Starting Your Own Business?: You Are Pigheaded – A Realist's Guide to Jumping In
Category: Education | Published: December 1, 2025
You're not the only one who has ever desired to be their own boss but felt overwhelmed by all the "expert advice," flashy guides, and endless research. Collett Thorpe's "Starting Your Own Business?: You Are Pigheaded" is a breath of fresh air. This book is not full of theory, jargon, or empty promises. It's about real people, real issues, and genuine victories. Thorpe, a working-class business owner, describes his experience starting a daycare service in 2011 and the ups, downs, and shocks that came with it. This guide is a valuable and relatable companion for anyone who wishes to see their dreams come true. This article will discuss the most significant lessons we can take from Collett Thorpe's book and why its message is relevant to anyone bold enough to start.
Accept Your Stubbornness
The headline alone— "Starting Your Own Business?" —is a wake-up call. Thorpe says that being obstinate isn't a bad thing; it's a strength for business owners. When you really care about something, your stubbornness will keep you going even when things appear impossible. This kind of thinking is very important, especially for small business owners who have to deal with doubt from friends, family, and even their own doubts. Being stubborn is what sets dreamers apart from doers in business.
Things to Learn from the Daily Grind
"Starting Your Own Business?" doesn't waste time with polished business guides; it gets right to the point of what it's like to be an entrepreneur. Thorpe doesn't hide the long hours, emotional ups and downs, and unexpected problems that come with running a daycare. The book gives an honest look at the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, from dealing with tough clients to managing staff. This point of view is invaluable for people who are just starting because it reminds them that struggle isn't failure; it's part of the journey.
Learning by Doing
One of the best things about "Starting Your Own Business?" is that you don't need an MBA or years of research in the field to begin. Thorpe stresses the need of learning as you go, be flexible, and follow your gut. Mistakes are unavoidable, but they are also the quickest way to learn. Thorpe shows that courage and action often matter more than knowledge by discussing his own experiences. This is an important lesson for people who want to start their own business but think they need to have everything figured out first.
How to Make Money from Your Passion
"Starting Your Own Business?" is really about turning a crazy dream into something tangible. Thorpe's daycare started out as a simple idea: to help kids and make money at the same time. But it rapidly turned into a labor of passion. The book encourages readers to find out what makes them tick and then turn that passion into a business. It's a reminder that human enthusiasm, not market research charts, is what makes the best enterprises.
Staying Strong When Things Get Tough
Also, Thorpe doesn't try to hide the fact that no entrepreneurial journey is easy. "Starting Your Own Business?" talks about how important it is to be strong, learn from mistakes, and keep going after setbacks. This part makes it clear that problems aren't a reason to give up; they're part of the process. This point of view gives small business owners a sense of stability and comfort, knowing that even on bad days, they are making progress toward long-term success.
Ideas for Every Future Business Owner
"Starting Your Own Business?" gives you motivation and useful advice, whether you want to create a store in person or online. Thorpe's account is believable because it is based on genuine events. It's a reminder that anyone can own a business if they are ready to work hard, be flexible, and, yes, be a little stubborn. People who want to start their own business can get the courage to do so by following Thorpe's example.
No Fluff, Just Good Advice
"Starting Your Own Business?: You Are Pigheaded" is different because it is direct and to the point. Thorpe doesn't use sophisticated language or popular corporate jargon. Instead, readers get helpful tips, relatable stories, and support based on real-life experience. If you're sick of confusing "how-to" instructions and complicated advice, this book is a welcome change.
In Conclusion
In short, "Starting Your Own Business?" is a must-read if you wish to make your dreams a reality. According to Collett Thorpe, you do not need to become an expert, wealthy, or well-equipped to take the first step. All you need is dogged persistence, tenacity, and a willingness to learn from your daily actions. This book is both a guide and a motivator for people who desire to build their own enterprises. It offers recommendations based on firsthand experience. So don't be afraid to be persistent and go for it, and remember that every successful business began with someone willing to take the initial step.
