Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble

I bought this book because it was recommended by David Blume, the ethanol guru (see Ethanol Can Be A Gas). Although I've been in business for myself virtually all of my adult life, it covers things I never really understood. I wish I had read it years ago!

This book's reputation proceeded it and I found it to be all I was expecting. It is thorough without getting lost in unnecessary detail, and when more is needed, or advice specific to a region or subject, he leaves the reader with clear guidance on where it can be found. As a self-employed contractor, designer, millwork and furniture maker, my 37 years of experience has born out all his advice and I have made my share of - if not all - the mistakes he warns of. And done some of the right things. He comes as close as I've found so far to a source of advice on not just what's right to do, but what's practical, what's realistic and (even) what people can get away with. I will be using "Small Time Operator" as an adjunct text for the cabinetshop management classes I teach at our local community college.

The book covers some business basics which makes it handy and useful for those venturing into new businesses but with limited background on how to start and run a business. The areas covered include the start-up process, marketing the business, bank accounts, bookkeeping, cash-flow forecasting, tax returns, business plans, legal entities, financing, import and export and insurance. The book is written in a simple and easy to follow style. Therefore I recommend it to budding entrepreneurs as it provides valuable advice that should help you start and nature a successful small business. Those with some business background will likely find the book to be too basic and can therefore pass this one.

Bernard (Bear) Kamoroff proves an author/publisher can make a living on one book. Through 24 revised editions and 54 printings in 22 years, this very successful guide has to be the best-selling accounting book of all time. Continually updated, it just keeps on getting better and better. Kamoroff takes you through Getting Started (business location, financing, legal structure, licenses & permits, import & export, insurance, business name and business plan), Bookkeeping (bank accounts, recording income, sales & expenditures and financial management), Business Growth (hiring help, incorporation), Taxes (expenses, self-employment tax, retirement deductions, the IRS, returns, other taxes), and in the Appendix (how to find a good accountant, home-based businesses, buying & selling a business, freelancers and more). This book has a great title and it was the title that made people pick it up to discover the great content.I have been a publisher for 31 years and I wish this book had been written 32 years ago. Fortunately, it has been with me for 22. [email protected].

Small Time Operator is a fantastic book that helps new business owners make sure they do everything by the book. This book leaves no stones unturned, and it's entertaining and easy reading to boot. Reading it gives you ideas on how to get money for your business, and how to stay out of trouble with the government. It also has explanations of all the different options you have for organizing and planning your business, filling out bureaucratic forms, whom to contact for help, bookkeeping, etc. I highly recommend this book, and I am about to buy an updated copy (my second). It really gives you something to work with, and helps you to sort through some things you may not have thought about, or that you might have to pay someone else to do for you, otherwise!