The Owner's Manual for Small Business. Rhonda Abrams

      

      Praise for

      Books from The Planning Shop

      “User-friendly and exhaustive…highly recommended. Abrams’ book works because she tirelessly researched the subject. Most how-to books on entrepreneurship aren’t worth a dime; among the thousands of small business titles, Abrams’ [is an] exception.”

      — Forbes

      “There are plenty of decent business-plan guides out there, but Abrams’ was a cut above the others I saw. The Successful Business Plan won points with me because it was thorough and well organized, with handy worksheets and good quotes. Also, Abrams does a better job than most at explaining the business plan as a planning tool rather than a formulaic exercise. Well done.”

      — Inc.

      “Abrams’ book offers a complete approach to creating your plan. Surrounding her explanatory material with commentary from top CEOs, venture capitalists, and business owners, Abrams helps you see your idea through the eyes of potential investors. Her book and your idea deserve each other.”

      —Home Office Computing

      “This book stands head and shoulders above all other business plan books, and is the perfect choice for the beginner and the experienced business professional. Rhonda Abrams turns writing a professional, effective business plan into a journey of discovery about your business.”

      —BizCountry

      “If you’d like something that goes beyond the mere construction of your plan and is more fun to use, try The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies, by Rhonda Abrams…this book can take the pain out of the process.”

      —Small Business School, PBS television show

      “I would not use any other book for my course on Business Development. The Successful Business Plan is the best I’ve ever seen, read, or used in a classroom environment.”

      —Prof. David Gotaskie, Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA

       The

       Owner’s

       Manual

       for Small Business

       Rhonda Abrams

       The Owner’s Manual for Small Business

      ©2005 by Rhonda Abrams. Published by The Planning Shop™

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in an information retrieval system, or used in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

      ISBN 13: 978-0-9740801-5-4

      ISBN: 0-9740801-5-2

      Library of Congress Control Number: 2005906052

      Project Editor: Mireille Majoor

      Cover and interior design: Arthur Wait

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      The Planning Shop™ is a division of Rhonda, Inc., a California corporation.

      “This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, seek the services of a competent professional.”

      —from a Declaration of Principles, jointly adopted by a committee of the American Bar Association and a committee of publishers

      Printed in Canada.

      10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

       To

       John and Barbara Packard

       and

      Raymond and Etienne Capiaux,

      who have believed in me and supported me.

      Thank you, dear friends.

      Who This Book Is For

      This book addresses the entire range of issues facing any business owner or manager—from planning, strategies, leadership, and marketing, to money management, technology, operations, and much more!

      Each topic is covered in a concise fashion with advice from one of America’s most highly regarded business writers, enabling you to quickly gain the knowledge, skills, and motivation you need to successfully run and grow your business.

      This book is for you if:

      

You own a business and want to do everything you can to ensure that you succeed and reach your goals.

      

You’re looking for new strategies for growing your business and attracting customers.

      

Your business is facing changes or new challenges and you’re seeking insight and inspiration on how best to respond.

      

You’re seeking specific techniques and skills for managing the critical business tasks you face.

      

You want to make sure you take care of all the nitty-gritty details of business life and stay out of trouble.

      

You’re in the process of starting a business and want to make sure you do it right.

      

You’re a student in a business class and want to gain insight into the process of owning and running a business.

      

You’re at a turning point in your business or career and are seeking