This guide offers practical advice on choosing which type of business to start or buy, reading a financial statement, researching the market, estimating start-up expenses, and writing a business plan. The author outlines specific points to consider when deciding whether to incorporate, when to seek the advice of a lawyer, and how to market the business. Originally published in 1997 by Productive Publications. Annotation #169;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Although McGuckin's book has been around in a number of previous editions, it still holds much truth and good words for the aspiring business owner. It is the ultimate of primers, starting with a good self-assessment--do you have the skills for success?--and concluding with real-life tales of seven entrepreneurs. Along the way, wielding clear, no-jargon prose and a great sense of reader toleration, she captures the salient points through packaging. Take a quiz about financial acumen. Pay attention to "alerts" to avoid potential problems later on--e.g., thank your employees. Act on quick tips, like the definition of SWOT to start up your marketing plan. The bottom line? Answers to her 13 chapter--heading questions and information-filled sidebars will more than suffice as an introduction to owning your own. Includes small-business telephone and Internet directory. BarbaraJacobs. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

For aspiring entrepreneurs or those with a curiosity about entrepreneurship, this revision and update to McGuckin's previous international edition provides an easy-to-read but somewhat simplistic overview of contemporary entrepreneurship. The book's 13 succinct chapters cover, in a step-by-step fashion, topics such as the rewards and costs of self-employment; finding the right business; analyzing and interpreting financial statements; market research; start-up expenses; business plans; capitalization; incorporation; legal requirements; and marketing a business. A series of checklists, "quick tips," short case studies, and "success strategies" enhance the presentation. A "Small Business Telephone and Internet Directory" listing state government offices, small business Web sites, and other contacts concludes the book. The author's Web site contains additional information about this book, as well as other resources relevant to small business practice. Given the number of students who espouse owning their own businesses, this book will interest readers in a variety of majors, not just business. Summing Up: Recommended. Public and undergraduate library collections. General Readers; Lower-division Undergraduates; Upper-division Undergraduates; Two-year Technical Program Students. Reviewed by S. R. Kahn. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.