Be the Boss is a compilation of lessons learned throughout my professional life. AlthoughIve started many businesses, my greatest success was founding Medicine ShoppeInternational, Inc., a franchisor of more than a thousand retail pharmacies, with 2004collective revenues in excess of $2 billion. In 1995, Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) acquiredMedicine Shoppe in a transaction valued at approximately $360 million.Every business I started was exactly that, a startupand all startups are small businesses.Some grow big. Some start off with a vision to become big but never achieve it. Otherssimply continue to grow because they are operated correctly, have a great mission, andtake on a life all their own. Ive been fortunate enough to have been involved in several public offerings, all of which started as small businesses.I have created this guide for those who want to start a new business, purchase an existingbusiness, or buy a franchise. Each of these endeavors requires unique skillsand presentsunique challenges. By following my practical recommendations, you should be able tomaximize each business opportunity and reduce risk. If Id had a book like this beforestarting my fi rst business, I could have saved lots of money not to mention manysleepless nights!Because most businesses involve some type of sales, I have included a section on theselling process. My sales philosophy has served me well throughout my business career.These proven principles and practical techniques can help you dramatically increase yoursales.
