Discover How to Achieve Success on Your Own Terms
Many people enter the corporate world, hate it, but never leave. Steve isn’t one of them: He chose entrepreneurship, and he shares the stories of his success in these pages. Perhaps his journey will bring courage to strike out on your own for you or someone you know.
- David Meerman Scott, Bestselling author of 12 books including The New Rules of Marketing & PR, now available in 29 languages from Albanian to Vietnamese.
I have worked with Steve since 1977, when we first met. His services are extremely valuable. As valuable as the publicity is (and it is remarkable in volume and quality), his insights and advice on positioning products and companies is even more valuable. Take him to lunch and pick his brains!! I did - and it resulted in the very best sales call ever.”
-George Berbeco, President, Devon Group
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An Entrepreneur’s Inspirational Business Memoir
In Success and Self-Discovery, Steven M. Stroum shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable lessons and practical advice for personal and professional growth. Within two years his publicity agency had over 2,000 accounts and his meteoric success spawned depression instead of elation. Through intense self-assessment and candid storytelling, Stroum shares intimate details about his triumphs, struggles, and the principles that drive success. Discover how to overcome obstacles, learn from mistakes, build key relationships, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Let this memoir inspire and empower you to pursue your dreams and achieve success on your own terms.
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Meet the Author
Steven M. Stroum grew up in a working-class family in Auburndale, a village of Newton, MA. After briefly attending Northeastern University in 1966, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. In March 1968 he received a medical discharge, became a Disabled Veteran, and in September returned to Northeastern University. The youngest of three boys, he was married to Peggy Lawrence in 1970 and received a BS in Business Administration in 1973.
Steve started his business from a spare room at his parents’ home in Newton, MA with only $300 and within a few short months moved to nearby Wellesley. By the end of his first year in business his firm had ten full-time employees and hundreds of clients. In recognition of his company’s contribution to the success and growth of numerous small companies, Steve was selected to serve on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Small Business Task Force and was later appointed one of 18 Small Business Advisors to the Governor of Massachusetts. Steve was also selected by the International Rotary Foundation to tour South Korea for six weeks as an ambassador. He was later appointed to the Norbert Weiner Forum at Tufts University to study the impact of technology on society and served as publicity advisor on the Smaller Business Association of New England Board of Directors.
Steve Stroum, a seasoned product publicist, marketer, and entrepreneur has been featured in INC Magazine, Sales and Marketing Management Magazine, Marketing Magazine, OMNI Magazine, USA Today, Business Week Exchange, The Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Middlesex News, San Francisco Chronicle WHDH-TV, WJAR-TV, WKOX radio and others. He has also been a guest lecturer at The American Marketing Association, Babson College, Boston College, Northeastern University, and numerous business and civic groups.
What Readers Are Saying
“A memoir, a manual, and a multilayered tale of emotional growth.
Steve Stroum not only details the exact recipe he used to become an incredibly successful entrepreneur - he even tells you the kind of paper on which it was printed! Distilled wisdom from decades of direct experience alongside the many mistakes made in the process, there is a feeling of authenticity to the work that is rare among business-centric literature. What really surprised, and honestly moved me, was the sincere story of personal and emotional development. Steve describes his time in therapy, gaining the tools to change his approach in relating to family - which I would argue is the greatest success in this book. This book has some truly relatable insight on the human experience, forgiving your family, and the love of a father and son.”
—Michael Holmes
“Should be required reading for those in any business!
It is truly a privilege to hear Steven Stroum’s life story as seen through his own eyes! Having taken detailed notes, and reflecting on his journey throughout life, Steven is in the unique position of having total recall. He generously shares his methods of creating a new business, teaching employees to be productive, and how to develop mutually beneficial relationships with clients. His methods apply to any career; employees must learn to successfully communicate with their administrators and peers while performing their jobs; employers must create a positive work environment while growing and maintaining their businesses. Steven Stroum shares with you the fascinating story of both his private and public lives. There is much to be learned from him!”
—Phyl Tee
“Just finished the book and it is the best memoir I have ever read!
Love how you came up with the name Venmark. Also I agree, never mix business with relatives or friends! Love how you treated Marc. Wonderful father and son relationship! Charlie Fox was an enemy. Thru it all, you came out on top!! I couldn’t put this book down so it kept me from doing my usual things.”
—RuQ
“I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a path to becoming successful.
Most of us walking the entrepreneurial path know that behind every lesson we pick up, there’s a great story. Steve’s tales, from humble beginnings just outside of Boston, to Viet Nam, to San Francisco and back to Boston, are filled with tidbits of wisdom, surrounded by good story telling.”
—Matt M
“A Compelling Business Memoir from a Seasoned Entrepreneur.
“Success and Self-Discovery” is part autobiography and part book on entrepreneurship. Steve Stroum crafts a compelling narrative with outstanding amounts of detail. The book starts with stories of his early days in the military and at Northeastern University and takes you through his first jobs to the start of his business. He showcases the challenges he faced and then how he overcame them.
The book beautifully highlights the principles of a successful entrepreneur while weaving in personal stories to bring them to life. The author has a knack for explaining business concepts in a practical and relatable manner, making the book an invaluable resource for budding and experienced entrepreneurs.
There are too many stories to highlight, but it is clear that relationships are the key to Steve’s success. His willingness to be vulnerable and open about his business and personal struggles is a refreshing change from many business memoirs.
Steve is an excellent storyteller who has shared his knowledge and imparted wisdom, making this book a must-read for entrepreneurs.”
—John W
“Surprisingly well done
This book was an easy read. Author Stroum provides a number of excellent lessons in starting a thriving business presented as an autobiography that is compelling and easy to read. Stroum has learned from his mistakes as well as his victories. His honest appraisal is both refreshing and disarming. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a struggling entrepreneur or a wannabe entrepreneur.”
—Rushmore Judd
“A must read for young entrepreneurs and small business startups
This book clearly articulates the many difficulties entrepreneurs face over a 40+ year business span. Steve Stroum chronicles the many ups and downs of business startup and growth while overcoming personal and professional demons, disappointments and betrayals. His fortitude, courage and tenacity were all tested to the extreme thereby unmistakenly demonstrating what it takes to start, grow and continuously tinker with a company's people, products and profitability. It's not easy becoming a successful entrepreneur and this book provides a riveting first person view of one man's journey. It is a must read for young entrepreneurs and small business founders to prepare for many battles that will undoubtedly come particularly as they relate to people, products and profitability. It takes courage and tenacity to successfully overcome these roadblocks to success.”
—Robert Quinn
“One of the best books I’ve read in a long-time.
Seldom do you find a book with valuable real-life business theorems but coupled together with a sincere and genuine human interest story of how this successful business owner battled through business up’s and down’s and dealt with serious personal issues along the way. The book was so down-to-earth and intimate that you could easily feel like you were riding along with the author through life. Once you start reading it was hard to put down and certainly a book almost anyone could enjoy. I applaud the author for its authenticity and candor.”
—Les B
“I was so impressed with the detail of this book!
I can't remember what I did yesterday, but Steve Stroum somehow documented to the date things from decades ago. I found myself remembering what I was doing at that time in my career. It made me wish that MY father had written a book about his career. I found the book a very easy read, and was impressed at how much the author opened up about his relationships with employees and relatives. The love he has for his wife and son are evident. And....he likes cigars!”
—Barry O
“Eminently readable and very engaging.
This book takes you through fifty years of an entrepreneur's experience in running the emotional gamut associated with "being" a small business. It's much more a "How to survive, persevere and prosper" than a "How-To.". The image it creates will stay with you.”
—Arthur S
“Great read; extremely entertaining; and informative as all Hell...
Anyone tempted to take the plunge into the cold waters of entrepeneurship will find Stroum's insights and lessons absolutely priceless! Like no other book on the market!”
—Amber Hillman
“Looking to be become an entrepreneur then this book is for you.
This was a very motivating book for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur. It was a quick read and held my interest throughout the book. It is fascinating to follow Steve from a youngster fresh out of college to the successful businessman he become. A must read for anyone looking to become successful.”
—MJ
“Hi Steve. I received your book today and cannot thank you enough!
I immediately began flipping through it and couldn’t put it down. I’m not sure I have words to express how much the book means to me – I admire you greatly and now realize that one of the reasons is because of your honesty. The book is honest. Thank you!”
—Abby
“Grind, Drive, and Desire
The author chronicles the ups and downs and challenges of wanting to succeed for many reasons. Family, friends, mentors and most importantly himself.
Through his ability to insert himself in the next possible opportunity, he continues to explore and search for the optimal way to build and create balance, happiness and success in both his personal and business life. His wife supporting him every step of the way. He is very real and authentic with his successes and failures and keeps the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. A great read for people in any business.”
—Randy Fine
“A True Guide to Personal and Business Success
I’m so impressed by Steve Stroum’s book “Success and Self-Discovery: A Business Memoir with Insightful Tips and Personal Development Advice That Will Help Any Entrepreneur.” It’s not just a memoir, but also a guide for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles with courage, resilience, and creativity. Steve’s story is inspiring, honest, and captivating. He shares his personal and professional challenges and successes with great detail and humor. He also offers practical and actionable advice that will help you grow as an entrepreneur and as a person. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn from one of the most successful entrepreneurs I know. Congratulations on your book, Steve! I’m honored to be your friend and reviewer for over 35 years. Your passion for helping small business owners and your dedication to writing this book for over 40 years are truly admirable and inspiring. You are a role model (father figure) for me and many others.”
—Joe Pirrotta
“A primer for seekers in all walks of life.
This book is a page turner and not just for entrepreneurs. It is a deep dive into honest self reflection and the raw courage called for to take risks and be willing to ride the roller coaster of change. Steve's journey is the journey of every soul aching for purpose, fulfillment and the discovery and actualization of innate talent and gifts that are the building blocks for a meaningful and satisfied life. Read it. Then read it again. His story has something waiting just for you.”
—Dr. Michael Adler
“I’m 200 pages in and can’t put it down.
This book is truly a fascinating and fun read. I’m learning about business but learning more about life. I can’t wait to finish it!”
—IM
“Steve touches every emotion with this book while teaching valuable life and business lessons.
I only wish
I had this book 35 years ago!”
—Craig Schweriner
“Key Details to Develop a Successful Career.
This reader believes Steven Stroum’s clear goal in his book is to provide valuable information to improve the skill set of aspiring entrepreneurs or experienced business people.
The book is not a one-and-done discourse… reading the book over again will clear your mind and you’ll realize, “this is important stuff”. His honest emotional revelations engage and captivate.
Steven Stroum is a leader in business and shares his knowledge and expertise on every page.
Mr. Stroum advanced the business football… 1st down after 1st down; and tackle after tackle, until he reached the goal and scored.”
—Esther Dan
“Useful and compelling for any entrepreneur
Steve Stroum has written a combined memoir and business advice book that offers entrepreneurs in any field, at any stage of their careers, effective and strategic information and advice. Plus he tells a compelling personal and family story that links his career development and success as an entrepreneur to his experiences, values, and beliefs growing up -- a missing but critical component of most "how to" books that gives his book a heart and soul -- and which make his book stand out from others, giving it broad appeal to a general reader as well as those seeking wisdom and practical advice about developing their own business.”
—Mary Jacobsen
“A masterpiece that is replete with candid, practical lessons and wisdom for all entrepreneurs!
This extremely candid account of the authors journey as a young man from a blue collar background to that of a successful business owner provides practical lessons, wisdom and inspiration for all entrepreneurs.”
—A2
Here are 7 Things You Will Discover
Learn how to overcome obstacles with resilience and creativity
Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and learn from your mistakes
Learn how to develop the traits of a successful entrepreneur
Learn how to choose the best place to work and become happy
Learn how to create a sales presentation and handle objections
Learn how to manage a sales territory and create sales referrals
Learn how to generate free publicity and content on the internet
One book can change your life!