Being an entrepreneur sounds like great fun and the way to go in these times, until you dip your toes into the muddy, swirling waters of business and entrepreneurship; only to realize that it’s really not as breezy as people make it out to be. Most businesses fail within the first few years. One of the most underrated things that makes a business resilient is accountability. Not just accountability in your business productivity but accountability a form of bonding and support.

Eight entrepreneurs who have started their foray into business tell their stories - the harsh truths and the glorious triumphs - it's all part of the journey. What holds them together is the accountability group they are part of. They bond as friends, mentor each other and support their peers when the struggles of entrepreneurship become very real. It is what has made this group and their businesses so successful.

Anyone who has started a business will relate to these stories and those wanting to dip their toes in will find encouragement

While you can start a business with as little as $100, the work you need to put in will be immense. If you want to be an entrepreneur, you also have to be a jack of all trades. There are many aspects of running a business other than just setting up a shop ( or website if you are providing an online service) and having products or services on display. As an entrepreneur you need to understand how business works, how sales and marketing works, you need to be able to read your profit and loss statements and understand your balance sheet. You will need to have some knowledge of client attraction, customer engagement, admin tasks, and the ability to measure every aspect of your business.

But in fact this is really all part of the process and growth as a business owner. It's the most vital stage of your business. These growth pains are what will help you breakthrough. In such instances, an accountability group may be the key.

The stories in this book are of eight such people who started their entrepreneurial journey. They bare their souls as they share their stories. The hardships, the pitfalls, the late nights and the ecstatic elation when they land their first client - its all part of their incredible journey.

Every business is different - from fashion designers to meditation and healers, from project management professionals to mompreneurs, it's all there is this book.

Reading this will entice those sitting on the entrepreneurship fence to jump in and it will encourage newbie businesses to keep going.

Success is just an inch away.