Tap into more than 30 years of small business expertise as you embark on the most gamechanging journey of your life – your new business. This unmatched guide the bestselling business startup book of all time offers critical startup essentials and a current, comprehensive view of what it takes to survive the crucial first three years, giving your exactly what you need to survive and succeed. Plus, you’ll get advice and insight from experts and practicing entrepreneurs, all offering commonsense approaches and solutions to a wide range of challenges. • Pin point your target market • Uncover creative financing for startup and growth • Use online resources to streamline your business plan • Learn the secrets of successful marketing • Discover digital and social media tools and how to use them • Take advantage of hundreds of resources • Receive vital forms, worksheets and checklists From startup to retirement, millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners have trusted Entrepreneur to point them in the right direction. We’ll teach you the secrets of the winners, and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.
[...]... regrets the journey Start Your Own Business is designed as a road map to help you plan a course for your own journey to business ownership We’re here to show you the best routes to take, help you avoid the potholes and road closures, and navigate the curves and detours Some will tell you that the journey you’re about to take is a hazardous one—but not with us at your side! Start Your Own Business prepares... benefits from your full-time job Starting part time also allows your business to grow gradually “Starting part time is simply the best way,” contends Philip Holland, author of How to Start a Business Without Quitting Your Job “You find out what running a business requires, while limiting your liability if it fails.” Yet the part-time path is not without its own dangers and disadvantages Starting part... actually struck a universal chord AHA! Your hobbies may lead you to business ideas If gardening or antique toy collecting is what turns you on, take your passion and turn it into a real business Sell your locally grown herbs or vegetables to restaurants or set up an online business selling your rare toy finds on eBay That is one way to get ideas—listening to your own (or your co-workers’, family’s or neighbors’)... without the proper gear Think of Start Your Own Business as part of your entrepreneurship gear kit Refer to it every step of the way, starting with how to get an idea for a business to finally opening the doors to your new venture Along the way, we provide lots of forms, worksheets and checklists you can actually use in your business to make sure you’re on the right track Since business ideas, trends and... during startup Starting your own business isn’t as frightening or risky as some would have you believe But it’s a journey that shouldn’t be taken alone—and that’s why you bought Start Your Own Business We’re glad you’ve chosen us to take this exciting journey with you—you’ll be a smarter traveler for it Let the journey begin chapter 2 TAKING THE PLUNGE Get Ready To Be an Entrepreneur Before they get started,...ON YOUR MARK Why did you pick up this book? Perhaps you know you want to be an entrepreneur and take charge of your own life You’ve already got a great idea for a business you’re sure will be a hit Or perhaps you think, somewhere in the back of your mind, that maybe you might like to start your own business but you’re not sure what venture to start, what entrepreneurship... the year I’m going to start my business. ” Make this the year you really do it! chapter 4 GOOD TIMING Should You Pa Launch Your Business Part or Full Time? Should you start your business part time or full time? Even if you ultimately plan to go full time, many entrepreneurs and experts say starting part time can be a good idea Starting part time offers several advantages It reduces your risk because you... you’ve taken your first step on the road to entrepreneurship It’s not a step to be taken lightly, which is why buying this book may be the smartest thing you’ll ever do for your business Start Your Own Business can have a major impact on your life We meet people all the time who tell us how this book or Entrepreneur magazine changed their lives—and few are sorry they took the leap into business ownership... a need for your business, outline your goals and strategies in a comprehensive business plan You should always conduct extensive research, make market projections for your business, and set goals for yourself based on these findings It gives you a tremendous view of the long-range possibilities and keeps the business on the right track Don’t neglect writing a business plan even if you’re starting part... research and writing a business plan, see Chapters 6, 7 and 10) WARNING Don’t bite the hand that feeds you Starting a business that competes with your current employer may get you in legal hot water by violating noncompete clauses in your employment contract If you start a business in the same industry, focus on a small niche your employer has overlooked If you’ve got your heart set on a business that traditionally . during startup. Starting your own business isn’t as frightening or risky as some would have you believe. But it’s a journey that shouldn’t be taken alone—and that’s why you bought Start Your Own Business. Think of Start Your Own Business as part of your entrepreneurship gear kit. Refer to it every step of the way, starting with how to get an idea for a business to finally opening the doors to your. the leap into business ownership. Whether or not they have succeeded, almost no one regrets the journey. Start Your Own Business is designed as a road map to help you plan a course for your own journey to