xx ◾ Introduction
About This Book
“You don’t have to be a meteorologist to know which way the
wind is blowing.”
The Guide demysties the process of founding a rm from scratch. In writ-
ing this book, I have assumed that you are either (a) thinking of founding
your rm or (b) have already decided to take the plunge. However, are
you entrepreneurial timber? Do you have the leadership skills to raise all
your needed capital? Do you dream of being your own boss and becom-
ing rich in the process? If your answer is “yes” to these questions, then this
book will provide you with a “how-to guide” to entrepreneurial success in
plain English.
Although each chapter stands on its own, the book chapters are arranged
in a sequential, temporal fashion. From soup to nuts as the old saying goes.
In addition, as you progress from chapter to chapter, from an enterprise and
personal standpoint, you should discern the following underlying structure:
Internal components Strategy, tactics, mission, vision
External components Networking, fundraising, alliance-building,
strategic alliances, legal requirements
However, if you are an experienced entrepreneur, you can jump from
chapter to chapter as you please, although I would encourage you to take a
quick glance at the chapters as presented. You may nd some unexpected
golden nuggets.
God created the world in six days. What will you create today?
michael.bright@taylorand-
francis.com