The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Small Business (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Anyone who tells you that there is a standard, tried-and-true method of starting a new business has obviously never done it..." (more)
Key Phrases: export assistance center, business plan template, minority suppliers, Bright Idea, Watch Out, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In a state of diminished job security, Americans are choosing to start their own businesses at a record rate. Many of these "accidental entrepreneurs" are corporate refugees who have chosen self-employment by default. Nonetheless, aspiring business people need the insider information that only an Unofficial Guide can provide. Author Diana Lynn -- a small business owner who has written several books and regularly lectures on small business concerns -- explains: the lowdown on networking, selling your services, hiring and firing, and tax issues; the benefits of becoming your own boss -- as well as the pitfalls; the savviest ways to keep overhead and expenses to a minimum; and the inside scoop on where to find office space, cheaper supplies, temporary help, and more.

From the Back Cover

The inside scoop… for when you want more than the official line! There has been an explosion of small business start-ups in the past decade, but only a few have gone on to lasting growth and profits. What are the secrets of starting a small business? To begin, you need to evaluate your interests and goals, conduct market research, develop a business plan, and create a marketing program that brings in revenue. Yet in order to make your small business successful, you also need the confidence and insider information that can boost you to the top. You need the inside scoop. The Unofficial Guide™ to Starting a Small Business is designed to give would-be entrepreneurs like you a fool-proof appraisal of what works and what doesn't—the smart moves and the bad ones. This authoritative, comprehensive work gives you all the information you need, with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. This book, like every Unofficial Guide™, is intensively inspected by The Unofficial Panel of Experts, a team of top business professionals who ensure that you are getting the most up-to-date insider information available and are being told exactly what "the Official establishment" doesn't want you to know. With their help, you can get started in record time—filing the necessary paperwork, identifying potential customers, and developing financial targets—and begin your transition from employee to business owner by the end of the book. Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal. Proven Strategies for marketing and managing your business successfully. Insider Secrets from successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and consultants. Money-Saving Techniques that keep ;your expenses down and your profits up. Time-Saving Tips that help you make progress quickly with proven business tactics. The Latest Trends on what's hot and what's not in businesses to start or to buy. Handy Checklists and Charts that make start-up tasks virtually stress-free. Valuable Sidebars that offer you advice to get you started on the right foot.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1st edition (September 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028625250
• ISBN-13: 978-0028625256
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #651,158 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference for all small business owners, August 17, 2004

By	M. Horner (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting or who has a small business. There is a ton of good information and great references given throughout the entire book. I am very impressed with the amount of good information in such a small, compact book.

22 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource guide, filled with useful information., January 13, 2000

By	Marjorie L. Crum (Pittsford, New York) - See all my reviews

I just got the book and cannot put it down. Ms. Turner makes a potentially dry subject come to life. I particularly like the sidebar information, good examples to support the overall message.

19 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!, January 1, 2000

By	Sandra Beckwith "Sandra Beckwith" (Fairport, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of the best books I've read on this subject. Marcia Layton Turner really knows her stuff. I bought several copies to give to friends who are thinking about starting businesses.