The Small Business CEO’s Playbook
A Practical Business Growth Guide for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
Running a small business means making decisions every day about customers, marketing, pricing, employees, competitors, networking, growth — and sometimes just keeping everything moving.
The Small Business CEO's Playbook was written for the person actually doing the work.
Drawing from decades of real-world entrepreneurship, Rob Peters shares practical lessons, systems and strategies for building a stronger business without turning business ownership into a 24/7 job.
Inside the Playbook you'll learn how to:
Stand out when competitors all seem to offer the same thing.
Build stronger customer relationships and generate repeat business.
Turn networking into meaningful business opportunities.
Create systems that make the business less dependent on you.
Lead with a CEO mindset instead of becoming the "Chief Everything Officer."
You Don't Need Another Business Theory. You Need a Playbook.
Get Your Copy of The Small Business CEO's Playbook
35 years of building real businesses. One playbook with everything I learned. The Small Business CEO's Playbook gives entrepreneurs practical, field-tested frameworks for standing out, building a team, keeping customers, and growing without burning out — written by someone who's actually done it, not just studied it.
From having a strong business plan to networking, Rob talks about topics that led to a successful small business career. He shares tips from his mentors, talks about the 10 Commandments to Small Business Success and more! Written by Massachusetts entrepreneur Rob Peters DiFazio, drawing on 35 years of building businesses in New England and beyond.
Buying for a chamber, business group, company or class?
Is This Book For You?
You don't have to be running a million-dollar company to think like a CEO.
This book was written for:
The new entrepreneur trying to turn an idea into a real business.
The solopreneur who realizes doing everything yourself isn't a growth strategy.
The local business owner competing against businesses that look exactly like theirs.
The experienced entrepreneur who has built something successful but knows the business still depends too much on them.
The side hustler ready to stop treating their business like a hobby.
The emerging business leader who wants practical lessons that don't require an MBA to understand.
If you've ever thought, "There has to be a better way to run this business," this book was written for you.
What’s Inside
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find in the Playbook:
THINK LIKE THE CEO: Stop becoming the employee of the company you created.
MARKET SMARTER: Build visibility without assuming a bigger marketing budget is always the answer.
BE THE ONLY YOU: Create meaningful differentiation when competitors all look alike.
BUILD SYSTEMS: Make your business more consistent and less dependent on you.
KEEP MORE CUSTOMERS: Turn customer experience and relationships into repeat business.
NETWORK WITH PURPOSE: Build professional relationships that can actually produce opportunities.
BUILD SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE: Each chapter ends with action steps so you can put ideas into practice right away.
Read a Chapter Before You Buy
Want to see what the Playbook is like first?
I'll send you a complimentary chapter so you can see the practical, real-world approach for yourself.
You'll also receive occasional practical small-business ideas and updates from Rob Peters. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reviews & Endorsements
“If you are starting a business or looking to grow your business, this is a must read. Rob shares insights from 35 years of entrepreneurship experience, with several different business models. This book can help you overcome many business challenges and will help put you on the right track to success.”
- Jack Lank; United Regional Chamber of Commerce
“What sets this book apart is how practical it is. Rob’s advice is based on real-world experience, not theory. He’s made the mistakes, learned the lessons, and now he’s sharing them so we don’t have to repeat them. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or running a full-time small business, this playbook offers clarity, direction, and encouragement.”
- Jaishree Nenwani
Bring the Playbook to Life at Your Next Event
The book doesn't have to end when attendees leave the room.
Rob's keynotes and workshops turn the ideas inside The Small Business CEO's Playbook into an engaging, practical learning experience your audience can put to work immediately.
Create a Book + Keynote Experience
Perfect for: Chamber events • Association conferences • Corporate meetings • Entrepreneur programs • College business programs
Attendees can receive:
✓ Live keynote or workshop
✓ Copy of The Small Business CEO's Playbook
✓ Practical exercises and takeaways
✓ Optional facilitated discussion or follow-up training
FAQ’s
Is this book relevant if I’m just starting my business?
Yes! Chapters 1–4 are designed to help you validate your idea, set pricing, and land your first clients.
Do you offer bulk orders for groups or classes?
Yes, discounted bulk orders and signed copies are available. Perfect for teams, business programs, or workshops.
Can I hire Rob to speak or teach with the book?
Yes! Rob offers keynote presentations, workshops, and facilitation. Ask about book-bundle pricing for events.
Order your copy today!
Put The Playbook in Their Hands
Looking for a practical resource for your members, employees or students?
The Small Business CEO's Playbook can be ordered in quantity for organizations that want to give entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders something they can actually use after the meeting, class or conference ends.
Perfect For:
Chambers of Commerce: Member gifts • Small Business Week • New-member programs • Entrepreneur workshops
Professional & Trade Associations: Conference attendees • Educational programs • Member development
Corporations: Leadership programs • Sales teams • Employee entrepreneurship initiatives • Client appreciation
Colleges & Universities: Entrepreneurship programs • Business courses • Career centers • Student entrepreneur programs
Banks & Financial Institutions: Small-business customer programs • Entrepreneur events • Client education