Birthing the Elephant: the womans go-for-it guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business

A dollar, a dream, and drive can turn one small idea into a thriving business, say Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman, co-authors of the new book, Birthing the Elephant, a cut-to-the-chase guide for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Despite the tough economy, women are launching thriving home-based ventures by substituting brains for bucks.

Birthing the Elephant offers women an emotional GPS system so they stay on track. It distills the experience cosmetic company founder Bobbi Brown, clothing pioneer Liz Lange, and other successful entrepreneurs into practical, go-for-it pointers. It also arms women mentally, revealing five critical start-up must-dos and 10 costly pitfalls to avoid, so they can cut their learning curve and boost their chances of success.