John English is an Associate Professor in the Australian Innovation Research Centre at the University of Tasmania. He has created and managed a number of small businesses in Australia and the United States. He has published 26 books on small business and related topics including How to Organise and Operate a Small Business in Australia which is now in its eleventh edition.

Contents Figures x Preface x PART A PREPARING FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT 1 The self-employment decision x The power of being small. Types of small businesses. Pros and cons of self-employment. Personal characteristics and success. Management skills and experience. Getting on the launch pad. Risk of failure. 2 Self-employment evaluation x Questionnaire. Extroversion. Approach. Flexibility. Creativity. Planning. Initiative. Independence. Purpose. Emphasis. Determination. 3 Information and assistance xx Business Entry Point. Government agencies. Business Enterprise Centres. Professional advisers. Trade associations. Suppliers. Education and training. Publications. Networking. PART B IDEAS 4 Finding a business opportunity xx The initial idea. IDEAS evaluation method. Opportunity. Risk. Complexity. Feasibility. 5 IDEAS evaluatio