Small Business Bible, The: Everything You Need To Know To Succ

Description: An updated third edition of the most comprehensive guide to small business success Whether you're a novice entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, The Small Business Bible offers you everything you need to know to build and grow your dream business. It shows you what really works (and what doesn't!) and includes scores of tips, insider information, stories, and proven secrets of success. Even if you've run your own business for years, this handy guide keeps you up to date on the latest business and tech trends. This Third Edition includes entirely new chapters devoted to social media, mobility and apps, and new trends in online discounting and group buying that are vital to small business owners everywhere. New chapters include:* How to use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools to engage customers and potential stakeholders* How to generate leads and win strategic partnerships with LinkedIn* How to employ videos and YouTube to further your brand* What you need to know about Groupon and group discount buying* What mobile marketing can do for your business Give your small business its best shot by understanding the best and latest small business strategies, especially in this transformative and volatile period. The Small Business Bible offers every bit of information you'll need to know to succeed.

Contents: About the Author ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xiii SECTION I Starting Your Business PART I Genesis CHAPTER 1. In the Beginning 5 CHAPTER 2. Choosing the Right Business 15 CHAPTER 3. Buying an Existing Business 23 CHAPTER 4. Understanding Your Potential Market 31 CHAPTER 5. Calculating Your Start-up Costs 41 CHAPTER 6. Writing a Winning Business Plan 47 CHAPTER 7. Structuring Your Business 57 CHAPTER 8. Get Your Business Funded 67 CHAPTER 9. Getting Help 83 PART I I Opening Up Shop CHAPTER 10. Location, Location, Location 91 CHAPTER 11. Branding 101 97 CHAPTER 12. Products and Inventory 105 CHAPTER 13. Savvy Pricing Strategies 113 PART I I I Franchises CHAPTER 14. Selecting the Right Franchise 123 CHAPTER 15. Secrets of Franchise Success 135 PART I V Home-Based Businesses CHAPTER 16. The Home-Based Business 145 CHAPTER 17. Successful Home-Based Business Strategies 153 PART V Business on a Shoestring CHAPTER 18. The Shoestring Entrepreneur 163 CHAPTER 19. Marketing on a Shoestring 175 SECTION I I Running Your Business PART I Small Business in the Twenty-First Century CHAPTER 20. Our Flat World 191 CHAPTER 21. The Green Business 199 CHAPTER 22. The New Consumer 211 P A R T I I Money CHAPTER 23. Accounting Ease 219 CHAPTER 24. Making a Profit 227 CHAPTER 25. Insurance 235 CHAPTER 26. Get a Handle on Taxes 243 PART I I I Management CHAPTER 27. Hiring and Firing 255 CHAPTER 28. Pay and Benefits 265 CHAPTER 29. Training and Motivating Your Staff 277 CHAPTER 30. Exemplary Customer Service 291 CHAPTER 31. Negotiate Like a Lawyer 297 CHAPTER 32. Legal-Ease I 309 CHAPTER 33. Legal-Ease II 319 PART I V Technology CHAPTER 34. Managing Your Technology 329 CHAPTER 35. Mobility I: Small Office Mobility 341 CHAPTER 36. Mobility II: Mobile Mania 349 CHAPTER 37. Small Business Software 359 SECTION I I I Growing Your Business PART I Advertising and Marketing CHAPTER 38. Basic Advertising Strategies 371 CHAPTER 39. Marketing Muscle 383 CHAPTER 40. Advanced Marketing and Advertising 397 PART I I Your Website CHAPTER 41. Creating Your Website 411 CHAPTER 42. E-Business Essentials 419 CHAPTER 43. Advanced E-Marketing 429 PART I I I Social Media CHAPTER 44. Social Media Overview 439 CHAPTER 45. Facebook for Business 449 CHAPTER 46. Twitter and You 457 CHAPTER 47. Link in with LinkedIn 467 CHAPTER 48. Videos and YouTube 475 CHAPTER 49. Groupon and Other Deal-of-the-Day Websites 487 PART I V Growth Strategies CHAPTER 50. Developing New Channels and Multiple Profit Centers 501 CHAPTER 51. Secrets of Sales Superstars 511 CHAPTER 52. Small to Big 521 CHAPTER 53. Exodus 529 PART V Strategies for Small Business Success CHAPTER 54. Small Business Success Secrets 541 CHAPTER 55. The Visionary Small Business 551 APPENDIX A How I Became an Entrepreneur 557 APPENDIX B Sample Business Plan 561 Index 563

Author Biography: Steven D. Strauss is America's leading small business expert. An internationally recognized lawyer and columnist, he is also a popular speaker who regularly addresses groups around the world. His syndicated USA Today column, "Ask an Expert," appears weekly and can also be found on dozens of major websites. Steve is a frequent media guest and commentator, a sought-after small business spokesperson, and a serial entrepreneur. Visit him at www.MrAllBiz.com.