Start-up Smart

Robin Bennett came to business relatively late. No selling lemonade to neighbours from the front garden at age six, cleaning cars with rags or a 4am paper round. A cosseted existence lasted until he became a penniless graduate, which forced him to start his first company, aged 23. All of which goes to show that entrepreneurs are just as often made, not born.Since 1992 he has started eight separate companies – each for less than £5,000. Six still trade, always in the black and never at the expense of high borrowing or the really important stuff, like family and friends.

• Preface About Me 1. Planning for Getting Started Basic Strategies Defining Your Goals Planning and Preparation The Business Plan Sources of Investment Things to Watch Out For Useful Websites 2. Making Money Basic Strategies Marketing Sales Price Negotiation Premises Hiring For the First Time Useful Websites 3. Growing Sensibly Basic Strategies Cash Flow Staff Relations Technology Building a Reputation Suppliers Banks Clients Trade Fairs and Conferences Useful Websites 4. Planning for the Long Term Basic Strategies Creationists, Expansionists and Caretakers Related Markets Foreign Markets Patents and Trademarks Accounting Useful Websites 5. Reflections Basic Strategies Dealing with the Highs What to Do if You Think You Might Fail Conclusion Appendix: A Model Company