The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting Your Own Business [With CDROM]

I've only just started it and find it very helpful. My professor (the author) also says it's great. LOL

This is a quite complete guide to what it takes to start and operate a successful business in the United States. It's broken down into three major parts that cover the three big aspects of being in business. Part One is on the general concepts of being in business, being your own boss, the money you will need, other kinds of businesses like franchises. You need to be very honest with youself here. There are some people who just are not suited for self employment. Then there the rest of who are just not suited to work for someone else. Part Two has two areas I recommend you read and then don't exactly do what he says. First, he starts off with how to write a business plan. I realize that people say they don't need one, but I recommend you write one anyway. It forces you to think about aspects of your business that you might otherwise ignore, and it's better to think of them before they become problems. On the other hand, I wouldn't follow his advice on how to write the plan. Go buy one of the business plan writing software packages. They are cheap ($30 or so on eBay) will guide you through the writing process and have a bunch of pre-written plans to use as examples. I've used a couple of different packages, they were both about the same, get the one that looks best to you. Also in Part Two is a discussion on accounting. Read what he says, but then go buy a small computer accounting system. Setting up your own system is a pain, and if you start with a computer based system, you'll not have to convert later. Indeed, the first entries you make in the system can be the purchase of the software packages, and writing off of your computer system. Part Three kind of goes back to the general concepts of part one. Chapters include comments on things like cash, banks, credit cards, etc. All in all, a good introductory book.

I am using this book to help my friend's painting business get organized and focused. Bids and jobs take up much of his time, so this is a great tool to understand some of the "bigger" picture without having to take a bunch of business classes. The CD also has useful general forms.

This book was very easy to read and understand. If you are thinking of starting your own business and need to know how to go about doing it, this book is the only book you will need. The book comes complete with a CD containing forms and helpful resources and information.

This easy reading book, guides you through all of the considerations and steps that you need in order to start your own business. Every new entrepreneur will benefit from reading this book.