How to Start a Business

The Real American Dream, Creating Independence & Running a One-Person Business

Media Weavers is committed to bringing ideas to market that embody the spirit, lives, and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The Real American Dream is a book that speaks to the heart of the individual business person anywhere with the energy and can-do attitude we associate with the Pacific Northwest.

For an entrepreneur, understanding oneself, values, attitudes, and needs will bring success and a satisfying business life. Sally Petersen’s book coaches the reader through the process of becoming that entrepreneur while evaluating the business and the self. Three primary topics in the book include the following:

• who you are, especially your attitudes;

• what you know, especially foundation skills;

• what to consider, decide, and do to set up and run a one-person business.

This book has been likened to taking a workshop as you read and do the practical exercises. The author has worked as a sole proprietor, in government, a Fortune 500 high tech firm, and in the nonprofit sector. Her expertise about running a one-person business makes this book invaluable for anyone contemplating running their own business in the current ever-changing business climate.

Sally Petersen is a well-known journalist, business woman, and coach in the Pacific Northwest. Her workshops are well-attended and have been given high marks for their excellence and information provided. With the release of this book, Ms. Petersen’s philosophy of creating independence, controlling one’s work life, and developing financial independence is now available for anyone thinking of starting their own business or who has started a business and wishes to make a success of it. This book is a superb addition to the Media Weaver’s publishing list.

From the Author

For years, people came to sit in my office to talk about starting their own businesses:

• —sales people,
• writers,
• graphic designers,
• consultants of all kinds—you name it.

They had skills, but didn’’t know how to construct a business that would meet their personal goals and make money.These would-be solo business people were encouraged by my practicality, by the simplicity and straightforward approach I brought to my business. They liked the down-to-earth, no-nonsense discussion of what you need to do to run a business, what it’s really like.

So I wrote this book for them and for people like them. For people who don’t want a 500-page volume of unnecessarily complicated verbiage. For people who can think for themselves, figure out how they want to work, but who value coaching from someone who’s been there before them. I wrote it for people who want guidance, not a blueprint.

Strictly “how-to” business books usually short-change the personal-fit aspect of being successful in a solo business, I believe. Because of this, readers’ journeys through The Real American Dream begin with an exploration of their attitudes, characteristics, values, and areas of interest. This helps them make an informed decision about working solo and whether it is right for them. If they conclude it is, then Dream guides them through decision-making so they can make better choices as they construct a business around their own characteristics, skills, and ways of looking at life.

Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business —Ideal for Bookkeeping or Bookkeepers, Accounting or Accountants, or Consultants – This book will help you start earning money in your OWN business with the wealth of information it provides. It includes

• Steps to start your own business (and estimated start up costs)
• How to define your services and set billing rates (includes average billing rates)
• How to improve your knowledge and experience
• How to obtain new clients and effective marketing ideas
• Details about websites, client engagements, market opportunities, growing the business, and MUCH more.

The book includes results of a national survey of QuickBooks ProAdvisors about their annual income, use of engagement letters, over 300 comments and advice on things they wish they had known sooner or done differently, their KEYS to SUCCESS and more!

Bookkeepers, accountants, tax preparers, and consultants will all find beneficial information in the book. With your own business, you can decide what hours you want to work, services to provide, and work from home if you choose! This book will help you SUCCEED!”

From the Author
* Thinking about starting your own consulting business?
* Need ideas to help grow your business?
* Not sure how to get clients or what rates to charge?
* Want advice from other top consultants?

If so, then Successful QuickBooks Consulting is for you! After owning my own traditional accounting practice for about five years, I realized I did not really enjoy the work I was performing. I went back to school and earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship. Now, I am the owner of M. Long Consulting, LLC. Speaking, training, consulting, and writing are now my focus, and I could not be happier!!! I have been able to be my own boss, set my own work hours, and select the clients and type of services I want to provide. Most importantly, I have been home with my children while they are growing up! It is my hope that I can help share my knowledge to help others achieve the same in their lives! I truly enjoy helping others start and grow their own business as well as helping small and growing businesses to utilize QuickBooks to manage their business with good financial information.

Alison Ball, Sr. Manager, Accountant Training Network, Intuit, Inc.

“Michelle Long has created a very comprehensive guide for anyone considering starting a QuickBooks Consulting business. Her use of real-life examples and the fact that she has used her own experiences along with those of other leading QuickBooks Consultants is very compelling.”

Cheri Streeter, MBA and Small Business Development Center Director, Overland Park, KS

“Sharing best practices is what Michelle Long does best — whether it’s teaching QuickBooks in the classroom or sharing her tips in this book. The best part is: Michelle actually practices what she preaches — in her own consulting business. Michelle’s guide is full of practical how-to’s and is the perfect first step for anyone contemplating starting a QuickBooks consulting business.”

Want to start the small business of your dreams? Want to breathe new life into the one you already have? Small Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition provides authoritative guidance on every aspect of starting and growing your business, from financing and budgeting to marketing, management and beyond.

This completely practical, no-nonsense guide gives you expert advice on everything from generating ideas and locating start-up money to hiring the right people, balancing the books, and planning for growth. You’ll get plenty of help in ramping up your management skills, developing a marketing strategy, keeping your customers loyal, and much more. You’ll also find out to use the latest technology to improve your business’s performance at every level. Discover how to:

• Make sure that small-business ownership is for you
• Find your niche and time your start-up
• Turn your ideas into plans
• Determine your start-up costs
• Obtain financing with the best possible terms
• Decide whether or not to incorporate
• Make sense of financial statements
• Navigate legal and tax issues
• Buy an existing business
• Set up a home-based business
• Publicize your business and market your wares
• Keep your customers coming back for more
• Track cash flow, costs and profits
• Keep your business in business and growing

You have the energy, drive, passion, and smarts to make your small business a huge success. Small Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition, provides the rest.

From the Back Cover
Use the latest technology to improve performance

The fun and easy way to be your own boss and run a successful business

Want to start a small business — or energize the one you already have? This practical, no-nonsense guide gives you expert advice on everything from generating ideas and locating financing to hiring the right people, balancing the books, and planning for growth. You’ll ramp up your management skills, develop a marketing strategy, keep your customers loyal, and more!

Discover how to:

• Obtain financing
• Make sense of financial statements
• Navigate legal and tax issues
• Set up a home-based business
• Buy an existing business

Get Paid for Your Experience

Want to strike out on your own and take control of your job security? Become a consultant-it could be a lucrative move. Whether you’re a computer whiz, a business expert or a fundraising dynamo, your special skills are in demand. Learn everything you need to know to turn your expertise into a profitable business.

Learn how to:

• Assess your skills
• Define your market
• Find and keep clients
• Obtain licenses
• Set rates
• Monitor cash flow
• Hire staff
• Use the internet to boost business
• Prepare contracts, agreements and reports
• And more!

With answers to frequently asked questions, an appendix of additional resources, and a valuable list of the top 20 consulting businesses thriving today, this guide puts you on the road to success. Interviews with successful consultants offer valuable insight into how they have taken their careers into their own hands-and how you can, too!

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide