Description
This authoritative focused guide by two of the UK’s brightest young entrepreneurs – The Apprentice runner-up, Bianca Miller-Cole and serial entrepreneur, Byron Cole – is a comprehensive toolkit for anyone who wants to make a success of running their own business.
Featuring interviews with well-known entrepreneurs, entertainers, and industry experts, the book covers every tier of the business development process, from start-up to exit, offering practical, implementable and global advice on the startup process.
Ashley –
Jam-packed with how to get a new company started and going. I enjoyed the expert interviews and real business insights from Byron and Bianca business empire. There is so much in this book for any new entrepreneur and plenty of resources to keep you going. I loved the “reverse mentoring” idea.
Jan –
Yes got the book – great read and what is even better is how you both break down the information in depth, step by step for your audience. Definitely recommend to others and to students’ who I also work with.
Rebecca Olateju –
Fantastic book. It has opened up an astonishing ways of thinking.
. –
A must read. This book has already changed the way I work on my current job & business. So easy to understand and follow.
Bernadette Francis –
Where was this book when I started out 25 years ago………. so insightful.
Malvia –
this book is everything you need if you’re starting a business or have a new business it gives you the KNOWHOW and all the information you need to get it right
Julian Manning –
Great book with insightful information on how to build a successful business/brand. A must read with great advice for any beginner!
Dominic Sterling –
Great read, very insightful and easy to digest
Nathan Burke –
Invest in one of these books and it will be a positive start to success. An excellent and encouraging must read book that can change your way of thinking and help anyone whether you are a student an employee or own your own business.
Stella –
Amazing! This book is definitely a MUST BUY! Very insightful and such an easy read!
Carlton Melbourne –
This book is a great read so far it’s very informative and inspirational I’m only a few chapters in and it’s made up my mind regarding going it alone.
. –
This book literally has saved me a tone of money and has allowed me to think on a much more strategic level. It gets straight to the point with practical tips, and fantastic Q&A’s with companies such as ‘Nominet’.
An easy read and well structured. ‘Self Made’ by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole comes highly recommended for anyone with vision and a dream to be self sufficient. I’m actually going to read this book again. The ultimate entrepreneurs handbook 👍.
Louise King –
Thoroughly enjoying Self Made by Bianca Miller – Cole & Byron Cole – a great manual for those wanting business start up success, but also features insights for folks already in business…What an awesome way to give back. Inspirational indeed!
Stevie –
A fantastic book which not only motivates those of aspiring to become ‘self-made’ but is packed full of useful advice that is easy to access making it a must-read for anyone looking for start-up success! Well done Byron and Bianca!!
Joseph Alabi –
Can’t get enough of this book! It’s really a practical step by step guide on how to start and sustain a business! If I’ve been able to see further than others, it’s by standing on the shoulder of giants! Thank you x100! would recommend this book to serious-minded people. – Joe
Patience –
Easy to read, get straight to the point avoiding business jargon, simplifies technical business terminology. It’s my own mini mentor. There are times when starting out you have a gut feeling about doing something, but lack the clarity to do it. The authors based on their experience know the journey very well and this book helps you move found and take action. .
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Margaret7 –
An excellent up-to-date guide for anyone looking to start up a new business. It is UK-based, so all information is locally relevant and it covers all the issues you need to think about – including much info on the use of social media, access to support and information – and funding options – but also including all the basics of business start-up from business planning to strategy. It is very information dense, which means detail and clarity – and it is very easy to read and understand. I found it very helpful and enlightening – particularly the social media coverage.
. –
Great read, very practical and helpful tips for a great pair of business leaders who have been there and done that. I saw them live read excerpts from the book and they were both very warm and friendly.
Jaymish Patel –
Informative and insightful, in my opinion, this book is essential for anyone that wants to run their own business successfully. A book that you can certainly refer back to along your journey if need be, well worth the purchase! Congrats to Bianca and Byron.
– Emma Sexton Founder of MYWW™, Co-founder Flock Global™, Broadcaster, Creative In Residence at Kings College –
I am very excited about this book. It is beyond brilliant and much needed as it covers absolutely everything you need to know when setting up a business – there is even a chapter on mindset which is so important. I really wish this book was around when I started my ventures.
– Emma Sexton Founder of MYWW™, Co-founder Flock Global™, Broadcaster, Creative In Residence at Kings College
Vanessa Vallely –
“Seriously this is the book entrepreneurs have been waiting for, it is truly excellent!
Self made is an absolute must read for any budding entrepreneur. The book is full to the brim of practical tips and key insights in to exactly what it takes to start a business. Bianca and Byron write with such clarity and share their own experiences in an easy to consume format, including check lists and resources. You really could pick up this book and get to work setting up your business the moment you put it down! If it is one book you buy this year before expanding your business or take that all important leap to start up, then this is one! I just wish this book had been around ten years ago! Ten out of ten for self made” – Vanessa Vallely, Managing Director, WeAreTheCity
vee –
What an awesome book!! I recommend this book at anyone that has or wants to start a business you will not be disappointed
David –
Amazing book must buy for any serious entrepreneur!
Cory Edwards –
Great Book really gave me the motivation to go out there and make things happen! Just bought another 2 copies for Family members looking to make that jump!
Great Book thank you Byron and Bianca!
Darren –
After listening to many podcasts and audio books on business, I was looking for a book that consolidated all I heard and gave practical advice that could be implemented immediately; this book fit the bill brilliantly.
It is packed with manageable and achievable tips that can be read chronologically or as a reference guide. Bianca and Byron’s combined experiences in business widen the breadth of knowledge on offer, without conflicting ideologies.
If you are a start up, like I am, this book is gold, but I have no doubt I will continue to refer back to it time and time again. After all, if Claude is giving it the thumbs up, that’s good enough for me!
. –
This book breaks down in manageable chunks all you need to do start your own business empire. They cover it all! Compared to a lot of authors out there, Bianca and Byron have actually done it and they share their in advice in an easy to read, easy to apply format, that will have you up and running your business in no time.
Kylie Mullings –
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and the many tips and keys to success that it offers. I believe it provides relevant information on all aspects of business including the setting up, management of a small business and tips on being a good leader.
If you are in business, this book will remind you of things that many tend to overlook, or just forget. For a newbie, it provides an essential guide to starting a business.
Its full of solid, motivating, easy-to-implement advice. If you have problems with time management/procrastination, setting goals or getting things done, this book can help with getting into a more productive state of mind. The pointers are clear and simple, and the book itself is really enjoyable.
If out of my whole library of self development books and audio books I could only choose one, this would be the one I would choose to keep!!
Hannah Johnson –
Very informative but reader friendly. A very good tool for anyone interested in starting a business or who would like to consult on business startups!
Mrs Denise Merrylees –
“This book offers practical advice for anyone thinking of starting, growing or scaling their own business. The format is very user friendly and allows business people to reflect and think about the importance of getting the foundations right before jumping into the world of entrepreneurship. Working for the UK’s largest supporter of SMEs, I am confident that many of our customers and other aspiring entrepreneurs will benefit from Bianca and Byron’s personal experience “
Gordon Merrylees – Head of Entrepreneurship, RBS, NatWest & Ulster bank
Faith Ruto –
If you want to learn how to start and grow a successful business this is the book for
you. I am enjoying reading this excellent and well written book
because it has fresh ideas, real life stories from
entrepreneurs who have overcome
setbacks and challenges.
It offers practical business advice and tips that you can’t get in other books.my review doesn’t do this book any justice, just go and buy it! You won’t be disappointed! Faith Ruto
Jay Francis –
Fantastic book very helpful tips and inspiring to read and to hear the journey of their success
I highly recommend reading this
Andy K –
I read a lot of self-help books so there is a fair amount of content in this book that I am familiar with. However, I have still found fresh content and benefited from a fresh perspective on content I have already been familiar with. I particularly found very helpful, the ‘Build Your Brand, ‘Advertising Your Business’ and Social Media Marketing (comprehensive and full of great tips).
Above all, the this I like most about this book is its completeness: It lives up to its claim of being ‘The Definitive Guide To Business Success’. I have read books on Strategy, books on Marketing, books on selling 9products and services) books on Branding, books on How to Compete, books on how to access Funding as well as books Networking, on how to sell your Business and many more Business and self-help books. This book has all the above and more! Starts with defining and clarifying your vision and covers a lot in between such Budgeting, pricing, and so on and terminates at Selling your Business (though of course you aren’t forced to sell your Business if you do not want or need to). It is comprehensive or definitive yet it is only 271 pages.
This is the book for those starting up as it has almost all that you need to know. Outside startups, there are great tips and you can read the parts that are of interest to you.
aliya –
EXCEPTIONAL book, nothing less. Priceless content, cannot believe how much i learned from this book and how this will help grow my business. Cannot wait to take part in their mastermind session they offer. I was at the book launch and loved it.
Ayo –
Amazing book full of wisdom & on point.
steve mcguire –
“Bianca and Byron have written a very accessible and engaging book that guides would-be entrepreneurs through the process. They look at the complex and the easy to overlook.
Zipster Zeus –
A very useful handbook for the would-be- and even already off the ground- entrepreneur. Up-to-date, clear and practical you get a very handy little manual here with plenty of solid insight, advice and an approachable, lively delivery. Got a business idea, give this a good look.
TheLambanana –
I have to admit that I do love the Apprentice but I didn’t watch the series the year that Ms Miller-Cole was a contestant. So I don’t know if she the type that spoke sense or spoke, “I give 137%!” “I play hard, I work hard and I zzzzzz hard…..”
So I came to this book without any prejudice either positive or not.
Some parts are a little too basic: what’s a sole trader, partnership or ltd company but overall it has some useful advice. And that’s up to date advice.
I particularly liked the section on marketing on a budget.
S Riaz –
So many business books are US based, so it is a pleasant surprise to find one that is written from a UK perspective. This really is a complete guide to starting up a business, with lots of practical advice on how to avoid mistakes and make your idea a success.
This book takes you through your original vision, through the practicalities of getting started, building your brand, starting up on a limited budget, advertising, networking, social media and customer service. The book then goes on to developing and growing your business, coping with challenges and even selling your business when, hopefully, it is worth a fortune!
This is full of useful Q&A sections with people involved in business – from the director of businesses, entrepreneurs, social media networkers, and others. A very interesting book and full of useful advice.
Black Business Report –
We really enjoyed this book.
Self Made: The definitive guide to business, provides extensive knowledge and examples of everything you need to know about starting a successful business. It’s a step-by-step guide for turning an idea into a profitable business. From the very beginning of registering your company to an exit strategy.
Self Made: The definitive guide to business, is great for those who wish to start a business but have no idea how to start. It’s also a great book if you’ve already started your business but require some additional support. We highly recommend this book!
Samuel –
Great to find a guide to business start-up and development that’s written from a UK perspective. The approach by the author (a former Apprentice finalist) is clear, and there are really useful chapters on utilising social media, etc, which I suspect people of my age (mid-forties) aren’t perhaps as familiar with as younger business people. Above all, this is really a book that tells you to stick to what you know, stick to what you believe in, and to work as hard as you can — great advice, which sounds obvious, but this book gives you tools to help do this. Five stars.
C. Clark –
A wonderful book covering key issues of business without all the fluff that many business books drone on about. I really enjoyed the chapter on calculated risks and scaling up – one of the most difficult decisions for any start up.
Frank Agbley –
amazing book, 2018! make sure you add it to your list!
Emily Dowd –
Whether you’re just in planning stages or currently have a business – you will be able to benefit from this book! Definitely worth a read!
Mr. O –
I have read many books on business over the years. I have to say Self Made is one of the best reads. It is easy to make sense of. Easy to read with not to much jargon, straight concise points. Packed with useful/ usable information.
I am halfway through and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far.
I have already applied some of the methods to my own business and look forward to seeing the results.
swaycian lee perkins –
Interesting book, full of content which was well executed.
Charles Clarke –
Excellent and inspirational book, Just wish this book was out five years ago.
joseph –
Excellent book would recommend anyone who is starting up their own business
Naomi Greaves –
As a number one best-seller you can’t really find anything better to read if you want to get a business idea off the ground. Concise, clear and written for UK self made entrepreneurs, it shows how the everyday citizen can become a self made success
Elaine –
A motivational guide that gives any budding entrepreneur the inspiration and advice needed to succeed . Definitely worth the purchase and highly recommended
Leigh Thomas –
Great book very insightful
Tinashe Manyakaidze –
Amazing read filled with invaluable information for the business minded. Definitely recommend this book to any budding entrepreneur or anyone who has ever thought of starting their own business (no matter how small) as this book is filled with loads of useful information that will help guide you through your own entrepreneurial journey!!
Judith AM Denton –
This book is a GREAT resource to have for anyone getting ready to take the leap of faith and start their own business! The narrative is clear and easy to understand, enabling the reader to follow the steps needed to start their journey.
I do I wish that I had this book when I started my business, because as an Entrepreneur, you don’t know what you don’t know until you come to a crossroad and then have to seek advice.
Nevertheless, reading this Guide has confirmed that I’m on the right track but still have a lot more work to do!
Thank you Bianca and Byron!
Fiona Seigneur –
I’m so grateful/thankful for this informative and easy to read book because for me there are so many priceless business gems within each chapter that I keep stopping and finding myself putting them into practice and also sharing with others in business or looking to start up and seeing their gratitude for being referred to buy the book also- I haven’t finished reading it all yet.
I highly recommend this book and huge thanks to Bianca Miller-Cole for writing it.
Naomi T –
Fantastic resource not just for a start up business but anyone who’s in business looking for new ideas or a new outlook. Seriously good investment
Michelle –
This book is amazing and I highly recommend it.
The book covers everything you need to know about business and more. 100% to Bianca Miller and her husband.
Amazing! book and easy to read. X.
Abbie Gayle Johnson –
I thought it would have been best to wait until I was done to write a review but I may need to take my time digesting this and not apply my usual speed-reading. This is not your typical business book, it is a WORKBOOK with PRACTICAL ADVISE from PAGE ONE. No beating the bush, no ambiguity, it is straight to the point. READ and APPLY right away. If you are the beginner stage of writing your business plan. This is the BEST time to buy the book. It’s your ultimate guide. You may catch yourself highlighting every or every other page but as I said before, it’s best for you to read and apply especially now at the beginner stage. Bianca and Byron > Kudos to you, great book so far !!
Jotty –
I highly recommend this helpful book. It covers great information on creating your own business and fulfil your journey of a start up by avoiding costly mistakes to make your start up a success. Don’t have to worry about failing because it gives step by step guide with tips which are easy to follow. Good luck !
Paul Elliott –
This book was incredibly practical, streamlined and takes you through the process of in a ways that’s manageable, inspiring and removes the fear of starting your own business.
Christine Jackson –
Great reference book with tips to guide you on the road to start your little business.
Mary Joan Peace –
Great seller, fast postage, very happy. Brought as a gift and they love it.
Michelle –
Great Book
Olivia Shalom –
I enjoyed reading this book which is very informative and easy to read.
I’m very happy with my pre-birthday treat. Now it’s time to apply those great tips!
SJ Adams –
A fantastic ‘go to’ guide for any new or aspiring entrepreneur. It is clear, concise, easy to read and packed with lots of useful business advice, hints and tips. A well written book and a worthwhile purchase… Now time to put what I’ve learned into practice!
babyd4eva –
I ordered and read Self Made in April and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s very insightful and has so much invaluable information for anyone trying to start a business. Above all, I loved the transparency. I felt as though nothing was held back. It felt like a recipe for success was handed over to me!
Graham Cavan –
Just finished reading Self Made: The definitive guide to business start up success.
Excellent guidance & tips on starting and scaling up your business. Would highly recommend taking the time to read irrespective of where you are on your entrepreneurial journey.
Ms Vida Evans –
Great book will recommend it.
Mrs Jaelithe Leigh-Brown –
I enjoyed this book. It’s full of relevant and helpful information, which is all actionable. A must-read if you’re starting out in business, or looking for some new ideas.
CT –
I work in a job that allows me to support business and entrepreneurs, so am always interested in reading books that allow me not only to help them, but to understand from their point of view.
I found this to be a really useful and relatable read, it is accessible, insightful, easy to u dersatand and full of really useful and practical pointers. Definitely worth reading if you’re a start up or want to be. I’d say this book will become a go-to and not just be read once.
MDrew –
The book is very easy to read! Detailed and helpful to get the first insights into opening a business.
Jazz –
Self Made is well written in the way that it makes a range of seemingly challenging tasks appear simple. This book is the ultimate start up business guide. It is useful for new and established entrepreneurs or business owners to refine ideas and bring them to reality through simple steps that create results.
Sean Walker –
Self Made is one of the most inspiring, relatable and easy to digest business books I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
If you’re considering setting up a business and lacking the confidence to do so or are already in the that all encompassing “start up” mode – please do buy this book. It’ll be the soundest investment you will make.
– It’s an eye opener from cover to cover, full of tips, advice, experience.
-Parts of the book have helped my business grow and it’s most definitely made me think differently about a number of situations regarding growth and hiring.
Thanks Bianca for bringing this to fruition; it’s exactly what so many of us needed.
Anonymous –
Awesome read this one. It was easy for me to implement and apply the strategies to my business with almost immediate results. Can’t recommend this business essential enough for both mature and start-up businesses.
KM Oliver –
This book provides clear explanations involved in the steps about starting a business through to exit. Full of real experiences in business from celebs and those that started from nothing. The best chapters for me was utilising Instagram and LinkedIn, and learning about Jason Vale’s journey. I’ve now bought the book on Audible and a physical copy too so I can slowly go through and implement the chapters that relate to me.
Fidelis Shonde –
If like me, you’ve had a business idea brewing but had no idea where to start, this is the book for you. A toolkit, of tips, principles, insight and years of experience distilled into an easy to digest book. It’s helped me to not just better formulate my business ideas but to take action and make some major changes.
Danut Avram –
Buy it if you are in bussines already or you want to start a business, it will give you a step by step guide on everything you need to know plus practical advice from the 2 very smart Business people Bianca and Byron.
Alesha Forgie –
I honestly can’t express how much I love this book. I’ve read it 3 times (no shame) due to its transparency, non-jargon easy to follow guidelines on how to get started in business. I have the hard copy, digital and audio versions (again – no shame).
It can be an overwhelming time getting into entrepreneurship and trying to decipher through all what the internet offers can leave your brain frazzled! However this book is certainly designed to keep it simple.
Highly recommended for entrepreneurs brand new to business or those with existing businesses wanting to grow. From how to register your business, financial forecasts, business plans through to branding, budgets, social media and most important taking action! There’s a section about everything business related.
If you have a business idea, get started with this book. It will help the birth, growth and success of ANY business.
Anonymous –
Excellent book. Very useful content. Easy enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
Tara –
So Far So Good!
Aymar D –
I have started a new business less than a year ago and I have read a few business books so far. Reading this book “Self Made” at this stage of my journey was absolutely perfect timing. I feel it has given me a practical and up-to-date guide to help me design my path to business success. The book is easy to read, it is current and I like the exemples from the authors own experiences as well as those of others who like them, have succeeded in business.
Chapters on personal branding, Networking, social media marketing, raising funding, personal development and selling your business provided so much value, I’m already implementing what I have learned in the book. I highly recommend it to anyone starting a business or thinking of taking the jump.
Gita –
Haven’t finished it all but very useful if you are thinking of starting a business. Has great tips which will help avoid making mistakes when you start off.
Nicky Gates –
Fantastic business manual!
Incredibly helpful and well written book – makes business jargon easy to understand and useful tips for planning your next stages of business.
Sherene Headley –
BUY IT!!
This book is easy to understand and follow. A great read and re-read! Definitely a must have for any aspiring entrepreneur; explains exactly how you’re supposed to start. I have no background in business at all and found it brilliant; I can imagine it would be great for those that do have businesses to learn from mistakes also.
Anonymous –
Ready for number 2
Would defo recommend for sure. Great book
Anonymous –
Great book!!!
Very insightful
Caroline –
A must read if your starting a business
Fantastic book, very informative and easy to follow. Ideal for anyone wanting to take the plunge and start your own business.
Anonymous –
Amazing guide, extremely useful
This book consolidates the complex information on business, it gives practical advice that motivates you to implement the tools immediately. It is packed with manageable and achievable tips that can be read chronologically or as a reference guide and followed at your own pace.
Bianca and Byron’s combined experiences in business and breadth of knowledge are truly inspirational.
Mrs P –
Fantastic read!
Highly recommend this book to people thinking of starting a business and have no idea how to go about it. To people who are already in business and want to use this as reference point and refresher.
Kayleigh –
A MUST for any business start up
It is THE manual for anyone wishing to get into business but requires help with what to do and where to start. Everything is clear, no scary business jargon to scare any business start up newbies, and in a clear sequential order. Also a great ‘top up’ for any established business. I know I’ll definitely be referring to this many times, I initially thought it was a one time read but it’s one to treat as your textbook/manual to get your business off the ground.
Dominic Arope –
Simple steps all in one place if you’re serious about getting into business!
This was a great purchase. I’ve been to many different start up programs, scoured the net looking at steps to help me set up and I can say, hand on heart, this puts the required steps not only into an easy to follow order, but also gives great tips for creating your MVP. Highly recommended if you’re serious about going into business and want to be successful and a great reference tool, no matter which stage you’re at.
Anonymous –
Very Good for start ups!
I have 3 copies of this book, the office, house and a spare. I also have it on audiobooks. The book is very insightful. It handles everything that is needed when venturing out with a startup. Very good read and buy!
Anonymous –
Great business start up book.
Great for anyone who wants to start a business, very informative and lot’s of content a must read.
Phillip Omo –
perfect tool needed when starting a new business
Perfect for a start-up, like I find myself constantly referring to this book time and time again.
Packed with relevant advice and information for today’s business environment.
Anonymous –
Great value for money
This book is a great addition to your start up business library, great value for money.
Morgan Beilby –
Essential read if you’re looking to start your own business
Brilliant book. Currently in the process of creating a start-up and this book has proved to be a valuable tool. Lots of insight and knowledge whilst being easy to read and well written.
Nate B –
Clear, concise and cleverly written
Thanks to this book I’ve learnt what steps are required tto make my ideas and visions into reality. Simple, well explained steps and directions without the waffle, this book is written in an excellent manner with an encouraging undertone. I think it’s given me much encouragement to pursue my business
Tiana Oye –
Unashamedly own this book in hard copy and audio format.
A valuable resource when you are building or planning to build your business. It really is a definitive guide. Written in plain English, easy to follow and digest. I wholeheartedly recommend you consume this book in whichever way suits your lifestyle.
Anonymous –
For all entrepreneurs
Must read for all aspiring or even experienced entrepreneurs!!!
Lee Pritchard –
A must have for those thinking of starting or new to business!
This is a fantastic book for those who are in business. It’s great for those just starting out as it provides a clear information on best practices for new businesses but also great for those more established as it reminds you of the basics. Will definitely be reading this over and over again!
Joel M –
A definitive guide indeed!
Really loved listening to this book! It’s absolutely packed full of practical steps to reach your goals in business, whether your just starting, well established, or somewhere in between. It delivers exactly what it says, a definitive guide!