A new, revised edition of the classic guide for entrepreneurs

For more than a decade, The Entrepreneur and Small Business Problem Solver has been the go-to resource for budding entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. Now in its Third Edition, this classic has been revised and updated to meet the needs of the modern reader in today's fast-paced business environment. Covering everything from getting a start-up loan to introducing a new product, this comprehensive guide shows you how to deal with the common problems every small business faces--without hiring expensive outside help.

This handy guide is packed with the kind of essential, down-to-earth advice everyone running a small business needs--whether you need help with your business plan or collecting a small debt. This new Third Edition features new information on tax law changes, technological advances, and changes in government services, and includes an entirely new chapter on Internet marketing and e-commerce. Focused on practicality, the book also features downloadable, chapter-ending worksheets that will help you retain what you learned and implement it correctly. A truly unique source for sound business guidance, The Entrepreneur and Small Business Problem Solver, Third Edition is an invaluable reference that every business owner needs.

Inside, you'll find world-class guidance on these topics and more: How and where to find start-up capital Insuring your business Extending credit and collecting debts Financial record-keeping Carrying out marketing research Pricing products and services Marketing and advertising your business Doing business and marketing online Recruiting and managing employees Protecting yourbusiness and avoiding rip-offs

Build your successful consultant life doing the work you love, on your terms utilizing the practical tips, inspiration, and straightforward advice from recognized new world of work visionary and thought leader, Lisa Hufford. Professionals want freedom and flexibility in the work they do, and they have more options than ever before to create the work & life they want on their own terms. They want to make work fit their lives-not the other way around. Lisa's promise is that consulting is a viable alternative to traditional full-time employment, and you have everything you need to make it happen. Equal parts actionable and inspirational, this is the definitive guide for beginner and experienced consultants. Lisa teaches readers how to successfully step off the corporate career ladder and transition to doing the work they love, on their terms. Grounded in Lisa's experience trading a high-powered corporate career for the freedom and flexibility of consulting, building an award-winning consultancy, and helping thousands of professionals make the same switch, this book enables professionals to redesign their lives and create opportunity in the future of work. This book will enable readers to: Understand the current future of work landscape, what consulting is, why people choose it, and assess whether it's for them Build their foundation by defining their personal brand, identifying the work they love to do and their ideal client, and learning the art of the rate Create their flywheel by landing a contract, setting themselves up for success, delivering excellence, and taking time to reflect and refresh. Readers who follow these practical, simple steps will learn how to discover their personal brand, identify the work they love to do right now, explore how to do more of that work, and ultimately, create a life with meaning and purpose.

"Once again, Bragg has turned his discerning eye and formidable talents on a topic and the results are outstanding. Both those new to the business and the long-established entrepreneur will benefit greatly when he joins forces with E. James Burton to produce this outstanding work."
--Mary S. Schaeffer, Editorial Director "Accounts Payable Now & Tomorrow"

"I use the tips and practices found in this book] all through the year. They are clear, direct, and efficient-which, in turn, improves our company and our bottom line. I recommend this book] to anyone wanting to improve their own bottom line."
--D. R. Drum, CIO, CSO Engineering/Accounting, Dragon Moon Productions

"Eminently accessible, this book is a must-read for the entrepreneur, both new and established alike. Organizationally, the work flows smoothly and logically in a way that is valuable for the start-up as well as the veteran needing a refresher on specific aspects of the small business accounting/financing picture. I found particularly useful the rich resourcefulness that Messrs Burton and Bragg brought to the table in compiling the essential checklists for every conceivable corner of the entrepreneur's financial realm from fraud prevention to financing options. As a small business owner myself, I was well pleased with the real-world guidance and instant 'useability' this book offers."
--David Struthers, JDFacilitator/Trial Lawyer

"This book is essential for any small business owner, manager, or accountant's business tool kit. This easy-to-read book distills complex subject matter into meaningful and understandable information and is a great refresher course for those deeply involved in the accounting and financial matters of a small business. The book contains many examples that can be used immediately in daily operations to improve the quality of information for better decision making. The book provides those involved in small business the framework to manage what they measure."
--Jim Bologa, CFODaticon, Inc.

A cliché it may be but we are living in ever more turbulent times. Business decision-making has become more challenging and unpredictable than ever: we experience unforeseen and often cataclysmic changes in consumer demand, both at home and in export markets; customers continue to demand more, more quickly and for less; new laws and regulations abound; competitors steal loyal customers; and, increasingly, a call centre has replaced the advice that once could be found from a Small Business Adviser.

This book provides all the information that a Small Business owner, director or manager will need in every facet of growing the business in a practical, easy to use format

Asking is more than a skill it's a lifestyle The Ask is your personal manual for building the best, most fulfilling personal and professional life possible. Crafting the perfect ask can fund your new business, support your favorite charity, and get more quality time with your significant other but it can do so much more than that. It can change your life. In learning how to ask for what you really want and deserve, you lose your fear of rejection and judgement. You create the greatest sense of self-worth that no one can give you, you give it to yourself when you ask. The critical moment is when you turn your skills inward and make the hardest asks, the ones you ask yourself. This book is designed to make you an Exceptional Asker, and in the process, give you the confidence and skills you need to achieve all your goals and realize your dreams. You'll learn how to prepare, what words to use, what to avoid, and how to follow up, and you'll purge the natural hesitancy that has been holding you back for so long. Asking is about empowerment. It shows the world that what you want matters. It defines who you are, where you're going, and who will be by your side. This book provides over 175 sample asks, with clear actionable steps to help you claim your space in relationships, at work, and in the world. * Rewrite your own rulebook and find empowerment in asking * Learn the simple five steps to craft the perfect ask * Discover the secret of the ask its two sentences and a question * Remove your Money Blockers and turn a bad ask into a win * Conquer the hardest asks you'll ever make the ones you ask yourself Mastering the art of the ask reconfigures your approach to life, and changes the way you tackle challenges and goals. The Ask gives you the skills and the mindset you need to accomplish anything you can dream.

***BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS 2022 SHORTLISTED TITLE*** Brand Yourself walks you through everything you need to know about creating a business brand, from brand strategy to picking out fonts, building your personal brand and affordable creative tips to make an impact with your business. Packed with practical exercises, examples and industry hacks and supported by an extensive interactive playbook online, this is the essential guide for business owners on a budget. Build a brand that stands out and that connects with the people you want to reach. Lucy Werner is founder of The Wern, a PR and branding consultancy, She is also author of the bestselling Hype Yourself and a publicity expert who is a speaker, lecturer and course creator. Hadrien Chatelet is the creative director of The Wern and leads the design arm of the business. He is also cofounder of Lucy's two children and they work together in their garden in east London. Together they have over 30 years' industry experience and have taught thousands of entrepreneurs how to stand out and find success.

Successful ownership transition requires effective decision making at the top Engaged Ownership is the definitive owner's guide to the family enterprise. Whether you're taking over a family business, family office, or trust, this book shows you how to work effectively with the management and board to keep the enterprise moving in the right direction. The first guide of its kind written from the owner's perspective, this book is designed to help owners who are truly committed to growing all forms of capital be successful in their role. You'll learn the time-tested process that helps you 'unstick' decision-making, become engaged and effective, and manage the transfer from owner control to shared ownership while minimizing risk. Improve communication and relationships with the board, and ensure that every stakeholder understands your strategies and vision for the future. You'll allay the fears that frequently accompany ownership transfers, and inspire a sense of teamwork that leads to sustainable success generation after generation. As the Baby Boomers retire, business founders and entrepreneurs worldwide are transferring ownership of privately held enterprises to their children in record numbers. It can be a complex and difficult-to-navigate time for everyone involved. This book helps you smooth the way to a successful transition, and transcend the owner's traditionally passive role. * Learn to work effectively with management and the board * Get everyone on the same page in terms of vision and direction * Build relationships that lead to forward-thinking decision making * Succeed in the ownership role by bringing your expertise to the fore Ownership transfer often triggers a radical change in family enterprise, and if poorly managed, can turn a business in the wrong direction. Engaged Ownership shows you how to build a dynamic and effective partnership with trustees, board, and management, and become a successful steward of the family's financial, human, social, and operational capital.

The Consultant’s Manual If you’re serious about starting your own consulting practice, there’s something you should know … … No matter how knowledgeable you are in your field.… No matter how expert your advice or impressive your credentials.… If you don’t bring an air of consummate professionalism to every phase of your practice—from proposal-writing and fee-setting, to drawing up contracts and issuing reports—you’ll almost definitely lose out to the professional who does. But don’t worry, because with Tom Greenbaum and The Consultant’s Manual in your corner, you can make sure that never happens! Growing out of the author’s Harvard consulting course, this book offers level-headed, expert advice on virtually every practical aspect of starting, building, and marketing your consulting practice. Centered around the theme of developing and working an exhaustive business plan for your firm, it leads you step-by-step through the research, planning, and problem-solving stages. Positioning your firm, giving it a name, targeting your market, establishing a sales culture, maintaining top-flight customer service, cash flow, billing, and fee setting … it’s all in here, and much more.

Discover the vital relationship that will take your company from "What's next?" to "We have liftoff!" Visionaries have groundbreaking ideas. Integrators make those ideas a reality. This explosive combination is the key to getting everything you want out of your business. It worked for Disney. It worked for McDonald's. It worked for Ford. It can work for you. From the author of the bestselling Traction, Rocket Fuel details the integral roles of the Visionary and Integrator and explains how an effective relationship between the two can help your business thrive. Offering advice to help Visionary-minded and Integrator-minded individuals find one another, Rocket Fuel also features assessments so you're able to determine whether you're a Visionary or an Integrator. Without an Integrator, a Visionary is far less likely to succeed long-term ,and realize the company's ultimate goals--likewise, with no Visionary, an Integrator can't rise to his or her full potential. When these two people come together to share their natural talents and innate skill sets, it's like rocket fuel--they have the power to reach new heights for virtually any company or organization.

Ensure a smooth-running operation with the indispensable guidance offered in Sales and Operations for Your Small Business. Here is detailed information on how to plan for and integrate departments, analyze markets, forecast sales, set pricing levels, manage inventories, outsource selected functions, and much more. Complete with easy-to-read discussions of relevant concepts along with practical examples of highly effective solutions, you’ll also find:

• Numerous ready-to-use forms, checklists, sample spreadsheets, and calculations showing practical applications of real-world examples
• Step-by-step procedures for incorporating proven theories into your day-to-day business
• Proven tools for easy forecasting of demand, optimal pricing of products and services, and managing your inventories for enhanced profitability
• Special tips for developing an elite advisory team and valuing the business

Take advantage of the comprehensive, expert advice provided by Sales and Operations for Your Small Business and step up your small business planning, marketing, and management function today.

Making smaller A/E/C firms more productive and more profitable

Want to do big things with a small company? This no-nonsense guide shows leaders of smaller architecture, engineering, and design firms how to compete successfully against larger organizations without becoming one of them. It demonstrates how a smaller firm can position itself to bring more value to its clients, operate over a larger geographical area, and develop a strategic plan for increasing revenues and profits.

Featuring new chapters on forming strategic alliances and maximizing the benefits of information technology, this new edition presents updated case studies of more than fifty small design firms. These firms have achieved remarkable success and handled large contracts with limited staff, and the case studies illustrate how they learned to:

• Anticipate client needs and meet them in advance
• Narrow the target market and expand the client base
• Leverage core competencies to create powerful marketing tools
• Establish strategic partnerships
• Survive and thrive during an economic downturn

Read Staying Small Successfully, Second Edition and follow its recommendations one step at a time. Your company will stay small, but your business, your revenues, and your profits will soar.

In Start I.T. Now!, Tyler takes you through the process he's used time and time again to successfully build multi-million-dollar companies. You will learn how to: Get your business started the right way Recognize real problems in your business and fix them quickly Find and keep the right people on your team Instill a strong culture and create momentum for you and your team Create stability and financial success in your business >Get ready to use your passion, creativity, and decisive action to take your software business from concept to reality!

A complete how-to guide to a 100% financed business… How to Buy a Great Business with no Cash Down Bestselling author Dr. Arnold Goldstein has successfully purchased 12 companies—including retail stores to printing plants—and he did it without investing any money of his own! Using his proven formula for success, he also has guided hundreds of other enterprising but financially limited people into their own 100% leveraged businesses. Now, the master of the "No Cash Down" takeover is ready to help you too. In this important new book, he reveals all his secrets, including how to successfully find, qualify, evaluate, structure, finance, negotiate, and take over any type or size business…using little or no cash of your own. In How to Buy a Great Business With No Cash Down, you’ll

• Get over 50 proven "no cash down" techniques, strategies, and formulas that insure success through each phase of the buy-sell process
• Discover how to prospect the very best no-cash deals
• Learn how to avoid costly errors and common pitfalls
• Find out how to calculate what a business is worth
• Get all the same handy checklists, forms, and sample agreements the author uses
• Learn how to attract the right investment partners
• Discover how to negotiate a winning deal…each and every time!
• Find out how to quickly sell the business for an unbelievable profit

The UK handmade market is currently riding high as our attitudes to shopping and the products we want to buy are changing. With this change comes a new wave of manufacturers - small, local and talented. If you are a producer of handmade products, or you have a craft hobby and are thinking about taking the next step and wondering how to do it, then this book has the answers. In it you will find out: - How to turn your hobby into a small business - Where to sell your products, both on and offline - How to price your products - How to develop a unique and recognisable brand - Where to start with visual merchandising - How to use social media to market your business This book not only takes you through these points in no-nonsense plain English, but also has quirky craft activities to complete along the way. Jam-packed with top hints and tips from real-life crafty small business owners in the know, this book is essential reading for anyone looking to craft their way to success!

Capitalise on big data to add value to your small business Written by bestselling author and big data expert Bernard Marr, Big Data For Small Business For Dummies helps you understand what big data actually is and how you can analyse and use it to improve your business. Free of confusing jargon and complemented with lots of step-by-step guidance and helpful advice, it quickly and painlessly helps you get the most from using big data in a small business. Business data has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, it was trapped away in overcrowded filing cabinets and on archaic floppy disks. Now, thanks to technology and new tools that display complex databases in a much simpler manner, small businesses can benefit from the big data that's been hiding right under their noses. With the help of this friendly guide, you'll discover how to get your hands on big data to develop new offerings, products and services; understand technological change; create an infrastructure; develop strategies; and make smarter business decisions. * Shows you how to use big data to make sense of user activity on social networks and customer transactions * Demonstrates how to capture, store, search, share, analyse and visualise analytics * Helps you turn your data into actionable insights * Explains how to use big data to your advantage in order to transform your small business If you're a small business owner or employee, Big Data For Small Business For Dummies helps you harness the hottest commodity on the market today in order to take your company to new heights.