About the Book
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.
