By Vicky Sidler | Published 22 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

It’s my birthday today. I know, yay me! Some people take the day off. I’m here giving you a book update. So that tells you everything you need to know about my personality.

And no, it’s not because I lack work-life balance. I’ve got that down to an art form. It’s because I genuinely love this work. Writing, building, sharing. This is my version of a good time. A fun way to spend my birthday!

(Also, in the spirit of full transparency—which is one of my core values—I wrote and scheduled this a few days ago. So I’m probably actually off eating cake with my nieces right now.)

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I shared that I’m writing a book for risk-averse entrepreneurs. People who want to build something stable without selling their kidneys for startup capital. People like me.

Today’s update? I’m making solid progress—but slowly. And on purpose.

Because rushing a book about not rushing your business feels a bit like serving a salad with a side of flaming Cheetos. Not exactly on-brand.

TL;DR:

• I’m still writing the book for risk-averse entrepreneurs

• I’m taking my time because I want it to be useful, not just finished

• Progress is real, just not rushed

• Writing a business book should reflect the values it teaches

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Table of Contents:

Writing Slow Isn’t Lazy. It’s Strategic.

Every now and then, someone posts “Wrote my entire book in 30 days using AI and coffee” and suddenly you’re rethinking your life choices. But here’s the thing: the world doesn’t need another fast book. Especially not for people who’ve spent years slowly building something that actually works.

I want this book to feel like your most stable friend. The one who reminds you to eat lunch before launching a new service. The one who helps you walk—not sprint—towards a business that actually fits your life.

And to do that well, I need to write like I work: intentionally.

Real Progress (Without the Pressure):

I’ve written the first couple of chapters. I’ve got a solid outline. And I’m letting the ideas breathe.

There’s no 5am writing club. No chart tracking my word count like a productivity cult. Just consistent effort, clarity of message, and the occasional coffee-fuelled breakthrough.

This is the part where most business books go full motivational speaker. I’m resisting the urge. Because if you’re reading this, you’re probably not here for rah-rah energy.

You want honest progress. So here it is. I’m writing. Slowly. On purpose. And I’m liking it.

Walking the Talk:

I work with cautious entrepreneurs every day. And one thing I see often? They second-guess themselves for not moving faster. For not hiring a team of 12. For not being “further along.” For not scaling.

But speed without alignment is just a flashy way to crash.

So this book isn’t about how to grow fast. It’s about how to grow wisely. And if I’m going to write that book, I have to live it while I write it.

That means:

• No artificial deadlines

• No chasing trends

• No chapters written purely to hit a page count

Just clear thinking, careful editing, and a few quiet chuckles along the way. I know my sense of humour isn’t for everyone, but I love to make myself laugh.

Why This Matters for You:

If you’ve been putting pressure on yourself to launch faster, post more, build bigger—pause. Ask if that pressure is actually helping.

Sometimes, slowness is a strategy. And if your business is meant to bring you freedom, then it’s okay for your process to reflect that.

That’s what I’m modelling here.

And truthfully? I’ve always loved writing. It’s been a dream of mine to write a book for as long as I can remember. So now that I’m finally doing it, I want to enjoy every part of the process. Every paragraph. Every edit. I’m not taking a minute of it for granted.

I feel so lucky to have found my niche as an entrepreneur. I didn’t expect to. But now that I have, I want to share what I’ve learned with others like me—the ones who don’t see themselves in most business books. The ones who want to build something real, stable, and fulfilling without pretending to be someone they’re not.

So when you finally read this book, you won’t just get tips. You’ll get something built with care for people who’ve been left out of the hype.

And if you’re still figuring out what kind of business fits your life—not just your LinkedIn profile—start with the 10-Minute Business Idea Validator.

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Related Articles:

1. I'm Writing a Book for Risk-Averse Entrepreneurs Like Me

This is the original book announcement that sets the stage for today’s update. If you’re just joining the journey, this one gives you the full backstory and the big idea behind the project.

2. New Marketing Book By Sara Nay Helps Small Businesses Unlock Strategy

Like mine, Sara’s book ditches the hustle mindset in favor of clear systems. If you’re drawn to methodical over manic, you’ll want to see how she approaches marketing with intention.

3. South Africa's Small Business Boom: R500m in Growth—Here's the Cheat Sheet

Proof that you can grow cautiously and still win. This article breaks down smart, steady growth moves that added up to half a billion in real revenue.

4. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others

Not all advice works for everyone. This post backs up the idea that business growth should match your personality—and warns what happens when it doesn’t.

5. Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works

Want to market your business without gambling your rent money? This guide shows exactly how to get results on a tight budget—no flashy risks required.

FAQs About the Risk-Averse Business Book Project

1. What is this book actually about?

It’s about building a stable, fulfilling business without gambling everything. If you’ve ever wanted to start something of your own but felt overwhelmed by risk, pressure to scale, or 4am hustle culture, this book gives you another way.

2. Is it just for people who want to start a marketing agency?

Not at all. While I built a marketing agency using the approach I’m writing about, this book isn’t about starting an agency. It’s about building any kind of service-based business that’s low-risk, profitable, and fits your life.

3. Do I need to live in South Africa for this to be relevant?

Nope. I work with clients around the world, and the principles in this book hold up whether you’re in Pretoria or Portland. It’s designed for cautious entrepreneurs everywhere.

4. Is this anti-scaling or anti-growth?

Not even slightly. It’s pro-sane growth. If you want to scale, great. If you want to stay small and stable, also great. This book is about building a business that supports your version of success—not someone else’s.

5. When will the book be finished?

I’m still writing and taking my time. No firm launch date yet. But if you follow along, you’ll be the first to know when it’s ready—and might even get a sneak peek or two.

6. Can I follow the writing process?

Yes. I’ll be sharing updates here and on LinkedIn, including behind-the-scenes insights, case studies, and maybe a few chapter previews.

7. What should I do while I wait?

Start with the10‑Minute Business Idea Validator. It’s a free tool that helps you discover a service business idea based on what you already know—no risky leaps or business degrees required.