About the author Introduction to the second edition Introduction to the first edition How to use this book   Part One: Before You Start 1.       See your future as an entrepreneur – crystal clear                    2.       How to find your biggest business opportunity                           3.       How to be really sure your business idea will fly                         4.       Business type – what’s possible 5.       Business structure - building in room to grow                             6.       Finding the perfect place – business premises                              7.       Starting up or taking over an existing enterprise                         Part Two: Planning To Succeed 8.       How to write a convincing plan                                                            9.       Where to find the money you need                                             10.     Advisers and mentors and why they’re important                      11.     Timing is everything – how to decide when to start                     Part Three: Finding Customers 12.     Where to look for the best customers                                       13.     How to develop the right brand and image                              14.     Marketing in a nutshell                                                        &nbs

"Robert Ashton spells out what you need to do, step by step, to be a successful entrepreneur. What is unique is the way his book reassures and encourages even the most diffident business starter. This book makes it seem possible." Dawn Whiteley, CEO, National Enterprise Network , www.nationalenterprisenetwork.org       When you’re starting up, practical advice from an expert is like gold dust.   Robert Ashton has started three businesses and sold two, so he knows exactly what you need to succeed. Full of practical tips and real life case studies, this book gets straight to the point with everything you need to know to launch your business with confidence.   How to Start Your Own Business for Entrepreneurs cuts out the waffle so you can: Create a bullet-proof business plan to get the backing you need   Build a powerful brand, perfect for your business   Discover your customers – how to find them and how to keep them Master the day-to-day tasks, including the not-so scary financials   Look to the future, to ensure that your business has one     There’s also a wealth of additional online content so you can find out the latest small business news now. Check out www.robertashton.co.uk or scan the SQUARECODE  on the inside cover.