Don´t Buy This Book, Entrepreneurship for Creative People
Authors of the book: Donald Roos & Anne de Bruijn
Book review
„I didn’t get much advice. And when I did get them, I thought: no, it must be different.“
Anouk, dutch singer
Even though the authors decided to write the book in English, when leafing through it, the reader first encounters a quote in Dutch, moreover, from an unknown author.
The book caught my attention with its flamboyant cover during one visit to the austrian city of Graz: in the Kunsthaus, which in other words is a kind of “Friendly Alien“.
From the outset, I would like to state that I am writing this review as a freelancer or a self-employed woman with 15 years of creative entrepreneurship, who is looking for answers to important questions arising not only from my own life and practice, but also from the lives of my clients.
These are the families who made it possible for me, make it possible, or maybe will make it possible for me.
I had mixed feelings while reading this book. On the one hand, it was a challenge: to break through the English as painlessly as possible.
After all, a creative soul doesn´t want to spend too much time dealing with formalities, such as looking up unknown words in a dictionary, when she only wants one. And believe me, it probably won’t be marketing…
In reality, however, marketing is not only important to a large extent, but also interesting enough. But let’s rather hear from the personalities in the field, such as Michael Hyatt & Co.: „Marketing is just really about sharing your passion.“
Fortunately, Donald and Anna’s text is formulated in a simple and easy-to-understand way. It is probably also related to the fact that even for the authors of the book, English is not their mother language.
The good news is that already on the 27th page of the book, you can read that the secret of all the magic of creative entrepreneurship lies in the marriage. Next, as in the introduction, there are several seemingly unnecessary questions. But really only at first sight.
At the very beginning of the book, the authors offer the reader one not entirely uninteresting method or access to one’s own creative thoughts: a list of unrealized thoughts, i.e. ideas that should not be consciously dealt with at least for the time being.
At the same time, we learn that there should not be more than 3 projects on a ToDo list.
When we are clear about which project is feasible in a given time and space, we can focus on the creation of the so-called “pitch”. In other words, a pitch is a presentation of an idea or thoughts.
When dealing with a specific product or service, it can take the form of an initial conversation. Questions such as:
What´s your Why? What do you offer? What is unique about it? How will clients benefits from your product/service? How will this improve their quality of life?
On page 58 comes reassurance in the form of a lesson for anyone who has ever had someone try to steal something from them. For example, an idea or perhaps intellectual property.
But there is no need to despair, because even the authors themselves are of the opinion that what is truly ours, no one can steal from us anyway. Just like our DNA. At this point, it is worth including a quote from Henry Ford: „The only real security that man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability. If money is your hope for indenpendence, you will never have it…“
However, since it is also known that independence is not possible without money, I suggest going straight to the point or to the content of Donald and Anna’s book.
It is divided into five units:
~ Why Creative People Become Entrepreneurs
~ The ToDon`t List Method for Entrepreneurs
~ Sell: Test Your Idea
~ Make: Set It Up
~ Grow: Own Your Impact
Even after 15 years of my own creative entrepreuneurship, the experienced advice of the young authors resonated with me. instructions on topics such as Find your sweet spot, Know when to quit, What´s your price or Hassle hours.
With the Dream Projects topic, I allowed myself to happily squeak, and with the section Grow Slow, Add your value, I gave myself an unofficial award for my contribution to my own life.
It was immediately caught by the wind that the Democratization of the media brings with it. At least a man works towards his or her USP (Unique Selling Point) more promptly and without unnecessary delay by maintaining some kind of award.
„I´m not in competition with nobody but myself. My goal is to beat my last perfomance.“
Celine Dion
Like Marie Kondo, who dedicated her professional life to the conscious creation of order in the home or work space, the authors of the book introduce us to the secrets of authentic and productive sales of their creative projects in a very non-violent and non-intrusive way.
„Whatever you do, do what makes you happy. And others, too.“
Anne de Bruijn & Donald Roos
In conclusion, there is nothing left for me to add other than: Don´t Buy This Book!
Lucia Haquel
Vienna,
9th September 2023
P.S. Because creative people will change the world …
