Small Business Finance All-in-One For Dummies

Description

Small Business Finance All-In-One For Dummies; About the Authors; Contents at a Glance; Table of Contents; Introduction; About This Book; Conventions Used in This Book; What You're Not to Read; Foolish Assumptions; How This Book Is Organised; Icons Used in This Book; Where to Go from Here; Book I: Getting Started; Chapter 1: Preparing for Business; Getting in Shape to Start Up; Checking Viability; Banning Bad Reasons to Start a Business; Recognising that the Economy Matters; Preparing to Recognise Success; Chapter 2: Structuring Your Business; Choosing the Right Structure.;Keeping track of the finances is fundamental to the success of every business, but tackling the task yourself can be intimidating. Help is at hand, however, with this complete guide to small business money management. Packed with expert advice on all aspects of business finance, including basic bookkeeping and accounting, monitoring profit and performance, managing payroll, tackling tax, and forecasting for growth, Small Business Finance All-in-One For Dummies helps you to take control of your finances, stay on top of the paperwork, and keep the cash flowing. Small Business Finance All-In-One For Dummies About the Authors Contents at a Glance Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Conventions Used in This Book What You're Not to Read Foolish Assumptions How This Book Is Organised Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Book I: Getting Started Chapter 1: Preparing for Business Getting in Shape to Start Up Checking Viability Banning Bad Reasons to Start a Business Recognising that the Economy Matters Preparing to Recognise Success Chapter 2: Structuring Your Business Choosing the Right Structure. Going into Business by YourselfBuilding up to Network Marketing Working with a Limited Number of People Finding Your Way to Franchising Founding a Larger Company Chapter 3: Testing Feasibility Finding Enough Product or People Sizing Up the Market Working Out Whether You Can Make Money Chapter 4: Preparing the Business Plan Finding a Reason to Write a Business Plan Writing up Your Business Plan Using Business Planning Software Presenting Your Plan Chapter 5: Finding the Money Assessing How Much Money You Need Reviewing Your Financing Options. Determining the Best Source of FinanceGoing for Debt Sharing Out the Spoils Finding Free Money Chapter 6: Operating Effectively Taking the Make-or-Buy Decision Choosing a Supplier Minimising Risk and Assessing Liability Dissecting Directors Finding and Choosing Business Advisers Chapter 7: Improving Performance Checking Your Internal Systems Retaining Customers Improving Productivity Increasing Sales Book II: Accounting Basics Chapter 1: Getting Down to Bookkeeping Basics The Record Keeping of the Business World Wading through Basic Bookkeeping Lingo. Pedalling through the Accounting CycleManaging the Bookkeeping and Accounting System Understanding Accounting Methods Seeing Double with Double-Entry Bookkeeping Differentiating Debits and Credits Chapter 2: Outlining Your Financial Roadmap with a Chart of Accounts Getting to Know the Chart of Accounts Starting with the Balance Sheet Accounts Keeping an Eye on the Profit and Loss Statement Setting Up Your Chart of Accounts Chapter 3: Keeping a Paper Trail Looking at Ledgers Developing Entries for the Ledger Posting Entries to the Ledger Adjusting for Ledger Errors. Using Computerised TransactionsKeeping Journals Establishing a Transaction's Point of Entry Watching Cash Change Hands Managing Sales Like a Pro Keeping Track of Purchases Dealing with Transactions that Don't Fit Posting Journal Information to Accounts Simplifying Your Journaling with Computerised Accounting Chapter 4: Surveying Computer Options Surveying Your Software Options Setting Up Your Computerised Books Chapter 5: Controlling Your Books, Your Records, and Your Money Putting Controls on Your Business's Cash Keeping the Right Paperwork.