What Should I Read As I Start My Business?

In a recent conversation with a person wanting to start a small business, the subject arose of what she should read.

You are very wise to seek education for your venture.  You should view your business education as a very necessary activity that never ends.

1. For general information the “Dummies” and “Idiots” editions with various selections are good. By all means start with a book on writing a business plan. DO NOT bypass producing a written business plan. Each book listed has particular advantages.  Look at all of them to see which have the information that suits you.  There may even be a book on starting the type of business you are contemplating.

Don’t miss the stunning information in Scott McKain’s The Collapst of Distinction.

2. The following book may change your life in how you view your business–On the subject of mental attitude preparation and approach to your business, I would suggest Michael Gerber’s CD, The E-Myth. He has updated it from the first version which was published about 30 years ago. He discusses working ON your business at least as much as IN your business.  Berger says that every day when you go to your business you are either buying it or selling it.If you are working IN your business, you are buying it.  On the other hand, if you are working ON your business you are selling it.  You need to have a balance, but you should always look for ways to prepare and position your business for someone else to be willing to buy it . . . and at its true worth.  This approach actually makes for a much better running more enjoyable business whether or not you ever intend to sell it.

This is a vital element in any business that is so often missed or overlooked.

Though it is available in printed and audio form, I prefer the CD or MP3 so I can listen to them when traveling.

3. As a marketer, my first questions are: Where are your customers? What is your customer’s profile? Are they spending any money on what you have to sell? Are there a number of other people in your market selling what you are selling? (This means there is a viable market environment.) What sets you apart from your competition? How will you reach your customers with your message?

To your business success!

Paul Elliott
Marketing With Unbelievable Guarantees!™
http://www.MarketingSuccessBlueprint.com/blog

© 2008, Paul Elliott, All rights reserved world wide.