Useful Books/guides for small-business operators:

[letterbox]

Hi folks,

I'm new to this planning of opening-my-own-videostore stuff (although- for what it's worth- in the past I've worked in a couple of IVR's for a total of 5 years)--There's so many questions I have about licensing, laws, balancing the books, getting small business loans, real estate---you name it.......

Two books that have been helpful so far are:
Smalltime Operator [covers many aspects of starting a business from the ground up to maintaining it and doing your books etc.]
and
Growing a Business by Paul Hawken
[a good source of ideas/inspiration]

..but unfortunately both books are rather old (pre-internet and dot.com-boom-bust  :cry: )

anyone know of any other titles they liked or recent titles that would be helpful?

Thanks,
Letterbox

[mcmarc]

I believe I saw an updated SMALL TIME OPERATOR at the bookstore the other day.  For me, it's the bible.  You might also want to pick up one of the "Guerrilla" books.  I have GUERILLA MARKETING, and while some of the book is geared towards more professional type jobs, I've found it valuable as well.

marc

[letterbox]

Thanks Marc,

Just last week I got the new edition of Small Time Operator, and I agree it's essential. I'll look around for that Guerilla book as well.

Also, Marc please check your private messages at this site shortly--I'm gonna be sending you message on an off-topic (Asheville).

-letterbox