You don’t want to pick up Growing a Business by Paul Hawken thinking that it’s a how to guide. You’d likely be quite disapointed if that is what you are looking for. While there are elements of advice and elemental business truths within it’s pages, it’s anything but a step-by-step guide.

Personally, I found it affirming and inspirational.

Hawken’s writing style and attitude toward business will resonate with those who have become enterpeneurs through personal passions and interests. It is written in a straigtforward, conversational style and makes for an easy read.

Hawken’s makes great use of relatable business stories to express his opinions and views on business. Opinions he is certainly entitled to considering his sucesses over the years, including his ongoing leadership at Smith and Hawken.

Considering it was originally published many years ago, before the computer and internet age, it may originally seem a little dated – but the underlying message is timeless and as applicable to business today as it was when the author started his first business in the early 70′s.

The layout combined with the layman-style language make this a fairly quick and easy read for anyone.

It’s not nessesarily an absolute must read, but it is an enjoyable and encouraging look at Growing a Business.