1. Edition - November 2010
25.90 Euro
2010. 336 Pages, Softcover
ISBN-10: 1-907312-52-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-907312-52-6 - John Wiley & Sons






Sample Chapter

Detailed description
A complete and definitive start-up guide, with all the advice you'll ever need to start and run a successful business... straight from the UK's leading entrepreneurs. Anyone who is anyone in the world of entrepreneurship has contributed their expert advice to this unique book. Including:

Theo Paphitis
Deborah Meaden
Peter Jones
Duncan Bannatyne
Sarah Beeny
Doug Richard
Mike Clare
Julie Meyer
Rachel Elnaugh
...and many more!

The Smarta Way to Do Business is the first definitive, all-you-need-to-know guide to bring you real-world insight from people who really know what it takes to grow a successful business; entrepreneurs who've been there, done it, and are doing it now. It's about providing you with all the insider knowledge YOU need to build a successful business right NOW.

The Smarta Way to Do Business is brought to you by Smarta.com, the UK's ultimate resource for business advice, networking and tools. Started by Shaa Wasmund and backed by Dragons' Den stars Theo and Deborah, as well as Bebo founder Michael Birch, the team at Smarta.com are the experts in all things business. Every day Shaa, editor and co-author Matt Thomas and the Smarta team speak to and offer advice to thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs, keeping their finger on the pulse of the UK business scene.

Whether you're just starting out, looking to take your business to the next level or exploring how social media and emerging technologies could treble your customer sales, The Smarta Way to Do Business has the answers you're looking for.

From the contents
Foreword by Theo Paphitis.

Introduction: Been there, done that, DOING IT NOW.

1. The smartest businesses will start this decade.

1.1 New world order: All the rules have changed.

1.2 It's never been easier to get ahead.

1.3 Age of the individual.

1.4 Social media = business.

1.5 Why big really isn't always better.

2. What smart businesses do.

2.1 Become the exception by being exceptional.

2.2 Stay ultra-lightweight and fl exible.

2.3 Put social media at the heart of everything.

2.4 Tell stories people want to hear.

2.5 Collaborate with other smart companies.

2.6 Worship the ground customers walk on.

2.7 Keep bottom-line a top priority.

2.8 Open in the right place, at the right time.

2.9 Make a big deal of the small things.

2.10 Keep it real and honest.

3. What smart people do.

3.1 Realise there's only one Theo Paphitis.

3.2 Temper optimism with realism.

3.3 Stop making excuses and DO IT!

3.4 Build meaningful relationships.

3.5 Work hard, be nice.

3.6 Take calculated risks.

3.7 Kill negativity, nurture creativity.

3.8 Ditch the TV.

3.9 Make success personal.

3.10 Ask for help.

3.11 Work on the business, not in it.

3.12 Understand what people want.

4. How to build a smart business.

4.1 Know what you're doing and why you're doing it.

4.2 Remember ideas are cheap.

4.3 ID your business - make people care.

4.4 Know your customer inside-out.

4.5 Test, develop, test, develop, test ... .

4.6 Make sure the numbers add up.

4.7 Don't assume it, prove it.

4.8 Write a business plan.

4.9 Realise you need cash - but you don't need to roll in it.

4.10 Keep your friends and family.

4.11 Let the bank say 'yes'(they want to).

4.12 Look for a guardian angel (if you're sure that you need one).

5. Work smart.

5.1 Focus on scary but attainable goals.

5.2 Don't let cashflow kill you.

5.3 Drive profitability and productivity.

5.4 Relish the quick win.

5.5 Negotiate on a paperclip.

5.6 Embrace weaknesses.

5.7 Partner up to power on.

5.8 Deliver knock-out sales pitches.

5.9 Tweet your way to the big-time.

5.10 Don't buy advertising.

5.11 Work your website harder.

6. Be smart.

6.1 Only do what you do best.

6.2 Don't be a rock.

6.3 Build an A-team.

6.4 Share the vision, share the wealth.

6.5 Lead from the front.

6.6 DO sweat the small stuff.

6.7 Network your ass off.

6.8 Brand yourself.

6.9 Trust your instinct.

About Smarta.com.

Smarta Sponsors.

Acknowledgements.

Index.