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Everyday Entrepreneur: Making It Happen
"The most important skill in the 21st century will be the ability to create your own job."
In Everyday Entrepreneur, you will meet three individuals who all have entrepreneurial aspirations. The first is Tim, whose career is stagnating, despite having a good job. Tim has developed some software that could form the basis of his own business, but he can't make the decision whether or not to set up on his own. Terry, a childhood friend, steers Tim into a class on entrepreneurship conducted by a mysterious person named Sam. The class includes two others: Grace, in her mid-thirties, and Mike, who is twenty-something. Sam invites his three students to learn to become entrepreneurs over a period of twelve days. By focusing on the qualities of a successful entrepreneur and by relying on a wide range of anecdotes, he cleverly leads all three to make important decisions about their future.
Fred Dawkins's practical insights and advice can help you identify your own strengths and empower you to take the leap to an entrepreneur – and make your dream a reality.
In Everyday Entrepreneur, you will meet three individuals who all have entrepreneurial aspirations. The first is Tim, whose career is stagnating, despite having a good job. Tim has developed some software that could form the basis of his own business, but he can't make the decision whether or not to set up on his own. Terry, a childhood friend, steers Tim into a class on entrepreneurship conducted by a mysterious person named Sam. The class includes two others: Grace, in her mid-thirties, and Mike, who is twenty-something. Sam invites his three students to learn to become entrepreneurs over a period of twelve days. By focusing on the qualities of a successful entrepreneur and by relying on a wide range of anecdotes, he cleverly leads all three to make important decisions about their future.
Fred Dawkins's practical insights and advice can help you identify your own strengths and empower you to take the leap to an entrepreneur – and make your dream a reality.
- GenresBusiness
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Fred Dawkins
11 books2 followersFred Dawkins is a manufacturing, retail, land development, small business consulting, and import/export entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Olde Hide House, Canada’s largest leather store. He holds a Bachelor's degree in commerce and finance and an MA in economics. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 4, 2026
Everyday Entrepreneur: Making It Happen by Fred Dawkins is a practical and engaging guide to entrepreneurship wrapped in a relatable narrative format.
Rather than presenting abstract business theory, Dawkins introduces readers to three aspiring entrepreneurs Tim, Grace, and Mike each standing at a different crossroads. Tim is stuck in a stable but stagnant career, Grace is navigating mid-career uncertainty, and Mike represents youthful ambition. Through a twelve day mentorship led by the enigmatic Sam, the trio explores the mindset, habits, and decision making processes that define successful entrepreneurs.
What makes this book effective is its blend of storytelling and actionable insight. Dawkins uses dialogue, anecdotes, and scenario based learning to unpack key entrepreneurial traits resilience, calculated risk-taking, clarity of vision, and self awareness. The structure allows readers to see themselves in the characters, making the lessons more personal and applicable.
The central message that the ability to create your own opportunity is one of the most vital skills of the 21st century feels both timely and empowering. Instead of glamorizing entrepreneurship, the book emphasizes thoughtful preparation and honest self assessment.
Clear, motivational, and accessible, Everyday Entrepreneur serves as both a mindset guide and a catalyst for readers ready to move from hesitation to action.
Rather than presenting abstract business theory, Dawkins introduces readers to three aspiring entrepreneurs Tim, Grace, and Mike each standing at a different crossroads. Tim is stuck in a stable but stagnant career, Grace is navigating mid-career uncertainty, and Mike represents youthful ambition. Through a twelve day mentorship led by the enigmatic Sam, the trio explores the mindset, habits, and decision making processes that define successful entrepreneurs.
What makes this book effective is its blend of storytelling and actionable insight. Dawkins uses dialogue, anecdotes, and scenario based learning to unpack key entrepreneurial traits resilience, calculated risk-taking, clarity of vision, and self awareness. The structure allows readers to see themselves in the characters, making the lessons more personal and applicable.
The central message that the ability to create your own opportunity is one of the most vital skills of the 21st century feels both timely and empowering. Instead of glamorizing entrepreneurship, the book emphasizes thoughtful preparation and honest self assessment.
Clear, motivational, and accessible, Everyday Entrepreneur serves as both a mindset guide and a catalyst for readers ready to move from hesitation to action.
April 17, 2014
“The most important skill in the 21st century will be the ability to create your own job.”
“Cash flow doesn’t lie. If you’re short on cash you’re either under financed, selling too cheap, not collecting fast enough, carrying too much inventory, or your expenses are too high.”
“Hyper connectivity is a blessing and a curse. Use the flexibility provided by technology to improve the balance in your life, not destroy it. A 24/7 commitment will drown you and destroy the most important relationships: friends and family. You simply have to work to live. There is no meaningful future in living to work.”
“The money comes with the territory – it has never been the goal. The rewards are the countries I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, the things I’ve done, the independence gained and the friends I’ve made. Money is the medium of exchange, a by-product of success and a way to measure it, not a reward.”
Lately I’ve been feeling as though I’ve been reading a lot of novels, which is always lovely, yet there is something incredible about how you feel after finishing a piece of non-fiction. I find I somehow feel smarter afterwards, at least more so than after I’ve finished a novel. I’m in school right now in addition to working full time, and have been pondering the idea of starting my own business one day in the field I’ve been studying. Thus, Everyday Entrepreneur: Making It Happen by Fred Dawkins seemed like an obvious next choice.
Reading business books can always be a bit more challenging to get through, especially when it comes to keeping your eyes open at bedtime. Everyday Entrepreneur wasn’t like that. It’s written as a story, about three individuals from different backgrounds, coming together one summer at the cottage to take free daily classes on entrepreneurship from a man named Sam. Within two weeks, each individual has taken the words of this successful and enigmatic gentleman, to heart and decided to pursue their dream of starting their own business. I found it really honest, relatable, and frankly, helpful. This book was full of great advice and anecdotes on how to succeed in the 21st century, a time where one of the most important skills one can have is the ability to create their own job.
For my full review, please visit www.onemillionpageprincess.com
“Cash flow doesn’t lie. If you’re short on cash you’re either under financed, selling too cheap, not collecting fast enough, carrying too much inventory, or your expenses are too high.”
“Hyper connectivity is a blessing and a curse. Use the flexibility provided by technology to improve the balance in your life, not destroy it. A 24/7 commitment will drown you and destroy the most important relationships: friends and family. You simply have to work to live. There is no meaningful future in living to work.”
“The money comes with the territory – it has never been the goal. The rewards are the countries I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, the things I’ve done, the independence gained and the friends I’ve made. Money is the medium of exchange, a by-product of success and a way to measure it, not a reward.”
Lately I’ve been feeling as though I’ve been reading a lot of novels, which is always lovely, yet there is something incredible about how you feel after finishing a piece of non-fiction. I find I somehow feel smarter afterwards, at least more so than after I’ve finished a novel. I’m in school right now in addition to working full time, and have been pondering the idea of starting my own business one day in the field I’ve been studying. Thus, Everyday Entrepreneur: Making It Happen by Fred Dawkins seemed like an obvious next choice.
Reading business books can always be a bit more challenging to get through, especially when it comes to keeping your eyes open at bedtime. Everyday Entrepreneur wasn’t like that. It’s written as a story, about three individuals from different backgrounds, coming together one summer at the cottage to take free daily classes on entrepreneurship from a man named Sam. Within two weeks, each individual has taken the words of this successful and enigmatic gentleman, to heart and decided to pursue their dream of starting their own business. I found it really honest, relatable, and frankly, helpful. This book was full of great advice and anecdotes on how to succeed in the 21st century, a time where one of the most important skills one can have is the ability to create their own job.
For my full review, please visit www.onemillionpageprincess.com
December 16, 2013
KUDOS TO DAWKINS FOR WRITING A BOOK THAT IS RIGHT FOR THE TIME. THE CHANGING WORLD ECONOMIES HAVE MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENTER THE WORK FORCE AND FOR OLDER FOLKS WHO ARE FORCED TO RE-ENTER THE WORK FORCE. EVERYDAY ENTREPRENEUR IS NOT A "TEXTBOOK"; IT IS A VERY EASY READ. DAWKINS IS VERY SKILLED AT INTERTWINING ALL THE MAJOR CONCEPTS OF HIS TOPIC WITH AN INTERESTING STORY LINE. THE EXPERIENCE OF WRITING HIS FIRST NOVEL "2020 HINDSIGHT" AND LIVING AS AN ENTREPRENEUR HIS ENTIRE LIFE HAVE GIVEN DAWKINS THE TOOLS TO WRITE SUCH A BOOK. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES, "FAMILY ENTREPRENEUR", LATER THIS YEAR.
June 17, 2014
By Fred Dawkins
Publisher: Dundurn
Dawkins uses the art of storytelling to explain how to become an entrepreneur. Writing from his own experiences he shares the positives to create your own job in the 21st century.
He discusses cash flows and money, both as a reward for hard work, and as a fear to conquer to enable success.
The book also highlights some of the dangers of being an Entrepreneur, including the demands of time upon a family.
This book is ideal for anyone considering taking the step into becoming self-employed, starting or taking over a business.
While there are lots of books and advice on becoming an Entrepreneur, this one is adds to the collective knowledge and is written in a way that is easy to read.
Publisher: Dundurn
Dawkins uses the art of storytelling to explain how to become an entrepreneur. Writing from his own experiences he shares the positives to create your own job in the 21st century.
He discusses cash flows and money, both as a reward for hard work, and as a fear to conquer to enable success.
The book also highlights some of the dangers of being an Entrepreneur, including the demands of time upon a family.
This book is ideal for anyone considering taking the step into becoming self-employed, starting or taking over a business.
While there are lots of books and advice on becoming an Entrepreneur, this one is adds to the collective knowledge and is written in a way that is easy to read.
December 22, 2014
the narrative helps keep otherwise dry information lively and more relatable by "living" examples
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews