Product Description

This book is a terrific resource for individuals interested in launching their own recruiting business, for "9 to 5ers" who have had enough of Corporate America and for those who have decided to start a home-based business. Readers will learn the secrets of professional recruiting in this comprehensive, easy to read manual. This book will teach you how to start a successful recruiting business where you can generate a six-figure income working from home.

Topics covered include:

•Getting started

•Valuable recruitment research secrets

•Sample marketing and recruiting scripts

•Internet recruiting and much more!

Based on years of hands on experience, Charrissa’s innovative ideas and recruiting methods have helped produce great results and performance improvements in new recruiters.She is the founder of Beachwood Associates, a recruitment research firm dedicated to the development of the research process within the recruiting industry.

In addition to starting and managing her own successful business, she has worked with growing corporations and retained search firms across the nation as a recruiter and consultant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Waste of money.
This book was not worth the money.It didn't offer anything but an overview.No specifics to help a new business owner along.Don't waste yourmoney here.

Supportive, but
The guide makes an excellent resource book, but is a little short on the step-by-step how to. I think a better title would have been "Resources and Outlines to starting ..."

Overall, I liked the information it provided, I only wished it shown more of the nuts-and-bolts of starting the business, then it would have earned the title step-by-step. I would recommend this to those seeking additional detail information.

Book Gives a minor review of a home based recruiting business.
It explains very basic information on a home based recruiting business. Almost like common sense.

Worst business book in the history of paper!
I was excited to receive a few of the books covering this topic, which I ordered from Amazon recently. Oh my goodness, this book is so devoid of any value that I actually feel sorry for the author. She is, I'm sure, OK with things, since she has successfully fleeced many buyers out of their money. However, prior to today, I had not seen a book that has 5 note pages at the end of each short chapter.I would have more respect for the author if she released this book at the 30 or 40 pages of actual content that isincluded.Note that I didn't say GOOD content, but simply content. I actually found myself laughing out loud at the ridiculousnessof this book.In reality, it'sinspiring.I am going to write a book now, with40 pages of content and 60 pages of summaries and note pages.If this piece of poo can sell, IknowI canwrite something to cash in on people's stupidity.

Short On Info...
I was disappointed.There's not much here of value."The Complete Guide?"Not even close.Avoid! ... Read more

Product Description
Every Answer You Need for Home-Business Success
You start a home-based business for freedom, to satisfy financial expectations, and to meet personal lifestyle goals. When you succeed, it is exhilarating and liberating. But the road to the top is as challenging as it is exciting. You need answers before you have questions. So how can you develop what it takes to nurture your dream and turn it into a vibrant enterprise?
Inside, author and successful entrepreneur Maria Bailey—along with over 40 dynamic, knowledgeable, and successful home-based businesswomen—shows you how. Diverse in their backgrounds and representing a variety of industries, annual sales levels, and business philosophies, they'll provide you with the tips and tools you need as well as essential answers to the toughest questions, including how to:
·Master time management
·Research your market
·Write an effective business plan
·Balance family and work
·Network for long-term success
·And much, much more!
Now you can fulfill your dreams from the comfort of your home. Take the time to find out how. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

I Want My Money Back
I just read 3 home-based business books and found value in two of them.This one was the exception.Anyone who doesn't already possess the common-sense presented in this book would have trouble succeeding in any home-based venture.I guarantee you the author has never succeeded at a home based business.Do not waste your money on this book.

Nothing but Fluff!
Don't waste your time reading this book.It's nothing but obvious common sense -- a total waste of time and money!

Read this if you think abt start'g business
I reviewed over 12 business books and picked this one! I think women/Mother have different sets of motivations, concerns, and dilemmas than men.This book really talks about the approach that are much more familiar or relating to me as women/mother.There are a lot of good business books are out there, but this book helped me to focus and to make decisions, becuase it addresses my questions in a much more personal ways than other books did. The writer also list various people's answers which can be pros or cons of certain aspect of starting business. It gives you a good understanding of how it's like to run business while you are taking a role of a super mom or wife!

Read this if you think abt start'g business
I reviewed over 12 business books and picked this one! I think women/Mother have different sets of motivations, concerns, and dilemmas than men.This book really talks about the approach that are much more familiar or relating to me as women/mother.There are a lot of good business books are out there, but this book helped me to focus and to make decisions, becuase it addresses my questions in a much more personal ways than other books did. The writer also list various people's answers which can be pros or cons of certain aspect of starting business. It gives you a good understanding of how it's like to run business while you are taking a role of a super mom or wife!

An Intimate Approach
Picture a focus group. You're on the other side of a two way mirror, listening to successful bootstrapping businesswomen share their stories. This is as much a collection of biographies as it is a How To Start and Run a Business book. Much can be gained from this more intimate approach: It's the real world, applied. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Godin right "on-line" when giving insight for Entrepenuers
Seth Godin has time and time again delivered properous and productive information to the entrepenuer at heart. He walks us step by step into the depths of how to suceed in the dog eat dog world of commerce whetheron-line or off, technology or pet rocks. A great book for anyone looking to"make things happen" in thier own, soo-to-be, corporation

Godin right "on-line" when giving insight for Entrepenuers
Seth Godin has time and time again delivered properous and productive information to the entrepenuer at heart.He walks us step by step into the depths of how to suceed in the dog eat dog world of commerce whetheron-line or off, technology or pet rocks.A great book for anyone lookingto "make things happen" in thier own, soo-to-be, corporation ... Read more

Product Description
A Consultant in a Book for the millions who start a new business every year on the barest of resources, Shoestring Venture: The Startup Bible is like hiring a high-level consultant to deal with the bewildering maze of issues from finance to marketing to technology that all entrepreneurs face. Every business is nothing but a series of decisions which can make or break the business. You could say that, if there's a science of business, it's the science of making good decisions. And every bootstrap entrepreneur faces the daunting task of making ALL the business decisions, any one of which could either doom the enterprise or catapult it to stratospheric success. That meas that every entrepreneur has to quickly get up to speed on every issue their business faces. Shoestring Venture: The Startup Bible is the most exhaustive set of practical resources collected to empower entrepreneurs to make the right decisions on a limited budget, from business concept to product development to Web marketing. We call a 'consultant in a book,' there to give considered and experienced answers to the infinite questions that come up. Shoestring Venture-The Start-up Bible - All entrepreneurs - even the smallest operating on the tightest of budgets - have the opportunity to build powerful start-up organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Truly A Startup Bible
At over 500 pages Shoestring Venture: The Startup Bible appears a bit daunting at first glance, however your time will be well spent reading this book. Not a book to necessarily be read from cover-to-cover (although you may want to do so at some point), Shoestring Venture serves as a useful desktop reference for the budding entrepreneur.

Almost everything you need to know is discussed in this book. Furthermore, as the title implies, Shoestring Venture doesn't assume you're inheriting a cash-rich business, they're assuming you're starting from scratch and provide many free or low-cost options to get the job done, while providing scalable options as your business grows in terms of size, needs, and cash flow. This book literally touches upon everything to include but not limited to such topics as financials, customer relationship management (CRM), technology, the Internet and many, many more.

The tone is conversational and lighthearted which makes for an easy read. Although Shoestring Venture is well suited for the newly minted entrepreneur, it's just as appropriate for the experienced businessperson, there is something to learn for everyone here.

One of my favorite aspects of Shoestring Venture is the example resources provided with each topic. For example, when discussing CRM, the authors not only provide a comprehensive description to CRM itself, but provide examples of service providers - not only the market leaders, but a nice range of providers. This is done for nearly every topic. I read an electronic version of the first edition, which had clickable links - nice for being able to check out an example of the topic being discussed.

Although Shoestring Venture does many things right, there are a few areas of improvement. At an early point in the book I found the tone to be negative towards other books in the genre, which could sour the experience for some before even getting started.Second, I did not always agree with some of the recommended vendors, however this is a subjective point and will likely depend on the reader's point of view. Lastly, Shoestring Venture may seem a bit overwhelming at first and may scare off some potential readers given the size and scope of the book.

In my opinion the positive aspects of Shoestring Venture far outweigh the areas for improvement. You must give this book a read if you are an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur.

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the authors in exchange for a fair review.

Hooker and Monas Untie The Mystery Of Starting Your Own Business With "Shoestring"
I have to say that authors and entrepreneurs Richard Hooker and Steve Monas have put together the total package of information and know-how for anyone who is looking to start their own business. Regardless of where you are right now, SHOESTRING VENTURE has everything you need to succeed, and if you follow the suggestions they offer and really apply yourself, there is no way you won't be able to see some level of success. One thing I was reminded of is that alot of what you are able to achieve still lies with you. How far are you willing to go? How much time and energy are you willing to invest in yourself and your vision? The answer to these questions are the atarting point to greatness, and the authors are ready to take you step by step from there.

Definitely a resource worth owning.

Excellent Resource

I got this book because I was looking for a good single source for my son who is trying to start a landscape business.He is studying at college and didn't have time to read a lot of different books. This book was just the ticket. I wish I had this book when I started my first electronics business.This is a very comprehensive guide loaded with resource information so that you can get more info if you need on any of the subjects covered.This book has it all from Sales and Marketing to back office operations and taxes. It is current with Web and eCommerce- It is written in an easy to read fashion.My favorite section was on product development -I am a big fan ofE. Joseph Cossman's bookHow I Made $1,000,000 in Mail Order-and You Can Too!, but this section is a good primer.

If you are looking for the one book that has it all I recommend Shoestring Venture: The Startup Bible.It covers the concepts I learned in two years of Business School which is: Your brand is your promise; Revenue - expenses (OPEX & CAPEX)= profit; Without customers you don't have a business; And you must do everything you can to get and keep customers. The only thing I differ on is the length of a business plan - I believe in a five page living business plan that you can keep going back to revisit from time to time- Long business plans tend to be made for banks and investors and are seldom updated as the business grows and matures. This book tells you how to bring these concepts into the real world and start and build a working business."

Everything you need to know to start a business
Well, maybe not everything, but the Shoestring Venture: The Startup Bible puts a lot of information you want and need right at your fingertips.If you've never started or run a business before the whole process can seem daunting, even overwhelming.I've known people who have always wanted to start a business but they never do, the whole process seems so complicated. What they want is someone who can show them the ropes and guide them through the business building process well, now they have this book.

My copy of the book is dogeared, or would be if I didn't have an electronic copy, because I have used it extensively to rethink and remodel how I run my existing business.I want my business to have a small footprint, be profitable and efficient, these are the goals of the book as well.The author advocates focusing on your core competency - what you do best, and outsourcing those things best done by others.He also shows you how to do it and tells you where to look and gives an idea of how much it will cost.

The book covers everything involved in starting a business, soup-to-nuts and provides you with the resources to find whatever it is you need.Best of all, because the books focus in on small, home-based businesses with little start-up capital, this is a book everyone can use.

At first I thought this would be a boring read. I mean, show really likes reading about accounting, legal structures and business plans (okay, some people do), but it's not.The author's writing style made even subjects like accounting fun to read and easy to understand.

The author points out that this is the century for small business and I agree with him. The old model of working for a large corporate entity that takes care of our economic security and needs is broken and is not coming back.Everyone needs to start their own business, even if only on a part time basis, because taking control and responsibility for our own financial security gives us both freedom and security.Here are the resources to do just that.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to start a business or who is in business already and who wants to be more productive and profitable.

What a useful book!
I went into business for myself because I have some specific skills that are best used in that way, not because I had always wanted to be a businessperson. So I can clearly remember the day when I went into my local bookstore looking for something titled, "The Things You Need to Know About Accounting in Order to Stay Out of Prison."

I didn't find such a book, but this one would meet the case. It also has the things you need to know about naming your business in order to avoid copyright and trademark violations, the things you need to know about hardware in order to avoid wasting lots of money, and the things you need to know about marketing in order to keep your business healthy.

This book consists of three things:

1. What the authors call "an ocean of knowledge two inches deep": all those very basic things you have to know in order to be able to learn more about business. You need to know the difference between a profit and loss statement and a cash flow statement, what a server is, how to register a domain, and what kind of format you should use to send your logo to your designer. You don't need to be an expert in Joomla, but you need to know what it is and when you might want to hire an expert in Joomla.

This is, in fact, an underlying theme of the book: you don't need to do everything in your business yourself, but you need to know enough to be able to hire someone competent and oversee their work. This book gives you that knowledge.

2. A wealth of online resources. If you skim through this book and see that much of it is taken up with URLs, you may be inclined to skip it, since it will become out of date quickly. No worries; the authors have collected the links on a website and they keep it up to date (the secret code is in the book).

I wouldn't have looked out a book for that purpose, because I'm pretty good at finding online resources, but the truth is, I would have overlooked a lot of the resources listed in this book. I'm prejudiced against unattractive websites, I wouldn't have scoured corporate websites for the clever tools some of them have, and sometimes I just wouldn't have realized I needed the things listed.

3. Detailed information on using outsourcing and automation to run your business. There are very specific comparisons among software packages and web-based tools for accounting, billing, project management, e-commerce, and content management. There are reviews of websites where you can hire freelancers or specialists to do everything from web design to sales, with practical advice for using them successfully.

If you have a great idea, but getting it from your mind to reality seems overwhelming, this book will make it much more manageable.

It's well-written, in a down-to-earth style that makes you feel as though the authors are sitting with you giving you good advice from their experience. ... Read more

Product Description
Would you like to run your own business and
work from home surrounded by your pets?

Full-time, part-time and retirement businesses are profiled in this book by author Louise Louis.

101 Home-Based Businesses for Pet Lovers includesbusinesses related to the most popular typesof pets - dogs, cats, horses, reptiles and critters - as well as ones suitable for urban, rural or suburban locales.

On-target descriptions are provided so you can select a few businesses for in-depth research. The book provides the resources and tips necessary for success in the pet industry.

Here are a few of the topics covered in the book:

• Three places to visit before you start
• Four marketing methods you should avoid
• Eight marketing methods you should use
• Four most trying legal issues for pet businesses
• Major trade associations with contact information
• Top professional publications you can get for FREE
• Ten best tips for success

The author avoids much of the general,start-a-business material that fills so manybusiness books and instead provides material specific to the pet industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good overview
I got this book from a recommendation in Small Business Opportunities magazine. It's a typical 101 type books in that it covers a wide range of home based businesses centered on pets. You find some ideas that interest you and it suggests websites for more detailed information.

Not all the ideas appealed to me. For instance, I've never had birds as pets and don't know enough about them to be interested in businesses involving birds.

I realize from another review that someone objected to the chapter on breeding Poodle crosses. I have two small dogs and don't see anything wrong with breeding dogs or having them as pets as long as you treat them well.

I know that the animal rights people don't want anyone to have pets and of course if no one is breeding dogs, it won't be long until there are no dogs for pets. That will make the animal rights people happy but I would be very sad not to have Shih Tzus.

If you know what business you want, such as pet sitting, you wouldn't get this book. If you are looking for ideas, then it's a good fit.

Disappointing
I was very disappointed with this book.Not much imagination put into it, I found it less than helpful!

not helpful
This book was very disappointing. I won't write at length about it but trust me on this. This book seems like it is written by someone who does not seem to have any specific insight into what exactly to do if you want to start a small pet-related business. There is an insanely long table of contents, each business (e.g. pet sitter, pet photographer, etc.) is given its own "chapter" and about half of the business suggestions are just ridiculous. There's got to be lots better out there.

It's about the money, not the pet lover
I was optimistic when I saw the title, but you know that old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

The author has a FEW legitimate ideas, but any google search could come up with the same information in greater depth and better accuracy.She condemns saving animals from shelters and actually encourages people to breed animals to increase the pet population.She is no more a pet lover than I am a supermodel.Her ideas are based solely on MONEY.Even if it encourages starting a puppy mill (euphemistically referred to as a dog breeder).

Early in her book she mentions the titles of a few other books she recommends (I have chosen not to seek them out), but she says don't spend your money on them, just go to the library and check them out.If you insist on reading this book I give you the same advice.DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK--CHECK IT OUT FROM YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!Then do google searches to get more in-depth, accurate information about any of the four decent ideas she did have, or come back to amazon.com and find a more specific book that can actually be of use.

Oh, and by the way, the world is already overpopulated with unwanted pets.Encouraging people to add to the problem is morally reprehensible.

Exactly as it states....
The book was good - it had many different ideas and realistic ways to implement them. ... Read more

Product Description
More than half of all new small businesses are home-based, according to the Federal Reserve Board. But starting a business and making a profit are two different things-as the high failure rate attests. Readers looking to beat the odds will turn to this completely revised and updated classic-a must-have for every business owner.
New material includes:

Product Description
A resource on all the aspects of starting and running a day-care operation in the home discusses how to construct a business plan, obtain financing, and become licensed while offering success tips and problem-solving ideas. Original. IP. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Outdated, But Still a Great Resource
Certainly the publisher needs to be nudged on this one, as book updates typically have more to do with the publisher than the book author. There was a time when resume writing as a profession was less popular, but with the changes in the job-search landscape and the influx in professionals shifting to resume writing (i.e. recruiters), it would probably be wise that the publisher initiate an update.

Much of what J. Melnik writes in the book still holds value to anyone considering the start-up of a resume-writing business. It's a book I've had on my shelf for a number of years, and I still reference at times. When it was updated to a second edition, however, the Internet was in infancy so keep in mind that the book does lack details about this facet of business operation ... so, I don't reference it for a refresher on the latest techniques for business promotions using social media, blogs, and the like.

Overall, I still think "How to Start a Home-Based Resume Business" does still hold a significant amount of value, making it an ideal resource to anyone considering a resume business start-up.

Regards,
Teena Rose
[...]

Tired and outdated
It may have been useful once, but this book -- dated 1996 and 1997 -- is terribly out of date. The world of job-hunting has passed this author by. There's lots of generic info about starting a home-based business, but you'll get killed in the real world if you try to pass yourself off as a job-search expert based upon what's in this tired old tome. Can't imagine why it's still in print.

A Must Have in Your Business Library
Being new to the business, I was pleasantly suprised at the wealth of information shared.This book is a staple item for those aspiring resume writers.This book reads like an encyclopedia and covers every aspect of the business from start to finish. It is by far, the best investment I could have made!

Very thorough in an easy to understand format!
I have re-checked this book out several times at the library and have learned a tremendous amount on starting my home business.I give Jan 100 thumbs up!She will be a great mentor in helping me reach my goal to run an office from my home.I only wish I had known about this book a few years ago.As soon as I can afford to purchase it, I will.I also want to subscribe to her newsletter.Great job, Jan! ... Read more

Product Description
You Can Make a Fortune from Home!
Imagine starting up a million-dollar-a-year business from the comfort of your own home. What a life! No more bosses, no more nine-to-five grind, no more just getting by. Home-based business expert Tyler Hicks has shown thousands of people how to achieve this dream. Now, in this invaluable book, he shows how you can achieve it, too.
203 Home-Based Businesses That Will Make You Rich opens up a world of opportunity you never thought existed. You'll learn how to:
·Stake your claim in the multi-billion-dollar Internet market
·Find hidden success in real estate
·Export your way to great wealth
·Make big money on high-discount and liquidation sales
·Sell information and grow enormously rich
·Do good works and get money that you never have to repay
·And much more!
Lean how to choose which business is right for you, how to find money for financing, and how to pick the best ways to promote your business—including low-cost publicity through the Internet. This is your chance at financial freedom and independence in a wealth-building business all your own! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Not very helpful
This book did not offer much useful (practical) information or idea. A lot of time he's only selling his own stuff.

The only source for real business opportunities
Ty Hicks writes books that are pre-sale materials for his other more detailed products.They are intended to show the wealth seeker the possibilities. Many of the reviewers that critized the Hicks materials probably paid thousands for an education that has not made wealthy other wise they would not have looked at this book. Specialized knowledge is what Hicks is selling.The "kits" provide the details.They are larger and more expensive and would be marketable in a book store. The newsletter has real info on loan sources.Hicks does actually answer his phone and will answer your questions.There are no other books in a book store that will give everything needed to actually run a business and learn the business.Even my other favorite, Robert Kiosaki, doesn't tell what to do in any of the Rich Dad books.So get over it and get off you rear and stop read these books and start doing business.

Still an interesting book for ideas
While I would agree with most other reviewers that this is more of an "idea" book and not much on the nuts-and-bolts, still, every great business in the world did start with an idea.

The author uses repeated references to his own products because that is what he knows best and his product line was fabulously successful in sales!I did not find these mentions distractive.

The reference list of associations in Chapter 5 is useful and handily organized.The list of products/services in the back does contain some business ideas that I had not considered before.

The banking and loan information tips are particularly valuable and presented in easy-to-understand terms. The author's advice is excellent, and the average person probably does not know how to approach the applications in the way he explains.

Terrible, a waste of money and space on my bookshelf!
This is probably the worst book on business that I have ever read.The business suggestions that Tyler Hicks gives are not realistic and will NOT make you rich.Additionally, he spends most of his time selling his other products.To me, this book is the prototypical "get rich quick" scheme that never works for anyone.Don't waste your money.

BUYER BEWARE!
Should be titled: 203 OTHER BOOKS AND THINGS YOU CAN BUY FROM TYLER HICKS TO MAKE HIM RICH! ... Read more

Product Description

SCORE A TOUCHDOWN WITH YOUR SMALL BUSINESS!

Drawing on his experience as a top entrepreneur, and displaying the energy and grit that saw him through dozens of professional ups and downs, Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton presents field-tested guidelines that anyone starting a business will value. Offering inspiration, insight, and practical know-how, he shows you how to:

* Build victories and knowledge upon mistakes and failures

* Take wise risks without gambling

* Create value in personal and professional life by building trusting relationships

* Think like "All-Star Outside-the-Box" thinkers, such as his friends Ted Turner and the late Sam Walton

* Choose heroes and develop "magnificent obsessions"

* Practice leadership and employ teamwork to accomplish all your goals

* And much more!

Distinguished by Tarkenton's finely tuned business acumen, What Losing Taught Me About Winning gives you all the guidance you need to make the most of your entrepreneurial ventures, whether you're just starting out or facing new challenges.Amazon.com Review
Having been on the losing end of three Super Bowls, formerMinnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton certainly knows what it'slike to be hung with the "loser" tag. But he also knows whatit's like to transcend such setbacks--he ultimately parlayed hisinherent talent and unrelenting dedication into a well-deserved berthin the NFL Hall of Fame. Now a high-profile businessperson and publicspeaker, Tarkenton offers entrepreneurs his unique and inspirationalperspective on turning apparent defeat into eventual victory inWhat Losing Taught Me About Winning: The Ultimate Guide for Successin Small and Home-Based Businesses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book is a real Loser.
Fran Tarkenton couldn't have made his fortune by following the advice in this book.This book fails to provide any insights into developing a successful business.Rather this books provides a few cute folksy storiesabout a good old boy (Fran Tarkenton). Don't waste your money.(This review relates to the audioversion.)

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about buying and reading a book on business by one of my favorite sports figures.Boy am I glad I did! The information and insights presented by the author were a godsend to someone like me who does not have a successful mentor to show me the ropes.Fran Tarkenton explains in a most candid, clear and concise way, the little nuances that often confuse those of us who don't have much hands-on experience in running a business. Anybody trying to start a business, who does'nt read this book because it was written by an ex-football player should have his head examined.. ... Read more

Product Description

• Completely updated for all the new tax laws
• Capitalize on every deduction!
• Sole proprietor, corporation, or partnership?

The Ultimate Guide to Running a Tax-Efficient Home-Based Business

The advantages of operating a home-based business are countless, but what many owners don’t realize, and are often not prepared to handle, are the host of complex tax issues surrounding a home-based business. The completely updated Fifth

Edition of J.K. Lasser’s Taxes Made Easy for Your Home-Based Business clarifies the current tax environment with regard to home-based businesses, and shows you how to make the most of the new tax laws.

This perennial guide answers home-based business owners’ questions, with a special focus on the changing tax laws and deductions for the home office. Expert advice and in-depth insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of opportunities you would otherwise miss.

Critical coverage will help you:

• Navigate the details of the new tax laws and IRS rules
• Increase your knowledge of deductible expenses
• Keep your records up to IRS standards
• Organize and run a home-based business for maximum tax benefits
• Make filing easy by utilizing sample tax forms

Customer Reviews (5)

Easy to follow instructions!
So helpful, everything I needed to know!Love it!Susan Kelley, Author Ghostly Encounters of the Paranormal Kind

Out of Date
This was the 5th edition of this book.While it was excellent for its time, it is now extremely out of date.

The name of this book has been changed - it is now called "J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 20XX" (where XX is the current year), and the book is now published yearly, so you don't have to go by an "edition" number, which didn't really help the consumer to know he was buying the most current edition.

The best starting point for Home-based Businesses
This book, without any doubt, is the best starting point around for those of us who are starting a home-based business. However, words of warning:
-This is a reference. Do not assume you know all there is to know to your particular situation only by reading it. There is no good substitute for an accountant to help you with your business taxes, if not on an on-going basis, at least in order to get you going the first time you do your biz taxes.
-Watch for past editions. I ran into the 4th edition, and given changes in tax legislation, it is unwise to base any decisions on outdated (tax) information. Make sure you always read the latest edition of this book.

This said, I highly recommend this book for any business owner starting his/her business from home. It will give you a very good perspective on what to expect, what things you can change/improve to take full (and legal) advantage of the benefits the tax legislation offers to small business owners.

Excellent Introduction to Taxes For Your Home-Based Business
"J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy For Your Home-Based Business: The Ultimate Tax Handbook For the Self-Employed" by Gary W. Carter is a great book for home-based business owners and especially for those who operate as sole proprietors.

I found the first chapter, "Legislative, Administrative, and Judicial Authority" a bit slow and skipped most of it. (It's well-written and authoritative. I just don't care too much about the internal workings of the tax system).

Discussing the Supreme Court, Carter writes: "...the Supreme Court has complete discretion over whether it will hear a case. A party requests a hearing by Writ of Certiorari. If at least four members of the Court believe the issue is of sufficient importance to be heard by the Court it will grant the Writ (cert. Granted). Most often, however, it will deny jurisdiction (cert. Denied). ..."

But, it sounds like denied Writs aren't completely bad. Carter continues: "Furthermore, even when the Supreme Court steps in and handles a tax case, its decision often has the effect of muddling the issues rather than clarifying them, leaving us even more confused and bewildered. ... [Y]ou can see that the answers to tax questions often are not clear-cut. Sometimes, when the IRS says no, the courts say yes; or some courts say yes and other courts say maybe. Having an appreciation for this puts you at an advantage when dealing with the IRS. You should never submit to an IRS agent's adjustment of your returns unless it is backed up by appropriate authoritative support. The next section tells you how to find the various sources of authority."

Carter then shows us how to learn about tax law using online and other resources.

A good section of Chapter One for those facing an audit is "The Audit Process And Your Appeal Rights." But, if you aren't facing an audit, you can probably skip that section also.

Another section of Chapter One I found useful was "Letter Rulings," which discusses how taxpayers can ask the IRS in advance how certain transactions will be treated. (There is a fee for this service. The fee can be more than $5,000, but Carter tells us that for those with income under $150,000 the cost is only $500. And, for business owners asking about business-tax topics, the fee is also $500, if the company's annual revenue is $1 million or less.)

We learn that a letter ruling is actually a contract between the IRS and the taxpayer. So, getting a letter ruling is better than just asking the IRS for general about how something should be treated. And, Carter tells us that because a letter ruling is a contract between that particular taxpayer and the IRS, we shouldn't rely upon someone else's letter ruling to determine how our similar transaction will be treated.

So, if you have a question about how the IRS will treat a certain transaction that means a great deal to you, asking for a letter ruling will clarify the situation for you and provide certainty. You won't wind up at your Writ's end in the process.

Chapter Three introduces the reader to the basic business structures: Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLC's, C-Corporations, and S-Corporations. Various advantages and disadvantages of each business structure are discussed, along with options for retirement plans and information about dealing with health insurance.

A large section of the book discusses the home office deduction and home-specific expenses. For example, deductions for daycare providers are covered as are the rules for being able to claim a deduction for the use of your home.

One chapter covers IRS form 8829, "Expenses For Business Use of Your Home" in detail and another chapter covers automobile deductions.

Chapter 12 works a comprehensive example, showing a sole proprietor's tax returns, including the IRS Form 1040, Schedule A, Schedule C (the heart of a sole proprietorship business), Schedule SE (for Self-Employment tax), Form 4562 "Depreciation and Amortization," and Form 8829.

The chapter "Other Common Business Deductions" covers deducting meals, entertainment, computer software, magazine subscriptions, and books.

For example, we learn that the Section 179 deduction (which allows a taxpayer to write-off as a current year expense the cost of certain assets that are normally depreciated over a number of years) doesn't apply to software, because Section 179 only applies to tangible property, and software is intangible.

Carter writes: "If you purchase books for business or investment purposes having only short term value (a tax guide like this one, for example), you can deduct their entire cost in the year of purchase. Books of a more lasting value are seven-year property for depreciation purposes. ... Because books are tangible personal property, they qualify for the Section 179 election if they are purchased for business purposes...make the Section 179 election by putting them in Part I of Form 4562..."

Carter gives a great quote from lawyer and writer John Grisham: "It's a game. We [tax lawyers] teach the rich how to play it so they can stay rich-and the IRS keeps changing the rules so we can keep getting rich teaching them."

If you want to learn how to play the small business tax game, "J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy For Your Home-Based Business: The Ultimate Tax Handbook for the Self-Employed" is an excellent resource. Don't feel you must read this book cover-to-cover. Just jump around finding the stuff that's specific to your own situation.

Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur" & "How To Start And Run Your Own Corporation: S-Corporations For Small Business Owners."

A must for budding entrepreneurs
Offers numerous ways to save money on taxes for home-based businesses by educating on deductible expenses, types of accounting methods, how to manage record-keeping, and the latest tax laws to name a few. Lots of examples make the book easy to understand. A real eye-opener. ... Read more

Product Description
Launching Your Home-Based Business offers up an unparalleled collection of proven techniques to create a successful home business start-up. The authors emphasize that a home-=based business should reflect the interests, talents, and resources of its founder, then provide a series of straightforward strategies that an enterprising home entrepreneur can implement immediately.Amazon.com Review
Launching Your Home-Based Business: How to SuccessfullyPlan, Finance, and Grow Your New Venture, by entrepreneurs and teachersDavid Bangs and Andi Axman, is a complete "owner's manual" for people whodream of starting new enterprises and basing them in their residences.Using dozens of constructive checklists and practical quizzes, the text addresses issues such as why home-based businesses are growing inpopularity; which options are suitable for various individuals; how toobtain customers and set prices; and what to consider when settingsalary, getting insurance, preparing for growth, and planning for thefuture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is a requirement for home business success.
Anyone considering starting their own home-based business should immediately purchase Launching Your Home-Based Business. Launching Your Home-Based Business will help you establish realistic goals and locate the resources you need to succeed. A quick read coupled with dozens of worksheets that help you determine whether or not you have the personal qualifications you need to be your own boss as well as help you establish realistic budgets, target your market, manage your time and delegate responsibility- -as well as verify that your home is the right location for your business. The hundreds of tips and resources listed throughout the book and the Appendix, alone, are worth the price.Roger C. Parker ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Home-Based Business
This book gives you a realistic look at what it is like to own a home-based business. I read this book along with another book from the Self-Counsel Press business series: "S&R a Profitable Business Using Your Computer." I found "S&R a Profitable Home-Based Business" was more current than the other book but they both had valuable information to offer.

"Home-Based Business" emphasizes the three legs of business: marketing, administration, and finance. This book has great worksheets to use, such as, the one about finding your target customer. Managing your time is an important chapter to read for anyone considering working at home--if you have a hectic household like I do, you will appreciate the information offered in this chapter! And even if you don't have a hectic household that you are trying to run a business out of, this book will help you get your home-based business started. ... Read more

Product Description
David Schaefer offers the definitive source of information specifically targeted to home-based businesses which have encountered a 24-month slump. Schaefer pulls no punches in describing the opportunities and challenges facing these enterprises. But, according to Schaefer, fine-tuning the four key engines that keep an enterprise strong may be all it takes to move a business into its next phase Pub: 11/97.Amazon.com Review
Home-based entrepreneurs often need a good swift kick in thepants after about two years in business, when the adrenaline-rush thatcomes with simply starting a new venture usually begins to fade.Journalist (and home-based business veteran) David Schaeferunderstands this malaise and addresses viable solutions for overcomingit in Surefire Strategies for Growing Your Home-BasedBusiness. He offers recommendations for improving cash flow,securing more and better clients, and upgrading operations that areintended to help ease the problems of the "watershed year"which virtually every businessperson will eventuallyface. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great information!
I ordered this book when my business was getting larger and I didn't know how to "grow" with it.I found this book very helpful, it is easy to follow and has great information in it. ... Read more

Product Description
Be your own boss-and work at home! If you've always wanted to generate your own income, this primer for entrepreneurship will help you get your ideas off the ground. You'll learn how to reconfigure your living space to support your office, save money choosing the right computer, phone, and fax systems, and find seed-money to get your new business started. Filled with tips for marketing, sales, finance and bookkeeping, this savvy guide will help you choose the home-based business that's right for you-and enjoy the success you've always dreamed of. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Practical, thorough guidance for the résumé entrepreneur.
This book gives practical advice based on Melnik's years as a successful résumé writer. I marked many, many pages that contained items I wanted to put into practice. I gleaned information from this book that I had not read anywhere before. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the outlook for home-based businesses in Oceana. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries in Oceana). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E. for home-based businesses in Oceana. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the national markets of Oceana. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for home-based businesses across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang - Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as "regions"). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in Greater China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of Greater China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of "economic population", as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this "economic" definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city's marketing and distribution value vis-a-vis others. This exercise is quite useful for persons setting up distribution centers or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each region and city of influence, latent demand estimates are created for home-based businesses. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or ... Read more