Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Do/Start'

If you’re considering starting a business or are already in the trenches and looking for a better way to manage it, Dan Kieran’s Do/Start: How to create and run a business (that doesn’t run you) should be at the top of your reading list. In this concise, approachable guide, Kieran combines practical advice with insights into sustainable entrepreneurship.  

From the first page, Kieran’s message is clear: Running a business should enhance your life, not consume it—a concept too often overlooked in the hustle culture that glorifies overwork. Kieran presents an alternative where balance, intention, and purpose are prioritized.  

Here are three key takeaways for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey:  

1. Purpose Before Profit  

Kieran emphasizes the importance of knowing why you’re starting a business. What’s the driving force behind your venture? Purpose, Kieran argues, is the foundation of any successful and fulfilling business. When you align your goals with your values, you’re likely to create a business that resonates with customers and sustains you. This isn’t about chasing quick wins or scaling at all costs; it’s about building something meaningful. Kieran shares stories of entrepreneurs who found success by staying true to their mission, even when it meant saying no to opportunities because they didn’t align with their values. 

2. The Power of Simplicity 

Kieran encourages entrepreneurs to focus on doing fewer things but doing them well. Too often, we equate success with complexity: more products, more services, more meetings. Kieran flips this notion, urging readers to strip away the unnecessary and focus on what matters. Whether it’s narrowing your target market or streamlining operations, Kieran demonstrates that simplicity can lead to greater clarity and better results.  

3. Prioritizing Well-Being 

Kieran openly discusses the toll that running a business can take and provides actionable advice to avoid burnout. From setting boundaries to cultivating a supportive team, Kieran shows that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health or happiness.  

Do/Start is a manifesto for a better way of working and living. Kieran’s wisdom and approachable writing style make this book a pleasure to read, and his ideas are immediately actionable. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to be an entrepreneur and build a business that works, this book is your guide. It’s practical, inspiring, and highly recommended.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.

Title: Do/Start: How to create and run a business (that doesn’t run you)
Author: Dan Kieran
Copyright: The Do Book Co. 2023
Pages: 128
Price: $14.95