BOOKS for Small Business

The Small Business Start-Up Guide
by Robert Sullivan

The new THIRD EDITION contains 20% more pages in a new larger size format, updated information in most chapters, and new informative appendices.

SORRY, THIS TITLE IS NOW OUT OF PRINT. Copies may still be available in bookstores or libraries.

• "Sullivan...writes clearly and concisely, offering new entrepreneurs a starting point to owning and operating a business." Library Journal
• "helpful checklists...recommended for those...who want to make certain they are not missing something" Booklist
• "Sullivan offers a lot of practical advice on a wide range of topics you need to know ..." Small Business Opportunities Magazine

"...the more experienced entrepreneur can benefit from Sullivan's extensive small business resources directory...", Income Opportunities Magazine

Here is some of what you will learn!

• The 14 qualities of most successful entrepreneurs. How to strengthen yourself in each area.
• The three big reasons for most business failures. You can avoid each one.
• Is a limited liability corporation for you? Why you need to take a close look at it.
• When a partner really can increase your change for success, despite the familiar horror stories.
• When to disregard your attorney’s advice, and when his advice is absolutely essential.
• 10-point checklist to finding a good bank you can work with.
• Important: Keep your customers! You will if you follow the advice given in Chapter 10
• 11 quick and easy ways to double your profits.
• How to 'look professional' in a home-based business
• Checklists throughout - References - Contact Information for every state - Internet sites - Glossary

In the downsizing and reengineering chaos that is sweeping business and government today, many Americans who know little or nothing about what is required to start and operate a small business are being driven to do just that in order to survive. The Small Business Start-Up Guide by Robert Sullivan (Information International, Publisher) is written for these future business owners. Sullivan's book, which draws from his own personal successes and failures at small business start-ups on two continents, makes it easy for the reader to understand, appreciate, and apply the important lessons being presented.

The Small Business Start-Up Guide drives home, through interesting and useful business "truisms," the important lessons that can spell success or failure for any new small business. Supporting text, personalized vignettes, and numerous, easy to follow "checklists" make it easy for the reader to summarize the lessons that are so important to the emerging entrepreneur. For example, Sullivan shows the reader how such truisms as..."Business success will be directly proportional to how much you love what you are doing;" "A friend or family member does not necessarily make a good business partner;" "Without marketing, failure is guaranteed;" and "Planning is mandatory for business success. Fail to plan and you plan to fail" were developed through real-life business experiences.

The book also provides an easy to understand treatment of the selection and application of computer technology for the new small business, including the importance of the internet in today's marketplace. This latter subject is covered in enough detail that the reader can take early advantage of this new and important business tool.

And, perhaps one of the most important features of The Small Business Start-up Guide, is the references provided at the end of each chapter. These references are a "roadmap" that the reader can follow to other viable sources of help and information.

Chapter listing:

FOCUS YOUR ENERGY

Assessing your own entrepreneurial qualities. Deciding what is best: start, buy, franchise?

GETTING STARTED

Corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS

Where to find startup capital and the dangers.

CHOOSING A PARTNER

What to look for in a partner.

PLANNING FORSUCCESS

Practical advice on the planning process, why it's important, and how to plan for success and failure.

GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Choosing and working with accountants, attorneys, and insurance agents.

ESTABLISHING A BANKING RELATIONSHIP

How to choose and deal with a bank.

SEPARATE HOME AND BUSINESS

Discusses the significance of separation of home and business.

MARKET! MARKET! MARKET!

Simple suggestions to get you going along with reference material.

PROTECT THYSELF

Discussion of personal guarantees, partnership agreements, and insurance.

HIRING AND WORKING WITH EMPLOYEES

Policies, responsibilities, and working with employees.

GET TECHNOLOGY SMART

Selecting and using computers in business, security issues, FAX machines, copiers.

THE INTERNET

What it is and why it's important to your business. Getting connected and using it effectively.

LEARN TO COMMUNICATE

Guidelines for speaking and writing.

DAILY OPERATIONS

Saving money, selling your product or service, selling yourself, and telephone usage.

Appendix I: Reference Material.

Appendix II: Checklist Index.

Appendix III: Home Based Businesses.

Appendix IV: Internet Information.

Appendix V: Merchant Card Accounts.

Appendix VI: Small Business Glossary

Appendix VII: State Specific Information

Appendix VIII: Doing Business with the U.S. Government
Appendix IX: Internet Milestones
Appendix X: Small Business Tips
General Index

6 x 9 inches, trade paperback, 390 pages.

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