Table of Contents
This Table of contents is here to help the reader navigate the site, because there is a considerable amount of information on this website, and more will be continually added—indefinitely. The Table of Contents is organized in the same manner as a printed resource book would be organized. A reader can start at the first "Section" topic and read the "reports" in succession (which is what I recommend for aspiring entrepreneurs), or they can browse the "Section" topics and "reports" to find specific areas of interest. The NavBar will appear on every page in the site and the reader can use that to come back to the Table of Contents at any time. There also are links at the end of each Section and report that provides additional navigation routes. Home
This is the main section of the site and indicates why this site was created and how it can be of benefit to all small businesses. About
This topic presents an overview of Bob Foster's background and experience. It provides an insight into his qualifications for creating this information site. Contact Bob
The official contact form if you have any questions or comments. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Privacy
Detailed privacy policy for this entire web site.
BizMaverick Blog
This link discusses my business blog and the reasons I maintain it as an Addendum to this website.
Section 1. - ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What is an Entrepreneur?
Social Entrepreneur. Political Entrepreneur. Lifestyle Entrepreneur, and on and on…but, really, what is an entrepreneur? Let's find out. Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Not everyone should be an entrepreneur. Check to see if you have the characteristics of an entrepreneur. How to Become an Entrepreneur
This report presents the steps necessary to become a successful entrepreneur. Internet Entrepreneur
How to sort out the get-rich-quick scams and become a successful Internet entrepreneur. Famous Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship thrives today because of the famous entrepreneurs who went before us. Entrepreneur Quotes
Find inspiration from entrepreneur quotes left by other successful people.
Section 2. - STARTING UP
Starting a Small Business
Start your business right and improve your chances for success. Small Business Ideas
If you do not have a specific business idea yet, this report can help you pick out a business you can become passionate about. Fear of Failure
This seems to be the primary underlying reason for NOT starting a business. This report discusses this issue in some depth. How to Start a Business
This topic helps guide you through the startup process and directs you to specific resources you may need in your startup process. Incorporating a Small Business
This report presents the various forms of organization for your business and discusses the relative merits of each, from sole proprietorship to various corporate structures. Business Startup Costs
Most new entrepreneurs really miss the boat in this area. This report helps guide you through the process of early cost estimating. Advice on Starting a Business
There is much advice on the Internet about starting a small business, yet, there is very little advice based primarily on experience and common sense. This report fills that void.
Section 3. - PLANNING
Small Business Plan
Many entrepreneurs believe they do not need a plan—some don't. Find out who, and why. Why Write a Business Plan?
This report deals with both the practical and the psychological reasons for writing out your planning—no matter how crude and simple it might be. Simple Business Plan
This report covers the simplest form of business planning. Strategic Planning For Business
Having more than one “owner” can present problems—this report helps you avoid problems with partners. Business Plans For Small Business
This report discuses a small business plan that could be used when looking to family and friends to help you with startup and early operating money. Creating a Business Plan
When you start looking for outside investors, you need a perfect small business plan in hand. This report helps you understand what you need and where you can go to get guidance in putting this plan together. Business Expansion Planning
Planning for expansion is quite different than the small business plan for a new startup, and this report explains those differences. Business Plan Executive Summary
This is the most important part of any formal business plan, because it is what determines whether the rest of your plan even gets read or not.
Section 4. - FINANCING
Small Business Financing
There are many sources of small business financing—some that are obscure. Learn about them in this report. Financing a New Business
This report discusses the various means available for financing startups in this difficult time for a business. Owner Financing Business
Unfortunately, for the new entrepreneur, this is the most likely means for financing your small business. This report discusses many of the various ways to approach this issue. Small Business Bank Loans
Although it is difficult to obtain bank loans today, your local bank is still the best place to start. This report tells you why—and how. SBA Business Loan
This report discusses how SBA Guaranteed Loans work and how to go about seeking them. Angel Investors
This is a specialized and formal avenue for small business financing. Depending on your business, this may be an appropriate route for you. Venture Capital Funding
A highly specialized form of small business financing made popular by the high-tech industry. This report on venture capital funding discusses the ramifications of venture capital and how it may apply to your business. Creative Business Financing
When normal small business financing channels do not meet your needs, there are still several potential sources for financing your new business. Bootstrapping
If all your attempts at small business financing fail, there is still one way to start your business. This report shows you the roadmap for bootstrapping. Just know that this is not for the faint-of-heart.
Section 5. - ACCOUNTING
Small Business Accounting
This is one of the most important functions in running a business…yet, it is often ignored as long as possible—big mistake. This report tells you why. Small Business Financial Statements
This report discusses how the details of your small business bookkeeping system are used to develop your financial statements. Understanding Financial Statements
It is important to visualize the events or circumstances that contributed to each part of your financial statements. This report discusses how. Sample Financial Statements
This report contains sample financial statements based on a fictitious small manufacturing company. Financial Statement Analysis
This report discusses how financial comparisons should be made, and why. Auditing Financial Statements
There are several levels of auditing that can be applied to your financial statements and this report presents and discusses each of these. Pro forma Financial Statements
This form of financial statement is often a stumbling block for the new entrepreneur. This report explains what these are, and how to prepare them. Cash Flow Analysis
Regardless of how well your financial statements tell you your small business is doing, it is cash that will determine its success or failure. This report discusses how best to track and monitor your cash. Small Business Accounting Software
For those of you who will insist on getting involved in the more advanced forms of bookkeeping, this report presents a brief description of small business accounting software. Complementary Recordkeeping
Every business has its own critical measurements for successful operation. Often these are far removed from your financial statements. This report discusses these issues and their importance.
Section 6. - BUYING A BUSINESS Before You Buy a Business
For a new buyer of a small business, the information discussed in this report is usually the biggest "bug-bite," because it deals with the emotional side of buying a business. This report can help you separate emotion from your analysis so you can make a calculated and well thought out decision. How to Buy a Business
This report gives a general overview of the process plus some tips on what to watch out for when you set out to buy a business. Business Valuation Methods
There are no MSRP tags on businesses for sale. The seller places a sales price on their business that they would like to receive, and the buyer makes an offer on the basis of what their analysis thinks the business is worth. How these numbers are arrived at are discussed in this report. Small Business Inventory Management
If the business you are thinking about buying has an inventory, whether it was produced, distributed, or purchased—you will have a very important requirement to thoroughly examine and evaluate that inventory. This report will give you some guidelines on this process. Employee Retention
This can sometimes be an issue if the employees are made aware that the business is up for sale long before the buyer comes on the scene. How to handle this potential problem is discussed in this report. Buying a Manufacturing Business
There are two major issues to consider when buying a manufacturing business; (1) equipment, (2) inventory. This report helps you deal with these two considerations. Loans to Buy a Business
This is an interesting topic because there is often more opportunity to borrow money for buying a small business than there is for starting a business. This report discusses some of these differences and requirements. Due Diligence
The most important part of buying a small business, since this activity can usually make or break the deal, or could even be the missed opportunity to start your new business out on the right foot. Buying a Franchise Business
This is a special situation that transpires somewhat differently than just buying an independently owned small business. The considerations for buying a franchise business are discussed in this report. Tips on Buying a Business
We all know the devil is in the details, and this report presents a few tips on those details and how they can be turned to your advantage.
Section 7. - CRISIS MANAGEMENT Crisis Definition
Managing a crisis is far different from correcting some problems in your business, and it is important to know the difference. This report will help you make this determination. Turnaround Manager
Not all entrepreneurs can, or should, manage a turnaround when in crisis. Check out this report to see if this is something you are prepared to do. Small Business Advisor
This is one of the most important parts of managing a business crisis. Don't skip this report if your business is in crisis. Cash Flow Control
In the early part of managing a business crisis, controlling cash is usually the most important function. This report gives some pointers on how to do that. Bad Credit Business Financing
Getting additional financing for your business-in-crisis is normally very difficult. Find out from this report where to look for additional money. Turnaround Plan
Your creditors, bankers, investors, and the like, will want to know what you plan to do to turn your business around. This report tells you how you might want to approach this issue. Organization Tips
A real business crisis almost always demands reorganization of employees. The tips in this report should help you with this task. Effective Business Communication
Normal concepts of this subject do not address businesses in crisis. This report can help you with this important task during your turnaround. Closing a Business
If all your turnaround efforts fail, it will likely be necessary to close your business. This report helps you execute the best possible way to close the business down.
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