragement.
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