Small Business blogs were my first encounter with social media. The goal was to share my hard earned knowledge with existing and wannabe Small Business managers to ease their path to entrepreneurial success. If successful, I was hoping that they would then consider buying my book, Bootstrapping 101. However, I was warned not to sell my book in the blogs. I have followed that advice for some 90 blogs. Now, I would like to blatantly try to sell you on purchasing it for yourself or someone else who fits the bill. Why?
I see the need for this book more than ever, particularly in the current economy with more people than ever trying to realize their dream of having their own business and for existing small business owners working very hard to survive. From all my guest speaking to entrepreneurial classes at MBA classes around the country and from mentoring activities, I see close-up that many key points in this book are not taught or understood. I tried to keep each chapter short and devoid of fluff for easier and quicker reading, yet interspersed with interesting (I hope) stories to illustrate points. You can skip chapters and focus on ones most interesting to you as each stands independently.
I thought the best way to explain the book’s value is to show you this Table of Contents with a sentence or two description of each chapter. Here it is:
INTRODUCTION (includes definition of Bootstrapping)
BARTER
One of the world’s oldest forms of commerce is advocated in its modern form. Barter’s advantages and how it works.
PUBLICITY
Achieved at no or minimal cost, publicity can be more credible than paid advertising which usually is too expensive for start-up and fledgling companies. How to get this publicity.
INTERNET REVOLUTION
This fast changing, growing, and inexpensive medium can assist small business reach their goals and better compete with large companies.
FREE ADVERTISING
How to get free ads in major media through PI ads.
SELLING
Who should sell, how to sell, and sales’ interaction with other company disciplines. Sales Reps: their importance, how to find and deal with them.
SPECIAL OFFERS TO KEY CUSTOMERS
No-cost strategies to acquire and/or grow key customers and to obtain favorable treatment in areas of importance to you.
MENTORS
Importance of having a good mentor in the ultimate success of a company. Where and how to find and interact with them.
BUSINESS INCUBATORS
Provide a business support process for start-up and fledgling companies that includes a physical home, management guidance, technical assistance, basic business services, and mentoring.
UNIVERSITIES
An untapped asset for small businesses, universities can help you in building your company with no or minimal costs.
RELATIONSHIPS AND TRUST
Finding and developing relationships to advance your business. Better Networking.
PRICING FOR PROFIT
Maximizing your profits and thus increasing cash are discussed in depth through correct pricing. All the elements that should be considered and by whom are explored.
FACTORS
Loan or advance money to a company, regardless of their credit rating. The pros and cons of their use and how to find them.
SUPPLIERS
Can be a valuable extension of your company and an important part of your sustainability and growth. What they can do for you and how you should treat them.
TESTING THE WATERS
Testing the feasibility of your new product or service before you expend valuable resources in its pursuit. This process will also aid in risk reduction.
LICENSING
Can give a company instant credibility and business. Not all licenses require large initial expenditures. Ideas on finding and utilizing them, their advantages, questions to ask in exploring them, and contractual issues to consider.
FRANCHISING
Is a type of business that lies somewhere between buying a business and starting your own. The pros and cons of franchising plus how to find appropriate ones.
CONVERTING FIXED COSTS TO VARIABLE COSTS
Is an effective strategy to reduce overhead, conserve cash, and reduce risks. The different ways to accomplish this.
OUTSOURCING
An important strategy, especially for undercapitalized businesses to grow, reduce risk, and offer more to your customers in terms of quality, value, and support. The negatives are refuted.
GOVERNMENT HELP
Government agencies to assist start-up and existing small businesses to succeed. They are free and open to everyone. Agencies covered are SBA, SCORE, SBDC, PTAC, U.S. Customs, Department of Commerce, MBDA, UBOP, WBC, and U.S. Embassies.
IN PERSPECTIVE
Important factors for entrepreneurial success are explored, covering attitudes, finance, people, and knowledge.
Appendix 1—R&R Harvard Business School Case Study
Bootstrapping tips utilized in case
Appendix 2—Tips for Getting Appointments
Appendix 3— Cash Flow Statement
If you now want to purchase this as a gift for yourself or someone else, we offer it in paperback at $19.95 or as an E-book at $9.59. As we are self-publishing Bootstrapping 101, it is not available in bookstores. It is available on Amazon.com. You can follow that link or visit our website, www.Bootstrapping101.com,which also links directly to the Amazon page.
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