Start your own business: the only startup book you'll ever need

On your mark

Think

Introduction

Taking the plunge : get ready to be an entrepreneur

Good idea! : how to get an idea for your business

Good timing : should you launch your business full or part time?

Build it or buy it? : starting a business vs. buying one

Plan

Choose your target : defining your market

If you build it, will they come? : conducting market research

The name game : naming your business

Make it legal : choosing a business structure

Plan of attack : creating a winning business plan

It's official : don't forget licenses and permits

Protect yourself : understanding patents, trademarks and copyrights

Call in the pros : hiring a lawyer and an accountant

Fund

All in the family : financing starts with yourself and friends and relatives

Nothing ventured, nothing gained : how to find and attract investors

Looking for loans : the ins and outs of debt financing

Fed funds : how to get government loans

Get set

Prepare

What's your deal? negotiating successfully

Site seeking : choosing a location for your business

Bring it home : starting a homebased business

Looking good : creating a professional image

Stock answers : the lowdown on inventory

It's in the mail : setting up mailing systems and shipping accounts

Charging ahead : offering your customers credit

Cover your assets : getting business insurance

Staff smarts : hiring employees

Perk up : setting employee policies and benefits

Buy

Buyer's guide : business equipment basics

Play it safe : tech security and privacy

Business 24/7 : using technology to boost your productivity

Net works : building your company website

Keep in touch : using technology to stay connected

Drive time : the inside scoop on buying or leasing a car

Go

Market

Brand aid : building a brand

Marketing genius : advertising and marketing your business

Net sales : online advertising and marketing

Talking points : how to promote your business

Sell it! : effective selling techniques

Now serving : offering superior customer service

Profit

Keeping score : the basics of bookkeeping

Making a statement : how to create financial statements

On the money : effectively managing your finances

Pay day : how to pay yourself

Tax talk : what you need to know about your taxes

Succeed

It's about time : time management

Second wind : learning from your failures

Appendix A: business resources

Appendix B: government listings

Appendix C: small-business-friendly banks

Index.