The Start-Up Guidebook

Congratulations! You have taken the first real step to becoming a business owner. For as long as I can remember I had a desire to work for myself. I discovered the hardest part of starting my own business was the decision to actually do it. After the excitement wore off, I realized I had no idea how to get started. I spent countless hours scouring the internet looking for guidance. I found a lot of information, purchased several books, and subscribed to many online and print magazines. Collectively, all of these sources provided the information I required. However, the online sites were littered with advertisements and hyperlinks, and navigating through all that was a waste of time. The printed material did not have those obstacles but were filled with so much irrelevant information that I found the process to be cumbersome and frustrating. I eventually found my way and launched my own business. The painstaking process of trial and error (mostly error) is what inspired me to put together this no-nonsense, easy to read and easy to follow guide to setting up your own business. While writing The Startup Guidebook I didn’t want or need to “reinvent the wheel.” This guide is a compilation of what I consider to be the best information available from a variety of sources. The Startup Guidebook will help you whether you have already decided on the business you want to start or if you are still brainstorming ideas. This guide is meant for anyone wanting to start their own business! The Startup Guidebook will get you ready by providing an overview of small businesses in America, providing tips on how to “Think Like A Business Owner,” and highlighting the importance of brainstorming. The following chapters compare the pros and cons between franchising, buying an existing business, or starting your own and how to finance it. The chapter entitled “Let’s Get Started” will provide detailed, step by step instructions on how to get your business up and running. Later, a resource guide complete with hyperlinks will provide as much info as you desire. Good Luck! Tips on How To Use This Guidebook…… Each chapter heading in the table of contents is Hyperlinked to the corresponding subject within The Startup Guidebook. Simply point and click on the chapter heading and you will be directed to the corresponding chapter within the book. Conversely, you can move back to the Table of Contents anytime by clicking on the chapter headings. Under most chapter headings you will see a Hyperlinked URL. Simply point and click on those links and you will be directed to the web source where you can view the article in it’s entirety. Here's what you get:  Quick-Facts About Small Businesses  Start Thinking Like A Business Owner  7 Tips for Creating Your Own Destiny  Brainstorming  Starting a Business When You’re Broke  Start Your Own, Buy Existing or Buy a Franchise?  Types of Legal Entities  Financing  Lets Get Started  Success Tips  16 Rules For Success  Resource Guide  "Whether You Think You Can or Think You Can't, You're Right”