business books

Which aspect of starting a new business are you after Ryan? Geoff Burch's 'Go It Alone' is good on making the shift in attitude from being employed to being an employer and developing the ability to sell yourself and your products/services. I've got a few other references on one of my websites which may be of interest to you. Go to [url]www.phoenixconcepts.co.uk[/url] and click on 'Reading List'. If you're into reading this sort of thing, you'll find them all interesting, useful and motivating. Not so sure about the technical (tax/accounting) side of things though - as you say, it's mostly US-based stuff out there. James. James Thomas jameshthomas@hotmail.com 07968 048107 http://UK-121712.yourteambuilder.com
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James Thomas
james@phoenixconcepts.co.uk
07968 048107
http://UK-121712.yourteambuilder.com

thanks for the advise James. im really having problems with the business plan side of things, which would be the best book for that area. also are "small business for dummies" type of books any good or just a waste of money?

Ryan Although nice if you can afford it, you should not feel you are required to buy a book to write a business plan. There is loads of free information online, on Startups and also in the business packs produced by the banks. Have you also tried the business section of your local library to see if they have a book you can borrow? Have you investigated your local enterprise agency or Business Link. They should provide you with some fact sheets to help you draft the sections and will give you free advice on your plan when you have completed the first draft. The complexity of a business plan is in part a reflection of how much money you want to raise and the nature of the business. If you are looking to raise say £30k, for a business which is generally understood such as cafe, shoe shop, advisers often say the plan needs to be no more than 20 or so pages. Another point raised in the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide by Sara Williams, is that you should have a test run with a plan and if seeking to approach the bank, go first to the bank where you think you have the least chance of securing loan finance. So if you think your best chance is with NatWest, go and see Barclays first! I do not know how old you are but do not forget the advice and services offered by the Princes Trust and Shell Livewire. If accepted as a client, they will help you write a business plan. Good luck Mellin p.s. If it is any consolation I once produced six re-drafts of the same business plan as I gained more feed-back/information and the circumstances changed! But the final version did impress a business angel.