If you are a woman dreaming about starting a new business or a woman already in the process of making her business a reality, you should read the Seed Handbook, The Feminine Way To Do Business, written by Lynne Franks and illustrated by Ann Field. The book was first released on International Women’s Day, March 2000, in the United Kingdom, and then in April in the United States. Seed is an acronym for Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics, and the author expects this book to stir an international movement, one that will empower women in their personal and professional lives.

In this easy-to-read and visually appealing handbook, Franks uses her “Seed” metaphor in a consistent manner, showing how women may grow their businesses from an inspired idea to a lucrative enterprise.  According to Franks, “Starting your own business should be organic, something that grows naturally from where you are as a person.” Each bit of advice Franks offers is accompanied by a colorful graphic, making the book feminine looking.  Franks is no newcomer to marketing. As a former publicist, she knew the “prettiness” of this book would catch the reader’s eye. Lynne Franks is to small business as Suze Orman is to financial management. Both women have figured out ways to make the traditionally male-dominated fields of business and finance attractive and non-threatening to women.  

And what about this idea of doing business in a feminine way? Franks offers a combination of good business sense and Eastern philosophies. She stresses simplification and organization.  For example, she leads with the importance of “creating space and stretching time to enable a vision.” She reminds us to get up early, keep fit, and make time for ourselves, and although these suggestions are not new, Franks has managed to mix these philosophies with business principles that make a unique and “feminine” recipe for success.  

Her book tells us to remember our childhood passions, put our values at the center of business endeavors, maintain integrity, invest in ourselves, listen, and keep a sense of humor. There are practical tips about database management, public relations, advertising, and finance. Franks also recognizes the importance of nurturing our relationships, and she asks us to have and to be a mentor.  Her revolutionary thinking could be explained as a mixture of Oprah Winfrey meets Faith Popcorn. 

According to Franks, “Women owned businesses have topped 9 million in the United States in 1999.” Instead of working hours trying to break the glass ceiling, it’s obvious that many women have opted to step outside and grow their own gardens. And for women in the process of planting their own seeds, this book is worth at least a look through, if not a read. 

More information about the Seed movement, may be found by visiting her web site at www.seedfusion.com.  She is in the process of creating a network and strives to make Seed an internationally recognized resource for women who want to make professional contacts.