Design Your Dream Business Books

Written by A. Greg Dickson

This list contains books that are already published and the upcoming release schedule for the "Design Your Dream Business" series. This list will be updated monthly as new books are released and upcoming books are added.

Book 1: Tips and Traps When Buying a Business - Published

You can purchase "Tips and Traps When Buying A Business" at Amazon via Kindle

Buy a business and reap the benefits—without going bankrupt

Have you always dreamed of buying a business, but you just don’t know where to start? No matter your background or level of experience, Tips & Traps When Buying a Business delivers proven, real-world advice on successfully finding and financing an established small business or franchise.

This think-of-everything handbook presents detailed lists of things you must do, and important warnings on avoiding mistakes during each phase of the buying process. From selecting the right business and valuing it to obtaining financing, handling negotiations, and completing the sale, veteran entrepreneur Greg Balanko-Dickson gives you easy-to-follow strategies for making the right decisions. He equips you with all the skills you need to:

Develop a winning business plan

• Investigate everything about a business before buying it

• Arrange financing, hire professionals, and save on fees

• Approach business owners and negotiate like a pro

• Overcome obstacles, avoid pitfalls, and identify deal breakers

Complete with sample forms, checklists, real-life case studies, and appendices for further information, Tips & Traps When Buying a Business helps you minimize your risk and maximize your return as you make your dreams come true!

Book 2: Tips and Traps for Writing An Effective Business Plan - Published

You can purchase "Tips and Traps For Writing an Effective Business Plan" Kindle version via Amazon

In only 30 days, entrepreneurs can craft business plans that make their goals a reality

A concrete business plan is essential when assessing a business's earning potential or when applying for financing. Tips & Traps for Writing an Effective BusinessPlan uses the popular Tips & Traps format to guide you step by step through the process of creating an effective plan that will work with a developing business. You'll learn how to assemble information and write each part of your plan, with the goal of having a ready-to-go, working strategy in just 30 days. The book also provides specific advice for crafting plans that apply to different industries and also includes detailed instructions for writing a financial plan.

I found this to be a very detailed but practical coverage of the subject. The work starts from the beginning of any consideration of writing a business plan. All through it there are disclosures and understandings of the particular stage of the construction of the plan you are working on. Finally the author explains how to use the completed product to raise money for the business. A well written and complete text.

Book 3: Synopsis of "Become Self-Employed" - Available May 6th

My latest book, "Become Self-Employed: Step Up With Clarity and Confidence." This is now available for purchase on Amazon in either paperback or Kindle version. 

Kindle

Become self-employed: Step up with clarity and confidence

https://a.co/d/0VX7Nl0

Paperback

Become self-employed: Step up with clarity and confidence

https://a.co/d/8SXCUOb

Sub-Title: Transform Your Career Experience into a Successful Business

What if you could take all the experience, skills, and insights you've gained in your career and turn them into a thriving business? * Become Self-Employed*x is your essential guide to transitioning from employment to self-employment, offering a clear roadmap for building a business that aligns with your passions and expertise.

Drawing on over three decades of exploration and discovery, Greg Dickson provides practical tools and strategies to help you navigate the winding path of entrepreneurship. From assessing your career experience and identifying business opportunities to mastering financial management, tax compliance, and risk mitigation, this book equips you with the knowledge to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Whether you're dreaming of launching a solo venture or scaling a burgeoning enterprise, *Step Up* will inspire you to see opportunities where others don't, craft a unique value proposition, and build a business that creates meaningful connections with customers. With actionable advice on work-life balance, digital presence, and even succession planning, this comprehensive guide ensures you're prepared for every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

Empower yourself to step up, transform your thinking, and create a business that reflects your values—and unlock the freedom to live life on your terms.

Book 4: Synopsis of 5 Elements of an Elastic Business - Available June 15th, 2025

Sub-Title: Building an Elastic Business: A Guide to Thriving in a Dynamic Market

In a world where change is the only constant, businesses must evolve or risk irrelevance. *The 5 Elements of an Elastic Business* by A. Greg Dickson is your essential guide to building a resilient, adaptable, and customer-focused enterprise designed to thrive in today’s dynamic market landscape.

This transformative book introduces the groundbreaking concept of Elastic Business Design, empowering entrepreneurs and leaders to embrace adaptability, foster innovation, and prioritize customer-centric strategies. Through five core elements—Customer-Centric Innovation, Adaptive Practices, Resilient Growth Mindset, Sustainable Leadership, and Personal & Business Equilibrium—you’ll learn how to:

- Respond swiftly to market shifts and technological advancements.

- Build unshakable resilience while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

- Create products and services that deeply resonate with customers.

- Balance professional success with personal growth for long-term sustainability.

Packed with actionable insights, practical frameworks, and real-world examples, *The 5 Elements of an Elastic Business* equips you with the tools to future-proof your business while maintaining equilibrium in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned executive, this book will inspire you to reimagine success and unlock your business’s full potential.

Are you ready to embrace elasticity and redefine what’s possible?

Book 5: Synopsis of 16 Radical Practices to Accelerate Through Any Business Learning Curve  - Available July 15th, 2025

Sub-Title: Transform Challenges into Growth Opportunities with 16 Radical Practices

Are you ready to transform your business challenges into opportunities for growth? In *16 Radical Practices To Accelerate Through Any Business Learning Curve*, A. Greg Dickson delivers a powerful guide for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators seeking to break through barriers and achieve sustainable success.

Drawing on decades of experience, Dickson reveals the 16 essential practices that will help you:

- Reframe business problems as learning opportunities.

- Break free from comfort zones and embrace change.

- Identify root causes of challenges with systems thinking.

- Overcome fear, perfectionism, and decision paralysis.

- Develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

Packed with actionable strategies, real-world examples, and exercises to apply immediately, this book is your roadmap to mastering the entrepreneurial learning curve. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an established business, *16 Radical Practices* will equip you with the tools to thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive environment.

Your journey to accelerated success starts here.

Turn obstacles into stepping stones—grab your copy now!

Book 6: Synopsis of The Entrepreneurial Personality - Available August 15th, 2025

Sub-Title: Exploring the Traits of Entrepreneurial Greatness Inspired by Steve Jobs

What makes a successful entrepreneur? Is it innate talent, learned skills, or a unique combination of both? *The Entrepreneurial Personality* dives deep into the traits that define entrepreneurial greatness, inspired by the extraordinary life of Steve Jobs.

Drawing on scientific studies and personal observations, this book identifies six core characteristics—need for achievement, risk-taking, innovativeness, autonomy, locus of control, and self-efficacy—that propelled Jobs to revolutionize industries and redefine success.

Through captivating insights into Jobs' journey—from his bold decisions to drop out of college and start Apple to his relentless pursuit of groundbreaking innovations like the iPhone and iTunes—this book offers a framework for understanding and cultivating entrepreneurial traits. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, *The Entrepreneurial Personality* provides actionable strategies to unlock your potential, embrace challenges, and transform your vision into reality.

Discover what it takes to think differently, take calculated risks, and lead with creativity in a world that rewards those who dare to innovate.