About the Book
This concise book is a must for anyone seriously thinking about setting up their own business. Unlike many of the business books on the market, which either describe how the very successful entrepreneurs made it to the top or provide detailed information about certain elements of building a business, this book focuses more on first principles. It deals with the basic and fundamental questions and lays out the ground rules that need to be adopted by anyone seriously thinking about running their own business. The book's gentle simplicity masks a very thorough approach to the mind-set and attitudes that must be accepted and adopted by anyone who really wants their business to succeed not just at the beginning but always. The reader is taken through a thought proving process which is based upon the many years of practical experience of the author building his own businesses and now helping others to do the same. He has first-hand practical knowledge of the many pitfalls that business people encounter and recognises a constant pattern which can lead to failure.
The book wastes no time in spelling out the basics that can make all the difference and is an invaluable checklist for anyone embarking on the journey or who has any doubts. It is an excellent starting point and it would cost considerably more than the cost of the book to get even a small proportion of the advice contained in it. This book is invaluable for anyone contemplating setting up a business and wanting to avoid many of the common mistakes made by people embarking on the process.
Table of Contents:
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR. INTRODUCTION. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK. Chapter 1: ARE YOU CUT OUT FOR BUSINESS? Entrepreneurs, All Work, Dealing with Failure, Dealing with Disappointment, Friends and Family. Chapter 2: THE BASICS. The Customer, You and Your Business, The Business Process, Business Types and Types of Business, Big Business, Little Business. Chapter 3: YOUR BUSINESS. Making a Profit, What Drives You? Franchising, Non-Franchise Business, A New Idea, Shareholder Agreements, Skills Required, The Vision, Goal Setting, Fear of Selling. Chapter 4: THE GROUNDWORK. Subcontracting, The Theoretical Model, Getting Organised, About You - the CV, Researching the Market, Your Competitors, Entering the Market, The Basic Essentials Shortlist, Managing and Running the Business, ITC, Forecasts, Trade Names and Trademarks, Exit Strategy, Pricing Strategy, Accounting Strategy. Chapter 5: PROFESSIONAL HELP. Appointing a Solicitor, Appointing an Accountant, Appointing a Book-keeper. Chapter 6: A QUICK COURSE IN ACCOUNTING. Variable Costs, Fixed Costs, Depreciation, The Profit & Loss Account, The Cash Flow Model and Cash Flow, Weekly Income and Expenditure Spreadsheet, Creditors and Debtors, The Ledgers, Crediting and Debiting Accounts, The Trial Balance, The Balance Sheet, Breakeven Analysis, Analysis of Breakeven Based on Units or Hours, Margins and Mark-up, Understanding Time Costs. Chapter 7: FINANCE AND REGULATION. Opening a Bank Account, Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, Business Angels, Sole Traders, Limited Companies, LLPS and Domain Names, Incorporating a new company under the New Companies Act 2006, Understanding VAT, Credit Control, Day Sales Outstanding, Obtaining Credit. Chapter 8: PRECAUTIONS AND RISK MANAGEMENT. Business Insurances, Terms and Conditions of Trade, Risk Assessment, Health and Safety. Chapter 9: MARKETING THE BUSINESS. The Profile of Your Customer, Finding Customers, Telesales, Mail Shots, PR Strategies, Networking, Endorsement, Website Advertising and Promotion, Trade Shows, Customer Care, Promotional Material, Testimonials, Features and Benefits. Chapter 10: EMPLOYEES. Recruitment, Dealing with Staff, Staff Contracts, Staff Appraisal, Line Management, Staff Meetings, Staff Records and Feedback, Humour in the Workplace, Training, Confidentiality. Chapter 11: OPERATING THE BUSINESS. Personal Presentation, The Sales Force, People Who Work For You Other Than Employees, Delegation and Assumptions, Finding a Mentor, Mission Statement, Databases Again, Getting Quotes, Competition, Diversification, Honesty and Integrity. Chapter 12: PUTTING IT ALL INTO ACTION. Implementation Process - Finally! Preparing Your Cash Flow Model, Timetable - Work Flow Model, The Business Plan. CONCLUSION. List of Tables. Index.
About the Author :
Stewart Jacobs has more than forty years of practical hands-on experience in all aspects of corporate life, personally setting up and running SME's. He now mentors owners of new and established businesses, helping them to deal with the complexities of running their business, with an emphasis on practical and focused solutions. He also advises people who are thinking of starting their own business so that they can get a better understanding of the challenges they will face. He has been directly involved in product manufacturing, franchising, computer software development and rollout programmes for new business ventures. He is Managing Director of Clarendon House Business Centre which has been running for over 20 years. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management and runs a company which specialises in financial management and offers support services to small and medium sized companies. He has specialist, practical, hands-on knowledge and expertise in the area of company insolvency, cash-flow and credit management. He has undertaken overseas consultancy work and, as a mentor, he brings his business acumen, experience and knowledge to the table along with an empathetic attitude and proven negotiating skills.
