Small Business Survival Book: 12 Surefire Ways for Your Business to Survive and Thrive

This was an excellent guide to small business startup. The authors have provided a good introduction to what you need when starting and growing a small business, from a single-owner-operated business to one with employees, online or brick and mortar. While it doesn't include every single thing you need (such as what sort of business you should open) it covers a lot of the bases. The authors do a thorough job of explaining what sorts of human resources you'll need, even if you don't have employees. Need an accountant, lawyer or IT specialist? They give great starting places. Want to hire someone? They give good advice as to what you'll need as far as budgeting and paperwork. And, speaking of finances, they also go into how to find loans, write a decent business proposal so you can get those loans, and what to do with the money once you have it (such as leave yourself a cushion for hard times). And in case of hard times, the author have some suggestions as to how to cut corners without cutting staff. The book is written with an easy to read and understand style, and is quite straightforward and helpful. Highly recommended to anyone even considering starting a business, even an online endeavor.

In recent years, I've been teaching courses in how to start small businesses. From that experience, it's become obvious to me that most people who start small businesses don't begin to know what they don't know. In a 4-6 six week course over 10-15 hours, I can only cover so much ground. I was delighted to see that Small Business Survival Book goes into those areas which I have to cover lightly in much more detail. I intend to recommend that all of my students buy and read this book. No book will ensure that your business won't have problems . . . or ultimately fail. But you'll have a much better chance of succeeding if you follow the solid, detailed advice in this book. Here are some of my favorite lessons for new business leaders that this book covers: 1. You'll work a lot harder as a business owner than as an employee. You need to get used to that idea and keep your emotions and stress under control. 2. You may be able to do things better than other people, but you'll never get everything done if you don't learn how to delegate effectively and train others to help you. 3. Experts can save you from yourself, but you need to know what to ask them about and when to seek their help. This book is very good on this subject. 4. Time is your scarcest commodity. Manage it well so that you can spend more time on the important activities that you have to do. 5. If real estate is all about location, small businesses are all about managing cash flow. The advice here is superb. 6. Collecting money owed is an important part of improving cash flow. Pay attention. The advice here is especially valuable to those who don't like to collect overdue accounts. 7. Arrange for credit before you need it. You'll never be in a better position to do this than before you start your business. Read and follow this advice immediately! 8. Meet your tax obligations first. You don't want to learn all of the nasty reasons why this is great advice. 9. You may have a great offering . . . but only marketing will turn that offering into profits and cash flow. Become a marketing maven! 10. Things do go wrong, and when they do simple legal precautions can make all the difference. 11. When physical problems occur, insurance can help shelter you . . . but only if you have the right policies and in the right amounts. Pay attention here . . . particularly if you live in areas affected by floods and storms. 12. Assume the worst will happen and you'll be put out of business by an emergency. Be ready to start up again. I remember many times racing hurricanes to get my emergency preparations complete. Fortunately, I never needed the preparations, but if I had that would have been the difference betweens success and failure. Great work, Ms. Weltman and Mr. Silberman!

Barbara Weltman and Jerry Silberman have created the perfect book for small businesses. Not only will this book encourage an awareness of survival techniques, it will give businesses the information they need to go beyond survival into the area of business success where they will thrive. Barbara Weltman has over twenty-five years of experience in the areas of small business and is known for her books on business, taxes and finance. She has also appeared on CNN, CNBC, The Today Show and radio stations nationwide. Jerry Silberman presents his wisdom from his extensive experience in the area of debt-restructuring. For over 15 years, he has helped thousands of businesses on the verge of bankruptcy through his company: Commercial Credit Counseling Services, Inc. This company is impressively the nation's leading debt-restructuring firm for small businesses. Together the authors present a well-organized plan to address the most pertinent issues facing business owners today. In the first chapter they address the human side of business, then they explore the financial aspects. Lastly, they introduce an unexpected side of business that could make or break even an established business. Topics of high interest include: Setting Goals Writing a Business Plan Marketing Plan & Advertising Websites & Blogging Managing Your Time Reviewing Progress Monitoring Cash Flow Office Organization What to Delegate What not to Delegate Working with Independent Contractors Finding an Accountant, Banker, IT Consultant and Insurance Agent Accepting Credit Card Payments Working with Collection Agencies Maintaining Credit Repairing Credit Tax Professionals This book also provides information on business structures as well as information on trademarks and patents. The chapter on Insurance may be the most enlightening chapter because I would have never considered all the areas of a business that should be protected. Chapter 12 is especially helpful for any business that has found itself in a major predicament like a natural disaster. The information in this chapter allows for a high level of disaster preparedness. The Small Business Survival Book is an entrepreneur's dream resource and is essential reading for anyone who owns a company or is considering a new business. The practical advice can be introduced into any business model and will not only help a business survive, it will help business owners market more effectively and sell more products. This is a business book you can truly love. It is enlightening, helpful and presents a strong foundation for business success. The Small Business Survival Book is truly a work of genius! ~The Rebecca Review

Small Business Survival is absolutely essential for those struggling to survive in this highly competitive market; answering questions such as: Why Do Businesses Fail? What to do Before Starting a Business as well well as how to keep it up and runnning and what to do when you run into trouble. A MUST have for those of you who need help with their business. Highly recommend it!