A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field

This book was suggested during a webinar. After reading the first chapter online, I couldn't wait to get it in my hands. It has not disappointed. The information is perhaps what I already knew but with direct methods and candid humor. I love that it wasn't a dry business manual but rather a "walk with me while we explore how you can be the best business owner EVER." I will suggest this to my clients as well as anyone who has ever dreamed of being a business owner. I've ordered the previous book, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur and look forward to implementing the advice held in there too. Nice work, pumpkin tender, nice work.

A good, practical book. Makes me rethink some of the errors I made in growing my business. However, if I did make some mistakes I probably would not have agreed with the author as I do now. Some of his ideas are spot on, the other, while on the mark, are difficult to implement and easier in theory than practice.

if nothing else, this is an easy read, helps one refocus on their business, and gives clarity to the principles needed to grow one's business. I have often said "I am not looking for more clients, but am always looking for better clients". This book has helped.

I'm an avid reader of business and personal development books yet I can easily say that this was by far the best read! Not only is it fun and engaging, but impossible to put down because of the pure genius of it. Mike is able to break down and simplify years of tried and true principles to help us all avoid common pitfalls and create extremely successful businesses of our own!

Truly appreciated the strategy presented-- enough to buy an extra couple of copies for a friend and relative.
Have to report, though, that I received a used copy (that I specifically ordered) where the pages were out of sequence, repeated twice in some cases, and a few omitted entirely. Weird...
the store worked with the used book seller to make it right, and even gifted me with an extra book ta boot!!
The author is most talented and engaging with his presentation and suggested exercises for discovery.
I recommend his works to any serious entrepreneur who's motivated to dig deeper.

The pumpkin plan is a funny and highly useful read. Mike busts entrepreneurs on our classic business mistakes like trying to be all things to all clients, over-hiring, keeping crappy, horrible clients and more. His metaphor for growing a gigantic, prize winning pumpkin is very helpful and I have already started implementing his great ideas.

The framework of the "pumpkin" is definitely worth pursuing. A very practical and hands-on book. Throughout all the examples, you can relate to what happens on a daily basis with customers not just in private business but in corporate life as well. The way the book is organized takes you through a process. You do not get lost with disparate ideas. I recommend to read this book.

Brilliant! I fired several of my worst clients right after reading this and immediately was happier with my freelance business and had more time to focus on the clients who were a joy to work with and saw an INCREASE in income as a result!

While some of the ideas are similar to other books for entrepreneurs with time management, the way the idea is presented and the stories are told in this book is unique and kind of refreshing.

There's some great points about using the 80/20 rule to effectively reduce your time spent on non-revenue generating tasks that all entrepreneurs could use hearing for reinforcement.

It's a fun read.

Awesome audio book if you are already successful at business at some level. If you just started out or starting in business go back to the other book - toilet paper! Also profit first is highly recommended.

The great thing about the Pumpkin Plan is Mike Michalowicz's extreme generosity of spirit. He is not a highfalutin know it all, rather someone who has struggled and through those struggles has found remarkable insights into growing a business. His writing is full of actionable steps that I have taken that have increased my focus and improved the experience of my most valued customers. It is an enjoyable read and will have a lasting impact.

Many of us are lured into thinking we can provide a lot of variety in our business, but we won't be able to do it very well. By focusing on that which make us and our clients happiest, we can be great!!
I love Mike's writing style too. It makes it feel like he is talking directly with you.

Much like Mike's book, "The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur" this book will give you a practical, smart and modern way to think about and organize your business. Most business idea books just give the reader wide approach concepts and thinking patterns while Mike gives very specific and insightful ways to plan for the success of your business. Worthy of reading twice!

Excellent book. Every business needs to implement this. I did so in mine and we increased revenue, profit and now work with customers who value what we do. We now attract our ideal clients and repel the ones that are not a good fit. Mike's unique approach and personality are much appreciated. Keep doing what you are doing Mike!

This book reinforced what I have been told by "experts" over and over. As a business owner, I am always open to advice. The advice I have been given by some very successful people is right in line with this book. The book will make you think and you will be a better entrepreneur for it.
Buy it, read it, and you will be glad you did. This book gave me the confidence to go a little out of my comfort zone. Everyone can use that.
Roark
Owner-San Diego Pool Tile Cleaning

After pouring over The Pumpkin Plan I gained a clarity of focus that had been missing in my business. With simple comparisons to "The Great Pumpkin farmers" the take aways and action steps are clear and easy to follow. Mike does an amazing job of gently letting you know you have a choice, focus on your best customers and grow or you're going to spend a great deal of precious time with the (weeds) currently clogging up your pumpkin patch. After implementing just a few of the concepts in the first few chapters I am well on my way to creating my own "Great Pumpkin". Thanks for a book that will continue to help me grow!

This book will seriously change the way you think about your business, and the way you run - not only your business - but your life in general. As with Mike's other books, he injects his own personality and unique point of view into The Pumpkin Plan. It's humorous, inspiring and educational at the same time. I love it and plan to read it over and over again!

Dear Competitors,

Please do not buy or read this book. Well, if you must, but don't take any action afterwards, just keep doing what you're doing and everything will be OK, particularly if you like feeling queasy all day, and night.

Thanks in advance for ignoring the Pumpkin Plan. You're helping my retirement. Now go back to doing exactly what you've done in the past while expecting a different result and forget all about this boring little gardening book.

Enjoy your life.

Mike Michalowicz nailed it in describing how to run a successful business. I wish I had read this 28 years ago when I was starting out. He takes a simple analogy and runs with it. The writing is enjoyable and a little spicy. He's a guy from New Jersey and knows how to get his point across. I found it thought provoking and have been telling all my fellow entrepreneurs they have to buy this book.

“The Pumpkin Plan” book became the missing link to filter and separate the bad clients from the good ones, in a way that added not only the money side of who pays well but also the emotional, relationship side as well.

The Pumpkin Plan synthesizes the best concepts and lessons of The E-Myth and the 80/20 Principle, but does so in a much more relatable manner for "adolescent" entrepreneurs. Michalowicz obviously has felt the pain, learned the lessons, and persisted to overcome the obstacles. Lots of valuable information, anecdotes, and perspective for any small business owner.

This book is a must read for any entrepreneurs trying to take their business to the next level. It's filled with excellent advice about growing your business by making some tough decisions. It's not enough to simply make your clients happy, you must be selective about which clients to focus your resources on. It was not only a fun read, but very actionable and should really get the ideas flowing (it did for me!).

After reading the entire book in one sitting, I sat in a corner in silence as I pondered its awesome message.

The strategy can actually be applied to any aspect of your life. My life has improved substantially since I read the book last summer.

Many thanks to the author for sharing such a brilliant, yet simple idea!

Simple and I hope effective! A great addition to Profit First!
Written in a very relaxed and "relatable" style and it even makes sense in Australia. If only I had read this and Profit First five years ago when I started my business. Recommended for anyone in business anywhere