So, would you love to quit the desk job and start your own new life in your own business, but have no idea what to do? Or perhaps you just want a small side income? Is your childhood obsession of being the owner/operator of the Mr Whippy Ice-cream van now just a distant memory? Not for me. But I digress.

I just got sent a new book that is high on the practical, low on the preaching-obvious-business-and-self-development-affirmations-you-already-knew. Start Me Up! by Sonia Williams is a super-practical guide to starting up your own business on a shoestring. It is totally no-nonsense, and I liked the low-on-economics, high-on-ideas balance in the book. Then just when you’re getting inspired, there’s a step-by-step guide to writing a basic business plan that looks pretty painless and not very scary for first-timers, and a few short tips to get you on the web.

Don’t bother with this book if you’re already well on the way to your first (tenth?) million. This book is a basic how-to for people who want to get away from the 9-5 drag, but are still waiting, maybe years later, for inspiration to strike. Ever thought maybe you could be a professional reunion planner? A virtual PA? Relocation consultant? Apparently all those things are achievable. This book essentially takes away the fear factor in turning that successful hobby of yours into your own small business.

Check it out online, or you can buy it in most bookstores.