|
The following excerpt is
reprinted with the permission of the copyright owner...
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
An Introduction To The Entrepreneur's Road Map
The Natural Thing to Do
Entrepreneur v. Intrapreneur
About the Authors
Road Map Format
Enjoy the Journey!
Summary Tour
Chapter 1
The Entrepreneurial Traveler -- A Profile of the Entrepreneur
The Meaning of "Entrepreneur"
Belief in the Idea and in Yourself
Simplicity/Big-Picture Orientation
Creativity
Flexible Planning
Optimism
Realism
Communication
Risk-Taking
Persistence
Action-Orientation
Summary Tour
Chapter 2
Choosing Your Destination -- Selecting a Business Idea
The Basics
Discovering Business Ideas
Analyzing the Options
Time Considerations
Financing
Level of Expertise
Risk Comfort-Level
Financial Return
Alternatives to Creating a Business "From Scratch"
Licensing
Franchises/Distributorships
Acquiring an Existing Business
Becoming an Intrapreneur
Travel Partners
Summary Tour
Chapter 3
Planning Your Itinerary -- The Business Plan
Purpose of the Business Plan
Preparation and Presentation of the Business Plan
Summary Tour
Chapter 4
Designing the Tour Package -- Marketing Strategies
Marketing Philosophy and Strategy
Selecting the Target Market
Creating the Image
Value of the Product
Name, Logo and Slogan
Descriptive Names
Coined Descriptive Names
Symbolic Names
Founder Names
"Off the Wall" Names
Nebulous Names
Protecting Names, Logos and Slogans
Physical Appearance
Location
Pricing
Promoting the Product
Summary Tour
Chapter 5
Financing the Expedition -- Financing the Business
Financing Strategies
Multiple Sources
Presentation Hints
Good Marketer
Positive Attitude
New v. Tried Concept
Amount and Type of Financing
Selection Criteria
Ongoing Relations With Your Investors
Financing Phases
Financing Sources
Personal Funds
Family and Friends
Private Investors
Banks
Limited Partnerships and Broker/Dealers
Factoring
Venture Capitalists
Investment Bankers
Public Offering
Franchising
Corporate Sponsors
State and Federal Government Sources
Customer Financing
Grants
Foreign Resources
Additional Financing Alternatives for an Ongoing Business
Structuring the Deal
Timing of Additional Financing for an Ongoing Business
Using Finders or Brokers
Summary Tour
Chapter 6
Moving on Down the Road -- Sales and Distribution
Distinction Between Sales and Marketing
Distribution Channels
Getting the Best Sales Mileage
Sales Slumps
Summary Tour
Chapter 7
Staying on Course -- Managing the Business
Meaning of Management
Qualities of Successful Managers/Leaders
Sound Business Judgment
Self-Confidence
Consistency
Communication Skills
Respect and Support for Employees
Creating an Atmosphere of Teamwork
Leading by Example
Understanding Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
Management Techniques
Keep It Simple
Management by Objective
Management by Exception
Management by Motivation
Reviewing and Revising Management Goals
Selecting the Management Team
Agreements With Key Employees
Information Management -- Office Automation (Computerization)
When to Automate? Can I Afford It?
Have a Clearly Defined Plan
Implement in Phases
How to Select Hardware and Software
Avoiding Disasters
Summary Tour
Chapter 8
Tour Guides -- Working with Business Advisors
Selecting Business Advisors
Working With Business Advisors
Summary Tour
Chapter 9
Avoiding Detours -- Anticipating and Avoiding Obstacles
Imagined v. Real Success
Industry Comparisons
Cash Reserves
Sales Base
Profits
Response of Financiers
Business Plan Goals
Entrepreneur's Goals
Strengthen the Core Business
Potential Temptations
Business Diversification
Outside Temptations
Navigating Through an Economic Downturn
The Psychology of an Economic Downturn
Maintaining Revenues
Controlling Expenses
The Big Reward
Summary Tour
Chapter 10
Conclusion
Appendix A -- The Entrepreneur's Business
Start-up Checklist
Appendix B -- Sample Outline of a Business Plan
Appendix C -- Resources
Glossary of Financial Terms
Index
|
