Jill Salzman of Founding Moms is in Chicago’s ‘burbs and so am I. So how did we ultimately hook up? Online, of course. (*snickering*) Jill introduced herself to me through my blog and asked if I would be interested in reviewing her new book, Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs. Since many of my clients are small business people (and I am, too), I was glad to check it out.

Right from the start, I could tell that Jill would qualify for my “people to hang out with at Starbucks” list. In fact, she even talks about her Starbucks meet-ups/tweet-ups. Girl after my own heart!

Since I’m not a mom, except for my two four-legged permanent toddlers (translation: large goofy dogs), I wondered if the book would have any relevance for a small business DINK like myself. Practical and plucky, her advice is good for entrepreneurs regardless of family status. All of us have “kids” of some sort in our lives that require us to be flexible and accommodating. And the book offers a lot of tips for dealing with these situations without guilt and without losing sight of your business goals.

Two particular areas struck me as unique when compared to many other small business start-up books…

My business strategy consultant friends would turn pale when they read that Jill suggests ditching a business plan and just getting started. Logically, it makes sense to go the business plan route. But how many small businesses really do that? True confession: I didn’t. I just wanted to create a work environment that worked for me. I’m sure that I have lots of company in this regard. Many small (or should we call them “micro”) businesses begin on mom entrepreneurs’ kitchen tables and laptops. Plus, it’s likely that you’ll be constantly revising your “plan” as you go and grow. Glad she addressed the reality of it.

Next, I liked that she continually emphasizes business sustainability throughout the book. From going the sans-financing bootstrap route to not relying on the fleeting business boost from great PR, Jill’s advice helps mom entrepreneurs look beyond the passion and excitement of a new business in order to create a successful future.

Give Found It a read. Consider it a virtual Starbucks run with a mom entrepreneur who’s been there and done that, minus the latte.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of Jill’s book in exchange for this review. But I would have recommended it anyway.