The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It

The E-Myth Revisited - Michael E. Gerber

Why do so many small businesses fail — even when the owners are skilled and hardworking?

In The E-Myth Revisited, business expert Michael E. Gerber breaks one of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship: that being good at a technical skill automatically makes you good at running a business.

Drawing from decades of experience as a small-business consultant, Gerber explains how common beliefs, unrealistic expectations, and day-to-day busywork often trap entrepreneurs in their own businesses instead of helping them grow them. He shows why many owners end up overwhelmed, overworked, and stuck — and what they can do differently.

This revised and updated edition introduces a practical, systems-driven approach to building a business that can run efficiently, consistently, and profitably — without depending entirely on the owner. Rather than working in your business, Gerber teaches you how to work on your business.

Whether you’re starting out or struggling to scale, The E-Myth Revisited offers timeless lessons for turning your small business into a sustainable, well-organized enterprise.

Because successful businesses are built by design — not by accident.