The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Small Business

In a state of diminished job security, Americans are choosing to start their own businesses at a record rate. Many of these "accidental entrepreneurs" are corporate refugees who have chosen self-employment by default. Nonetheless, aspiring business people need the insider information that only an Unofficial Guide can provide. Author Diana Lynn -- a small business owner who has written several books and regularly lectures on small business concerns -- explains: the lowdown on networking, selling your services, hiring and firing, and tax issues; the benefits of becoming your own boss -- as well as the pitfalls; the savviest ways to keep overhead and expenses to a minimum; and the inside scoop on where to find office space, cheaper supplies, temporary help, and more.