Build a business that survives and thrives in any economy Economists are predicting a bright future ahead for business start-ups. But with big changes underway in the business and economic landscapes, doing business in a post-recession world will pose new challenges while offering exciting new opportunities. This edition of the start-up classic shows you how to build a business agile and sturdy enough to weather any storm. Packed with instructive real-life examples and links to hundreds of valuable resources, Starting a Business For Dummies gives you what you need to make the leap from employee to successful entrepreneur with confidence. Take the first steps - business start-up guru Colin Barrow walks you through your first steps, from testing and developing your idea to writing a winning plan, getting start-up money and beyond Built to last - everything you need to manage and grow your new business, including branding and marketing, hiring and firing, budgeting and bookkeeping The lay of the land - Barrow guides you through the new business and economic landscapes Open the book and find: How to structure your business The keys to writing a winning business plan Where to look for and how to land funding and business support Proven tricks for successfully marketing your wares The smartest ways to find, recruit and manage the best staff How to keep your business humming at peak efficiency and profitability Learn to: Find funding and business support in challenging times Control costs, increase margins and learn budgeting for beginners Be better prepared for economic ups and downs Use the latest technology efficiently and profitably and create an online presence