Ladies Who Launch: An Innovative Program That Will Help You Get Your Dreams Off the Ground

[Book review I wrote for the hardcover edition of this book. See ISBN: 0312359543] The authors have co-founded an online networking and offline support system they call Women Who Launch. This book appears to be written to promote membership in their network and support system. I thought it was a well-written book and more motivational than substantive. It includes exercises, questionnaires and additional resource lists along with success stories of women who have bought into the program. I wasn't impressed with the companies these women started. I think the book is wonderful for women who want to "launch" a social life or diet program, but the advice provided here with regard to launching a small business is off the mark. The book tells wanta-be entrepreneurs that there is a feminine approach to launching a business that involves merely reflecting on a woman's true passions, skills and desires. What that translates into is to forget learning about finance, market research, and writing a sound business plan. Instead, it suggests to just throw "something" together on a shoe string and if it works then worry later about dotting all your eyes and crossing all your tees. What the authors fail to tell the reader is that more likely than not the "something" is bound to fail because of lack of planning and preparation. The book has 12 chapters as follows: 1. Introduction to launching 2. Launching as a lifestyle choice 3. Women, the natural connectors 4. It is not all about the money 5. Just start: Jumping in using your creativity and intuition 6. Preparation: Fill up first 7. 3, 2, 1, Launch 8. Step 1: Imagine It 9. Step 2: Speak It 10. Step 3: Do It 11. Step 4: Celebrate It 12. Let's launch it together I found it interesting that one of the tables included in the book indicated that women generally like to work for someone else (they are conservative), they are preoccupied with having healthcare coverage (for themselves), and they don't want to work all that hard at their jobs (some might say they are lazy). These are not the traits of someone who should be starting their own business. And for the authors to suggest that they should is an absurdity. Ironically much of what this book says is what a wanta-be entrepreneur needs to hear and do. I think I can recommend it to wanta-be entrepreneurs who are willing to learn about finance, do the necessary market research, and write the 25-35 page sound business plan as well as steps 1-4 included at chapters 8-11. Otherwise - skip it. 4 stars!

I love this book! If you've had entrepreneural ideas sitting on the back burner waiting to be realized, this book definitely gives you a motivating and inspiring push to launch them from dreams into realities. It gives great perspective on how woman are different from men in launching their ideas and creating the business and/or lifestyle that they want and deserve. The website is stock full of great resources and overall, the Ladies Who Launch provide access to a network of woman and like-minded people that will help you move forward.

With so many business books out there mostly written by men, it is a relief to find one written by women, for women. I used to think I was crazy in my thought pattern and how I run my business. I actually thought I might be losing my mind as a business owner. After reading Ladies Who Launch, I know the way I run my business is just the feminine way and there is nothing wrong with me at all. As a matter of fact, I am oh so right and normal! This book is inspiring and really causes me to move forward with my thoughts and ideas. I will truly be sad when I am done reading it as it has helped me tremendously. Thanks Beth and Victoria for helping others to understand how women run a business and why we are so successful.

In Oct 2006 I attended the LIVE event in San Francisco hosted by Alison Covarubias (the San Francisco Incubator Leader). It was at that event that I made the decision to write the book I'd had in my head for years. And so, "Every Single Girl's Guide To Her Future Husband's Last Divorce" was born. The idea behind Ladies Who Launch is unique and its about enhancing and developing the idea in your heart, not someone elses idea of what you should do. Beth and Victoria have created a sensational structure to take your creative or business ideas and bring them to life. I know that my life will be forever changed for the better because I had this experience. For me, during the incubator, what I discovered was that women communicate and develop their creative ideas differently than men, and that I needed that hefty dose of estrogen and unconditional support to propell my idea forward and stay the course. The incubator changed my life for the better in so many ways, not the least of which was showing me that my dreams were always within reach. Add to that the ongoing monthly meetings and personal mentoring by Alison Covarubias and there was no way I could fail. For any woman thinking about starting her own business, or who has a creative idea, I highly recommend reading this book and signing up for an incubator near you!

I love this book! It proves you don't have to do things the "traditional way" in order to be successful launching a business. Case in point, the part about (loosely quoted), "the traditional process of embarking - write the business plan, crunch the numbers, pitch idea the to potential investors, work really hard to make it happen and when you reach your first million gather together your employees for some cake and champagne in paper cups." Compared to "the feminine process of embarking - take your passion and imagine making it come true in the best way possible, test the concept with friends by talking about it and getting feedback, start out doing it, dipping your toe in, taking some actions, feeling it out, have a big ole party to celebrate your first dollar, hundred dollars, or one million (okay, and buy some shoes)." It's so much more fun the feminine way!! Thank you for sharing all of this with the world. I'm going to buy those shoes I saw on my way to my new office. It's time to ce-le-br-ate!