E-book Review: Smalltopia by Tammy Strobel

Tammy candidly describes the joys and pains of starting and running your own endeavor, and you feel like maybe she’d even be your friend if you two were neighbors.

She wouldn’t be the neighbor who tattles on you to the HOA, that’s for sure.

Smalltopia radiates a “You can do it!” attitude but takes a “This is how” approach. It’s full of lists and tips and micro-actions that make it an actual guide and not just a pep-talk.

Because come on, if you’re really considering dropping off someone else’s payroll and starting your own business, you need to know some real dirt up front.

Tammy’s guide gives the dirt (it took her two years to pay off her debt and be able to rely on Rowdy Kittens) but it’s couched in useful and encouraging advice (such as “focus on the important’).

Smalltopia is divided into three main sections: Philosophy, Business Essentials and Case Studies, and they come together as one thorough and entertaining guide.

Since Tammy says it best herself, here are her summaries of the sections:

• Philosophy: focuses on doing work that matters, building community and living small while thinking big.
• Business Essentials: covers essentials, including business planning, marketing, income diversification and a variety of other topics.
• Case Studies: contains business tips, tools and stories from small business owners and from people who are preparing to espcape their cubicle.

The case studies were of particular interest to me (and many others, according to the comments on her blog), and they did not disappoint! Each contributor gave his or her own unique story, advice, and perspective, and it was fascinating to hear from so many digital entrepreneurs in the same space.

The esteemed contributors include: Leo Babauta, Chris Guillebeau, Jessica Reeder, Chris O’Byrne, Everett Bogue, Russ Roca, Laura Crawford, Karol Gajda, Chloe Adeline, Victoria Vargas, Karen Yaeger, Jules Clancy, Heather Levin, Matt Cheuvront, and Tyler Tervooren.

Finally – HONESTY ALERT - I liked Smalltopia so much I signed up to be an affiliate. Purchases made from the links on Simple Veggie Life will go to support the site and my plans for a free Simple Veggie Holiday handbook.

Whether or not you buy it through me, I highly recommend Smalltopia and everything at Rowdy Kittens. Congratulations, Tammy!