A book you must read: E-Myth Revisited

Running a small service business—like a plumbing outfit, a hair salon, or a consulting gig—can feel like juggling with one hand tied. You’re the technician, the manager, and the dreamer, all at once. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber cuts through that chaos with a simple truth: most small businesses fail because owners work in their business, not on it. Here’s why this book is a must-read for you.

Shift Your Mindset

You didn’t start your business to drown in paperwork or chase late invoices. Gerber shows you how to think like an entrepreneur, not just a doer. He breaks down the “E-Myth”—the entrepreneurial myth—that being good at your craft (say, cutting hair or fixing pipes) means you’ll automatically nail running a business. Spoiler: it doesn’t. This book teaches you to step back and build systems, so your business runs smoothly without you micromanaging every detail.

Systems Rule

Gerber’s big idea is to treat your business like a franchise, even if it’s just you and a laptop. Create repeatable processes for everything—scheduling, customer follow-ups, even your website updates. Why? Because systems free you up to grow. For example, a clear process for answering client inquiries can make your website a lead-generating machine, not just a digital brochure. Hip Bip’s tip: Start small—document one task this week.

Practical, Not Preachy

This isn’t a rah-rah motivational book. Gerber uses real-world stories, like the overwhelmed baker who learns to systematize her shop, to show how small changes lead to big wins. He walks you through creating a business that’s predictable and scalable. For service businesses, this means a website that clearly tells customers who you are, what you do, and why they should pick you—no fluff, just results.

Your Website Is Part of The System

A great website isn’t just a pretty design; it’s a system that works for you. Gerber’s advice to “work on your business” applies here. Instead of slapping together a homepage, think about what your customers need to see. A plumber’s site should scream “reliable fixes, fast” with clear calls to action. Hip Bip builds sites that do exactly that—simple, effective, and tailored to your clients.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

At under 300 pages, The E-Myth Revisited is a quick read that packs a punch. It’s been around since 1995, but its lessons are timeless for small businesses in 2025. Whether you’re struggling to get leads or just want to scale without burning out, this book gives you a roadmap. Plus, it’s written in plain language—no MBA required.

Grab It — Get Started

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to grow your business. The E-Myth Revisited shows you how to build a business that works for you, not the other way around. Pick it up, read a chapter, and start applying one idea—like streamlining your booking process or tweaking your website’s messaging. You’ll see results faster than you think.