The Entrepreneur's Manual: Business Start-Ups, Spin-Offs, and Innovative Management

This is the best book ever written for entrepreneurs. I am a Harvard MBA, and have read an entire library of business books. No other book comes close to this one for practical advice. Yes, it is dated, but only in the technological tools that it suggests. The thinking is as fresh today as it was 25 years ago.

My review will sound like a broken record when compared with the others: Like nearly everyone else, I had bought a copy when it was in print over 20 years ago. Like nearly everyone else, I read it, loved it, and then lent it out...only never to see it again. Like the others, I never forgot it. Now that I'm involved in a new start-up, I tracked down another copy and it's not going far from me. Let me steal from another review below: "This is by far the very best book that has ever been written for budding entrepreneurs...Even though it was written in 1977, don't shy away. Over 99% of the information is still viable in today's business world."That says it all. Published by Chilton, this is a nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense approach to start-ups, from manufacturing to service industries. You can't lose with this book.

This is by far the very best book that has ever been written for budding entreprenuers. If you find a rare copy of this book, you will keep it within reaching distance for years to come. Even though it was written in 1977, don't shy away. Over 99% of the information is still viable in today's business world. The information contained here will help you to look at the world of business a little differently. It is a shame that Mr. White did not follow-up on this book. I lost the book when a potential business partner decided he needed the book more than I did. It took me years to find another copy. Protect this book the way you would protect your wallet.

I'm trying to locate and buy another copy of this book. I bought one copy, loaned it to a friend and never saw it again. So I bought a second copy some years later (hard to find but I did!). Unfortunately I loaned THAT copy to another friend who went through a divorce and I've never seen it since! NEVER AGAIN WILL I LOAN OUT THIS BOOK! It has to be the best book ever written about starting up your own company! If you can ever find it - don't loan it out!

It is very unfortunate that this book is out of print as it should be mandatory reading for every start up. I am convinced that many of the pitfalls of entrepreneurship would be resolved ahead of time if the participants had read this excellent book.A great reference.