Smart Guide to Starting a Small Business (The Smart Guides Series)

Millions of Americans dream of owning and operating their own businesses. Sadly, most of these startups fail. But Lisa Rogak, author of Smart Guide to Starting a Small Business and a small business operator herself, believes that, with a little foresight and planning, you can beat these odds. For Rogak, one of the first steps to take in starting your own business is to assess your own abilities and motivations. To this end, the book includes five self-assessment quizzes that help you to narrow your focus, identify your likes and dislikes, determine the kind of business that best fits your personality, assess the competition, and identify customers. The book also covers the nuts and bolts of running a business--the best type of business structure (sole-proprietorship, partnership, corporation), getting a business license, insurance, taxes, how to hire employees, create a cash-flow statement, and some marketing basics. If you ever catch yourself dreaming about going off on your own, you'll find this book a good way to begin making that dream a reality. --Harry C. Edwards