Manager, leader, supervisor, and administrator are often used interchangeably, yet they are not the same. A leader is anyone who uses interpersonal skills to influence others to accomplish a specific goal. The leader exerts influence by using a flexible repertoire of personal behaviors and strategies. The leader is important in forging links—creating connections—among an organization’s […]

Selecting the right name for your business may be one of the most important business decisions you make. If your name is memorable, distinctive, pronounceable, and understandable, it can be a valuable sales tool. On the other hand, if your name is hard to pronounce, confusing, and difficult to spell, it can actually cost you […]

In operating on your own, you must choose one of three forms of business. Your business can become a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. We recommend beginning as a sole proprietorship unless your business faces the danger of being sued for damages, needs to establish independent contractor status with companies that require it, […]

1. Basic money-management skills. While you don’t need to have a lot of money to start a business successfully, you do need the ability to make the most of the money you have. Being able to focus on the bottom line and pay attention to the numbers is as essential as the ability to price […]

Once you’ve identified two or three businesses you think you would enjoy and do well at, we suggest that you invest a few weeks, even a few months, to test out whether you are likely to find ample customers for these businesses in your local community.
The fact that a business appears in this book means […]

Selecting a business from among the many that are viable requires finding a match between two things: (1) your particular interests and capabilities, and (2) what people will pay for in your community. Finding this match is vital to your success, and this book is designed to help you find the best possible match. You […]