Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur by Kate Toon

Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur Reviews

• 
  Mel Kettle

  This week I have DEVOURED Kate Toon's fabulous new book, Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur - How to succeed in business despite yourself. When we caught up last year and she told me the title, I immediately loved it. The book doesn't disappoint.
  
  Kate has built three successful businesses, all from her backyard shed, while working in her PJs. I giggled my way through as she shared past experiences of working in ad-land (and some similar horror stories to my past life as an employee in a marketing agency), working from home, and navigating life as a business owner who doesn't quite fit the expected norm. Let's just say I could relate.
  
  This book should be compulsory reading for anyone studying business, and for everyone who thinks working for yourself is glamorous. Hint: it's usually not. If you're sick of reading about entrepreneurs who make a million dollars passive income by launching their awesome new online course, Kate's book is for you!
  
  It's available as a paperback or kindle version.
  
• 
  Briony

  Finally! A realistic, relatable business book. I loved every word of it and can’t wait to read it all again.
• 
  Bronwen

  As someone cynical about get-rich schemes, not so much because I don't believe you can't get rich quick, but more because I question whether it gives you a sense of happiness if you do, Kate Toon's offering, Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur is refreshing in its honesty.
  
  Kate's self-deprecating openness about building her own business is hard to stop reading, in fact, you won't be able to put it down.
  
  Here are the reasons I loved it (and it is not just about the words):
  *the cover is a beautiful matte finish - classy
  *the typeset is clear to read
  *the chapters are logically structured
  *the design is beautiful
  *many entrepreneurial 'givens' are questioned and deconstructed
  *intelligently written words with no spelling errors to annoy me
  *wonderfully clever analogies
  *points to mull over at the end of chapters and then ...
  *homework - I love interacting with the information I've just read to put it into my context, and most importantly ...
  *Kate is hilarious.
  
  I really connected with Kate's search for and acceptance of her super-powers and super-challenges. Having done this she was/is able to cater to her customers in a much more honest (take-it-or-leave-it) way. But she took this one step further, "I spent a lot of time accepting my limitations, a few of which I've covered in this book. but it wasn't until I started ignoring them completely that I really ramped up my business." p. 115. This is GOLD.
  
  The other aspect I loved, was that she has really taken that old adage, "If you can't beat them, join them" and re-written it - "Why even try to beat them when you are one of them". Business in the world of competitive patriarchy looks pretty ruthless, and I don't believe it needs to be so. By accepting vulnerability and connecting with people perhaps we can find a different way to do business. Kate is an inspiration to women who don't find pleasure or comfort in 'beating' people, and have an in-built belief that there is room for all of us.
  
  Affirming and innovative, Kate Toon's book celebrates the best parts of being a misfit.
  
  Looking forward to her next book!
• 
  Nerissa Bentley

  If you’re a business owner struggling to do all the ‘things-you-should-do-to-be-successful-in-business’ then you need to read Kate Toon’s book Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur.
  
  This honest, no-nonsense approach to building a business is a breath of fresh air among all the traditional, formulaic and hyped-up business books.
  
  Kate will take you on a laughter-filled journey of the ups-and-downs of business, that no one cares to admit, even though all business owners experience them. You’ll learn how to do business your way, how to deal with competition and copy-cats, how to turn your competitors into your cheerleaders, and how to define your own version of business success.
  
  If you feel like an entrepreneurial imposter in the slick business world, then this book is for you. Not only will it provide you with useful business tips, and a giggle along the way, but most importantly, you will discover a freedom to build your business on your own terms, that you never had before.
  
  If you’re sick of the the ‘rah-rah’ approach to building a business, and want to know how to make the most of the time and resources you’ve got at your fingertips, then you simply must read this book.
  
• 
  Sasha Buntman

  I enjoyed Kate Toon's writing style - very chatty, humorous and down to earth. Reading about her business journey was very refreshing and insightful. Her quirkiness speaks to me - and is very relatable. I, too, am a 'misfit' entrepreneur - and proud of it.
  
  Toon's background is as a professional copywriter and SEO expert. The message of the book is to basically create your own version of success. Don't feel overwhelmed by everything you think you're supposed to do in your business. Don't stress about everything you read or see about what determines business 'success'. Do what feels right to you because it is your own journey. Relish in being your own unusual self.
  
  It's more about Toon's business philosophy rather than a 'how to' guide. But that's what makes it special. It's content is as unique as Toon herself. The book doesn't take itself seriously at all. It doesn't say 'okay, this is what you need to do to run your own business'. It basically just explains what Toon herself has experienced and what works for her.
  
  In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to solopreneurs out there, like myself, who need a good giggle and enjoy reading about someone's personal success journey.
• 
  Amanda Vanelderen

  Wow. If you've ever thought you were alone as a wannabe business person or entrepreneur who didn't quite fit the mould, Kate Toon is here to tell you different. She's been there, and unlike most of the entrepreneurial gurus, she can admit to working her arse off, being a bit too emotional, and never having written a business plan in her life.
  
  And goddamn it, she made me laugh so hard, a little bit of wee came out.
  
  Consider this a book of unruly rules for misfits in business, with how-to's on befriending your competitors, how to embrace your face (your appearance, not an awkward tantric move), and dancing to the beat of your own business drum.
  
  Starting a business? Read it.
  Thought briefly once about starting a business? Read it.
  Couldn't give 2 hoots about business and love to laugh? Read it.
  Booked in a networking event you want to skive out of? Stay in the car and read this instead.
  
  Thanks Kate Toon!
  
• 
  Rachel

  A super-easy read, I read it in a few days on the bus to and from work. I liked how honest the author is about the steps she took to owning her own business.
  
  Toon's voice and style is so strong throughout the book, that reading it felt like I was having a drink with a kind, no-nonsense friend who's a years ahead of me and has already taken the steps I want to take.
  
  In the 'six-figure' smoke and 'sales funnel' mirrors of the entrepreneur world - Kate Toon is the insider special who shows us all that it's not magic, but just nuts, bolts and persistence. Most of us just want to have more choice about how, who, where and when we spend our working time. This book will show you how one woman started (and runs) her own business, so you have a clearer idea of how you can do it too.
• 
  Sharon Chisholm

  I had very high hopes when I ordered a copy of Kate's book, and I'm pleased to say that it did not disappoint. The book is funny enough to make me worry that my pelvic floor might not hold up, and inclusive enough to make me feel as though there are others out there, who are misfits just like me.
  
  The book is full of relevant anecdotes, witty quips, brilliant tips, and things that will make you snort your tea out of your nostrils.
  
  This is by far THE best business book I've ever read. Never will I look at a funnel the same way again!
• 
  Reeva Cutting

  Kate Toon's book is perfect for any business owner who just doesn't identify with all the ridiculous notions of having to earn 6,7 or even 8 figure salaries to feel successful. She shares valuable insights into her own entrepreneurial journey, many of which I felt mirrored in my own. Thanks to Kate I'm now super comfortable being a solo business owner and doing things my way! Thank you Kate for such an insightful yet hilarious read!
• 
  Tiffany Gouge

  I haven't read a book since high school and i am so glad i read this one! In a world of pressure to be the next big thing, there is Kate & her amazing book "Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur". The book is refreshing, brings you back down to earth and gives you permission to shine in your own glorious misfit right. I love Kate's personal stories and the checklists/Guidance material at the end of each chapter. I am so glad i bought this book, and i will be reading it again. Thank you, Kate!
• 
  Andrew Bushard

  Kate has written an entertaining and empowering book that satirizes entrepreneurship, while still encouraging us to excel at entrepreneurship. Kate separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to entrepreneurship. I loved this book; a perfect alternative to all the dogmatic and naive entrepreneurs out there.
• 
  Kelsie W

  I feel like this book was written for me haha. The humor is wonderful and the points made are priceless. If you're a DIY person that doesn't quite fit the stereotypical entrepreneur mold, you will probably love this book!
• 
  Kelly Exeter

  If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner who feels like you're doing it all 'wrong', this book will be immensely comforting for you. Filled with wonderful storytelling and great personal case studies from the author, it's nice to know you can entrepreneurship 'your way' and still achieve business success. It's a very easy and entertaining read - perfect for plane trips and holidays.
• 
  Rosie

  Loved this book. So easy to read. So real and honest. And also funny!!!! You won’t regret this purchase. Kate understands the reality of running your own biz and has shared it in a wonderful way!
• 
  *Lee*

  Bloody LOVED THIS BOOK. Kate - you are a queen!
• 
  Tanya ElJalil

  So, you want to start a business. You sit at your kitchen table and start to Google. Pretty soon you're getting bombarded with smiley white teethed, bronzed coaches who went from flat broke and living in their mum's garden to lying on a beach in Bali live-videoing you. And you start to think that would be nice. But then remember your kids, and husband (or wife) and the mortgage and your real life. And anyway, do you really want to live in Bali forever?
  Enter Kate Toon. The entrepreneur for people like you and me. The Misfits. The ones who want a business, maybe from our She-shed, or He-shed, or local coffee-shop. But we know we'll never be an Amazonian glamazon, and to be honest, all that high maintenance stuff is hard work, and Kate knows that too. She has had real business success. She tells it like it is. She's like the most down-to-earth friend you have, that you almost can't be jealous of, cause she's so nice, but you kind of are.
  If you are looking for a no-nonsense business book for real people, for a real business doing your dream, then Kate's book is for you. No coaching clients, no funnels and lead magnets, and all that crap. Just good, sensible advice, step by step instructions and a clear insight into how you too can be a misfit entrepreneur.
  Buy it. Read it. Love it. Laugh out loud at it. Read it again. Tell all your friends.
  
  
  
• 
  Amy Clarke

  I always knew I was a little different from the average Entrepreneur... but it wasn't until reading Kate's book that I felt confident in continuing to be an individual and following my intuition within my business. Her words are uniquely reassuring - Kate has combined her own story with her great sense of humour to create a book which will keep you reading, laughing and motivated.
  
  Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur and the Facebook Group community that Kate has built around it is absolutely priceless for anyone running or thinking about starting a small business.
  
  I can personally attest to the huge value of this book - after reading Confessions of a Misfit Entrepreneur I was inspired to create an artwork to depict the amazing insights I had learnt from it -
  seen here. This is not something I would have ever done without knowing that I would have the unconditional support of Kate's Facebook group. After creating that piece the trajectory of my business has completely changed. I am now taking on multiple commissions as an illustrator, which is something I could only have ever imagined in my dreams. I am literally living my dream - thanks to Kate, her book and the community she has created!
  
  I am a proud Misfit Entrepreneur and I hope that anyone reading this book will also feel proud of their quirks and enjoy running a business their own way!