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Any person starting a new business or contemplating the purchase of an existing one should seek to use good solid information as he/she starts down a potentially challenging, but always exciting, path. This Handbook is offered to assist the new entrepreneur in getting started on the right foot. The various suggestions included here are intended to be a clear, concise, accurate and pertinent accumulation of personal experiences—good and bad—presented in an easy-to-read document.
Every attempt has been made to screen out all unnecessary and extraneous data and provide basic, common sense ideas and guidance. The goal is to present and arrange an abundant amount of information in a simple format using non-complex language.
The fledgling businessman should be aware that this Handbook is not a typical academic or corporate reference. It can be classified as a helpful, “down-to-earth” publication for the average person. It will provide and elaborate on useful ideas in order to avoid numerous problems and/or pitfalls for the first-time investor.
Hopefully, the information presented will help you to become successful as you embark on a new path of business ownership. Good Luck! FOREWORD..................................................................................................... 4 Introduction.................................................................................................... 5 Your Goal......................................................................................................... 6 Your Plan.......................................................................................................... 7 Getting Started ........................................................................................... 8 Financing ................................................................................................... 12 Family & Friends ........................................................................................ 13 Naming Your Company and Creating a Logo........................................... 13 Legal Formation ........................................................................................ 13 Location ..................................................................................................... 14 Permission To Do Business ....................................................................... 16 Human Resources ..................................................................................... 16 Documentation...................................................................................... 16 Hiring....................................................................................................... 17 Work Environment................................................................................ 18 Discipline and Termination................................................................... 18 Insurance .................................................................................................. 20 Administration ......................................................................................... 20 Budget ........................................................................................................ 21 Marketing.................................................................................................. 23 Writing the Plan ........................................................................................ 25 Your Sales Strategy....................................................................................... 27 Outside Sales ............................................................................................ 27 Government and School System Sales ................................................... 29 Retail Sales................................................................................................. 36 Multi-level Marketing................................................................................ 37 Next Steps .................................................................................................... 38 Other Sources of Information and Support ............................................... 41
David Utzinger
Author
