Book

SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS was written for pre-retirees and early stage retirees that desire to learn more about starting a traditional business and what it takes to be successful in running it.

My research shows that there are tremendous resources available to people entering the tech start-up world. Therefore, this book is not for them.

If you’re 45+ years old and want, or need, to make extra money as you enter the next phase of your life this book is a beginner’s guide for you. Many midlife people watched their 401K and retirement savings dwindle down during the great recession of 2008-9 and have come to realize they will be forced to down scale their dreams of what retirement was going to be like or they will have to do something about it and make extra money – hopefully without sacrificing too much time.

During a focus group that was held to learn exactly what people in this stage of life want and need to know, a participant shared… “We don’t have a long runway like the tech startup millennials do…” Truer words may never have been spoken. The people this book was written for must get it right – the first time and make it work right out of the gate. That takes experience and knowledge they may not have and that’s why I wrote this book.

This book is not a text book designed to cover a specific subject matter, it is rather a deep dive into what should be looked at and thought about ‘before’ spending any money on a business. All too often I get people asking me “…should I do an S-Corp or an LLC…?” that is just not the right place to start and it deeply concerns me that so many people think that is what starting a business is all about; what corporate structure is the best. Sometimes it makes me want to scream. Please don’t make that mistake. Start with what is truly important and help ensure your success from the very beginning – the book can help guide you through the proper thought processes, make a well thought-out decision and execute efficiently.

Happy reading.

“A Gem of a Book!”

“Charles M. Alexander’s SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS is not just a how-to book. Yes, he outlines the steps middle-aged would-be business owners should take to begin such an endeavor. But, he has also included many nuggets of wisdom based on his 40+ years of experience in starting a variety of businesses. In addition, he describes a series of emotional characteristics that many middle-aged people have developed as they have lived their lives and which will make them apt to be successful at business as opposed to young business owners who may have a talent for creating successful businesses but lack the emotional maturity and patience to succeed as well as they could. Mingled with the author’s astute and experienced approach to entrepreneurship, not to mention the degrees he has earned, are some of his personal triumphs and tragedies, and these only add to his credibility.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS is written in several styles, both formal and conversational, which make it much more of an enjoyable read and study guide. Textbooks can be dry if necessary work, but Charles M. Alexander, or Charlie as he is known, has written a book that makes learning about entrepreneurship much more palatable. The encouragement given to business starters is priceless and presented in a practical format. The “freedom” in the title is emphasized, and while success is not guaranteed, the inspired and straightforward guidance given in this book certainly lays down a foundation for anyone who wants to take a chance at being their own boss! A a gem of a book.”

A. L. Peevey

“He offers time-saving, pain-saving guidance and support, with the passion and love of a teacher. Terrific stuff!”

“Approximately 50 percent of businesses fail by year five, and 66 percent more by year ten. Charles M. Alexander contends that the reason for this is mostly poor practices, a lack of knowledge, maturity, sound advice and guidance. In SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS, he offers guidance, advice and knowledge accumulated over three decades of experience in building, sustaining and exiting businesses. What we have is a comprehensive book from an expert-generalist which is flexible enough to meet the needs of different aspiring entrepreneurs. With his audience being midlife aspiring entrepreneurs, and understanding they don’t have time to trial-and–error their way through businesses, the author offers time-saving, pain-saving guidance and support. He doesn’t want to see his readers become part of the failing business statistics.

Despite its midlife audience, SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS can be read by anyone who has the seriousness and the maturity to start a business. This book is clear and honest. Charles M. Alexander delivers his lessons in a conversational, intimate, open, mentor-like way that engenders trust, understanding and confidence. He does not pretend that this book will impart all the decades of knowledge he has accumulated so he offers, as a part of this book, crucial pointers and an introduction to support communities and a companion program. Charles M. Alexander’s SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS is professional, wise, and will equip you with the knowledge, habits and confidence you need to be successful. I don’t think you could go wrong here. The author has the experience in life and business, and the credentials to back him. He offers all this in an easy to follow manner, with the passion and love of a teacher. Terrific stuff.”

Sandy Masia

“If you thought your chance of starting your own business was nothing more than a pipe dream, then think again. Highly recommended.”

“If you thought that by the time you reached middle age, your chance of starting your own business was nothing more than a pipe dream, then think again. Throughout this comprehensive guide, SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS by Charles M Alexander, you will be mentored by a life-long entrepreneur in every aspect of business, from the skills you need to learn, the science behind successful marketing, how to launch your business to ensure that it not only succeeds but expands, plus much, much more. You will gain clarity and awareness of the questions you need to ask yourself before starting, so you are completely prepared beforehand. This book will not only dispel the myth that middle-aged people should not contemplate self-employment, but explains why you may be at the perfect stage of your life to begin and succeed long-term. 

This extensive guide into starting a business is so refreshing and vital for anyone considering starting a new business. The author not only tackles obvious issues such as choosing your business and getting it off the ground, but he discloses the secrets that have made him a successful entrepreneur. I loved the conversational style of the book and also the techniques he gives to ensure that you are ready mentally, emotionally and financially to succeed and grow your business. I particularly thought the section on emotional intelligence and the use of NLP when dealing with clients, employees and partners superb. The author gives real-life examples and the brilliant nuggets of wisdom called ‘Charlie-isms’ throughout such as, ‘It doesn’t matter what you say, it matters what they hear’. I do not think he left any new business stone unturned. SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS by Charles M Alexander is so easy to follow and understand and is probably the most detailed guide I have read. Highly recommended.”

Lesley Jones

Review Rating: 4 Stars

“Delivers realistic expectations… sure to help realists who wish to succeed.”

SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS is a work of business advice penned by author Charles M Alexander. Taken from the author’s true life success in the entrepreneurial field, this short but succinct volume of advice provides a lifeline for middle aged people who have worked all their lives but now want to branch out and be their own boss. Whilst the specific details of what business you want to run are left up to you, author/narrator ‘Charlie’ will take you through the emotional and psychological struggles that you might not have considered, exploring the concept of business freedom through an experienced lens.

Readers could be misled in thinking that this business book will be all facts and figures, but should be prepared for it to be a psychological and forward-looking consideration before such basic financial matters are addressed. Charles M Alexander, as both an author and an entrepreneur, writes from a very personal perspective on what he considers to be the truly difficult areas of running your own business, which are often not related to the actual financial facts at all. Many different topics of management, confidence and self help are covered in a compassionate style, so as to relate to aspiring business owners without frightening them away, but also serving as a useful warning for what to expect on the journey ahead. SAY GOODBYE TO THE BOSS is a book that delivers realistic expectations of the future in a carefully considered form, and is sure to help realists who wish to succeed.”

K.C. Finn