I’ve just received a copy of the book “Rules for Renegade: How to Make More Money, Rock Your Career and Revel in Your Individuality” by Christine Comaford-Lynch. The author has worked as a model, then turned her life 180 degrees and became a monk (!); then later shifted to become a multi-millionaire entrepreneur — definitely not the career steps of most ordinary folks. The book is a distillation of insights and tips of this author who have always defied convention and pushed the limits of being a “renegade.”

The book talks extensively on the ingredients of a successful business ownership; but it is not your typical “how to start a business” book that outlines the differences of various legal structures, or the steps on how to write a business plan. Even the language and tone is more informal and definitely less rigid than other small business books. Instead, the book takes on a more grounded approach and focuses on what works best not only for your business but for you as a person including:

• When is a loan-based approach to financing most advantageous to your business and what types of loan will work best for your situation.
• Why you should make your business “compelling” and how to turn your business into a compelling proposition; one of which is by asking yourself whether “your product or service has the kind of sex appeal that will make everyone in your target market want it.”
• Offers fresh approach to networking such as “rolodex dip” which entails flipping through your rolodex, selecting a name that “makes you smile” and then calling that person just to see how he or she is

If you want step-by-step information on how to start a business, this is not the book for you and you’d be frustrated with sections on “how to make a difference in the world” or “how to become a great leader.” But if you want to be fired up and revved up as an entrepreneur, Comaford-Lynch’s “Rules for the Renegade” is a compelling read.