Book to help me start my own business.?

Question

I'm looking for a good reference guide to starting up my own business. I need something with all the basics like drawing up a business plan but I also need practical advise as well. Any recommendations?

When I search online or in bookstores for good references, there are so many and I am overwhelmed. I just dont know which ones are credible and what to spend my time and money on. Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Contact the U. S. Small Business Administration (Federal Agency, see gov't pages in phone book... www.sba.gov) They are in the "business" of helping people start businesses.

Advice:
1. If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is!
2. And there ain't no such thing as a free Lunch: "TANSTAAFL"
3. Get good advice from those who have done it and then FOLLOW IT.
4. Talk is cheap, action is not. Everybody is an "expert" except those that really are!
Most people fail because they don't do the research, aren't willing to do the real work necessary, engage in less than rational decision making (wishful thinking, etc).

My ex was an accountant for a number of small businesses; watched them fail, would tell the management why they were failing, and the management would still not take the necessary corrective actions, i.e. couldn't make the hard decisions, like firing relatives or friends, expanding too fast, insufficient cash flow, alienation of customers, etc.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Great advice by crazy8...

The problem with books are that they are much like newspapers, you're reading yesterday's news. This means much of what is in print is outdated by the time it hits the shelves. Your money would be better spent by finding someone who has been in the same or similar business and buying them lunch. The information they can provide will be invaluable.

The SBA is a good source for preparing business plans. Also, check your local city, county or state government sites.

Answer 3

Go to http://www.score.org/index.html and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.

Answer 4

I know - there's sooooo many books out there it can be overwhelming. But I suggest you start with these books - very basic and easy to read yet very informative:

- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business: Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1574101129/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1574100939/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
- Start Your Own Business : The Only Start-Up Book You'll Ever Need http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1891984217/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
-Steps to Small Business Start-Up : Everything You Need to Know to Turn Your Idea into a Successful Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1574101323/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid

You may also want to explore books on business ideas to help you think through what business you may want to start. Here are some titles to check out

Turn Your Talents into Profits: 100+ Terrific Ideas for Starting Your Own Home-Based Microbusiness
The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
121 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home
The Best Internet Businesses You Can Start
101 Ways to Make Money at Home

You may also want to check out the FREE online courses of SBA from business planning to marketing to organizing your business http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html

Answer 5

Crazy8 is right, but the SBA is really the Small Business Association. Just about any tech school would have a course that would help you. Good luck.

Answer 6

Try a few of the ones For Dummies" books. They are very helphul. Note: I am now not announcing you're a Dummy, I have a couple of of those books they usually will have a few for commencing your possess industry.