INTRODUCTION
PART A PREPARING FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT
1. The self-employment decision
The power of being small. Diversity of small businesses. Pros and cons of self-employment. Personal characteristics and success. Management skills and experience. Taking the plunge. Risk of failure. Summary.
2. Information and assistance
Choosing and an accountant. Choosing a solicitor. Finding a mentor. Business Enterprise Centre. Trade association. Australian Institute of Company Directors. Networking. State and territory small business agencies. Commonwealth government. Training programs. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Why do I want to be self-employed?
PART B GETTING STARTED
3. Pathways into business
Parallel opportunities. New market opportunities. New product and service opportunities. Buying a Business. Buying a franchise. Starting from scratch. Summary.
4. Start-up nuts and bolts
Legal structure. What's in a name? Business Registration Service. Licences and permits. Insurance. Summary.
5. Business plan
Myths and reality of planning. Putting your plan on paper. Sample business plan. Adapting to change. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Evaluating the Risks
PART C MARKETING PLAN
6. Marketing strategy
Understanding your customers. Customer information. Positioning your business. Products and services. Distribution. Promotion. Pricing. Marketing mix. Summary.
7. Traditional marketing
Direct marketing. Media advertising. Writing advertising copy. Publicity. Sponsorship. Personal selling. Summary.
8. Digital marketing
What is digital marketing? Do I need a website? Search engines and directories. Email marketing. Online promotion. Social media. Mobile marketing. Getting help. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Capturing the Target Market
PART D OPERATIONS PLAN
9. Operating practices
Service operations. Retail operations. Online operations. Manufacturing operations. Summary.
10. Location and layout
Temporary premises. Home-based business. Retail premises. Service businesses. Manufacturing premises. Local government regulations. Negotiating a lease. Summary.
11. Employing staff
Legal framework. Designing a job. Hiring new staff. Motivation and performance. Staff turnover. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Creating a Smooth Operation
PART E FINANCIAL PLAN
12. Financial information
Paper trail. Accounting system. Balance sheet. Income statement. Financial ratios. Monitoring performance. Summary.
13. Managing liquidity
Operating cycle. Managing accounts receivable. Managing inventory. Managing accounts payable. Managing cash flow. Overcoming problems. Summary.
14. Managing profitability
Cost structure. Contribution margin. Break-even point. Product and service profitability. Customer profitability. Market channel profitability. Monitoring costs. Summary.
15. Financing and taxation
Borrowing money. Leasing. Equity capital. Government grants. Australian taxation system. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Financial Forecasts
Appendix: Assessing Commercial Potential
