In the Black: Living the American Dream by Owning and Operating Your Own Small Business

Author Steve Giroux was introduced to entrepreneurship at age thirteen and went on to create and run two successful, small businesses. He will be the first to say that small business ownership is a beast of its own. Even those with vast knowledge in business can find themselves stumbling to find their way on the path to success when it comes to running their own show. In the Black details every aspect that is key to being successful in business. Filled with real-life examples, this guide shares Giroux's journey of self-employment and the failures and successes. He offers a host of advice and tips on a variety of topics including: mentoring and networking; goal setting and perseverance; putting your time in; creating a business plan; understanding the business and sales life cycle; marketing; systematizing your business through outsourcing and automation; providing customer service and retaining customers; accounting and taxes; building a solid team; recession-proofing your business and your life; continuing education in small business; and winning. In the Black presents a firsthand look at what entrepreneurship is all about, sharing a treasure chest of information gleaned from more than seventeen years in the industry. For those serious about owning their own business or bringing an existing company to the next level, this guide helps change the way you think about and run your business for the better.