Description
A best-selling guide from British business start-up expert Colin Barrow covering everything budding entrepreneurs need to know to get their business up and running.
Whether you are just starting out, planning a new venture, setting up at home or extending a current business online, this book is all you need to succeed.
In addition to straightforward advice on all the business basics, this new and improved third edition will include fresh content covering the fundamental changes in the UK economy, up-to-date tax and VAT advice, guidance on finance and funding in the new era of British banking and setting up online to help readers make the move from employee to successful entrepreneur.
Starting a Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition features new and updated content on:
- Finding funding and business support in challenging times
- Trimming costs, increasing margins and budgeting for beginners
- Setting-up a home based business
- Starting-up online, or creating an online presence for an existing business
- Spotting financial cycles and preparing for economic ups and downs
- Using the latest technology efficiently and profitably
- Entering new markets, finding new products, diversification, forming partnerships and going global
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started 7
Chapter 1: Preparing for Business 9
Chapter 2: Doing the Groundwork 25
Chapter 3: Can You Do the Business? 45
Chapter 4: Testing Feasibility 65
Part II: Making and Funding Your Plan 83
Chapter 5: Structuring Your Business 85
Chapter 6: Preparing the Business Plan 109
Chapter 7: Getting Help 123
Chapter 8: Finding the Money 137
Chapter 9: Considering Your Mission 161
Chapter 10: Marketing Your Wares 167
Part III: Staying in Business 189
Chapter 11: Employing People 191
Chapter 12: Operating Effectively 213
Chapter 13: Keeping Track of Finances 233
Chapter 14: Managing Your Tax Position 259
Part IV: Making the Business Grow 273
Chapter 15: Doing Business Online 275
Chapter 16: Improving Performance 297
Chapter 17: Exploring Strategies for Growth 315
Chapter 18: Becoming a Great Manager 331
Part V: The Part of Tens 347
Chapter 19: Ten Pitfalls to Avoid 349
Chapter 20: Ten People to Talk to Before You Start 355
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Cut Costs 361
Chapter 22: Ten Steps to Prepare to Move On 371
Index 381
