Some will tell you that the journey you’re about to take is a hazardous
one—but not with us at your side! Start Your Own Business prepares you
every step of the way. We’re here to instruct and encourage you, to show
you new ways to do things and remind you of the tried and true. You
wouldn’t go on an adventure without the proper gear. Think of Start Your
Own Business as part of your entrepreneurship gear kit. Refer to it every
step of the way, starting with how to get an idea for a business to finally
opening the doors to your new venture. Along the way, we provide lots of
forms, worksheets, and checklists you can actually use in your business to
make sure you’re on the right track.
Since business ideas, trends, and strategies constantly change, we
strive to keep Start Your Own Business up-to-date. For the sixth edition,
we’ve updated and revised (or expanded) every chapter and added a lot of
new ones, too. In fact, Part 7, “Engage,” is updated with new sections on
social media campaigns and on building an incredible web presence that
will get your idea noticed.
We start by showing you how to get visitors to your website, keep
them there, and make sure they return for more. Next, we move on to
social media marketing and networking. If you haven’t jumped on the
social media bandwagon yet, your business can’t afford to be left behind.
We show you how to use social tools to network with potential customers,
and connect and engage with your audience, because in today’s marketing
landscape, that’s how brands are built.
We have also added chapters on running your business virtually,
using the latest smartphone, tablet, and computer technology to connect
seamlessly, and on funding options that were never before available, such
as crowdfunding platforms.
Many business resources and tip boxes (see examples on the next
page) have been updated for the sixth edition.
Finally, there’s an appendix that’s chock full of resources with
contact information. We list business associations, federal agencies, books,