Business Crib-Notes
For the New and Aspiring Entrepreneur
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
IT’S ABOUT BEING BEAUTIFULLY “UNENCUMBERED BY CREDENTIALS” In a world where the pursuit of formal education and accreditation often defines the corridors of professional advancement, there exists a vibrant space for those who chart a different course like the author. If your journey hasn’t traversed the halls of higher education, take heart. Your path, unbound by the conventional, is ripe with potential for innovation, creativity, and success. ALL ABOUT NEGOTIATING Negotiation is not a battlefield to conquer, but a dance to master. Each step, each move, and each turn is an opportunity to lead, to follow, and to move in harmony towards a mutual understanding. From the moment we greet our customers, engage our employees, discuss with partners, or even decide on the day's lunch venue, we are in a constant state of negotiation. It's in these moments, big and small, that the essence of negotiation truly unfolds. “DON’T ASK, DON’T GET” WORLD In the vast expanse of opportunities and challenges that make up the world of business, there lies a simple yet profound truth: the act of asking opens doors. Whether it's negotiating terms with a bank, securing favorable conditions from a vendor, or setting premium prices with a customer, the initiative to ask is often the first step toward achieving more favorable outcomes. “IT'S NOT WHO YOU KNOW……IT'S WHO KNOWS YOU!” In a world brimming with talent and ambition, being known by those who can influence, mentor, or propel your business forward is a game-changer. It's not enough for you to know of them; the key is making yourself known in a manner that invites engagement, support, and collaboration. Embracing the Unsung Heroes of Business: Lawyers and Insurance Adjusters It's a trend as old as time in both life and business: casting lawyers and insurance adjusters in the role of the villains. But here's a piece of advice straight from the heart: don't buy into it. Your lawyer? They're not just a friend; by the very nature of their profession, they're your best ally, bound by law to have your back. The Vast Impact of Family on Your Business The intertwining of family within the fabric of your business is profound and far-reaching. Recognizing the breadth of this influence is not just about acknowledging the presence of your employees' personal lives but understanding the significant ripple effect these connections have on your operation. For every individual you employ, there's a network—approximately 30 people deep—of family members and close relationships that indirectly interact with your business. This network encompasses parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, best friends, partners, and even pets, each capable of affecting your employee's availability and performance. The Hidden Costs of Under-the-Table Cash Sales Undermining Your Business Value: When you decide it’s time to retire or move on, selling your business is not just about handing over the keys to the front door. You're actually selling your financial statements. The value of your business is often calculated based on your documented profits—typically around 3 to 4 times your annual net profits. If you've been under-reporting, your business looks less profitable on paper, and therefore less valuable to potential buyers.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Business Crib-Notes is meant as a friendly, quick-read guide I wish I’d had when I started managing businesses and launching my own. Think of it as a handbook you can dive into from cover to cover or ip through while waiting for a ight, train, or your kids’ soccer practice. Each Chapter and many sections have blank lines for you to jot down your own insights and ideas. The goal? To help you kickstart your business with con dence, avoiding expensive legal and strategic missteps. Check out www.business-cribnotes.com to share how you’re using Crib-Notes to launch your venture and let us know how it’s going—we’d love to hear from you! Start your business today and build the foundation for an amazing future!
About the Author
With a high school education and a work-life history that started at fourteen years old cleaning lots at an A&W drive-in restaurant, the author, like many of you potentially, is mostly self-taught by reading endless business books and magazines, plus decades of boots-on-the ground experience and the ever present “school of hard knocks.” He’s worked his way through various roles—grocery stores, electrical wholesaling, and some twenty years as an explosive’s sales technician, eventually becoming the general manager for this multinational company and launching a very successful international division. The author was brought up in an entrepreneurial family and eventually moved into private enterprise himself, founding an electrochemical wastewater treatment company, developing a globally patented reactor, and expanding into international markets. Eventually, he sold his controlling stake to the company’s employees, who continue to market and supply corporate and military clients worldwide. Having worked at every level—from laborer to CEO and owner—the author shares in Business Crib Notes the lessons he’s learned, offering practical insights and some potential shortcuts to success, learned on his own often stumbling through his own business adventures and mis-adventures. They say you learn the most from your mistakes, and the author says, “I can confirm that.”