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Starting Your First - Reviews & Endorsements Atlas Books — Author Spotlight on Jim Sapp Books and Authors — Interview Heartland Reviews — April 2004 As a past developer and adjunct professor of small business management and entrepreneurial courses, I found this to be a very good practical guide for start-up businesses. The book is filled with little theory and lots of real-world resources and examples. One of the most important aspects is how the author keeps the reader focused on what really counts: from where to get seed money to how to prioritize one’s time. The author is a national business consultant, a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award, and a National Blue Chip Enterprise award winner. We rated this book a high four hearts. -- Bob Spears Independent Publisher Online — August 24, 2004 Here's a business start-up book that truly "tells it like it is." Even though it's part of The American Dream Series, author Jim Sapp "gets real" right away, urging new business starter-uppers to do some heavy soul-searching and personality assessment. Following your dreams is one thing, but owning and operating your own business certainly can't be done with a dreamy attitude. Business ownership isn't for everyone, says Sapp, especially not the indecisive, pessimistic, or otherwise faint of heart. He sprinkles the book with frank "Reality Checks" and warnings about the difficulties, stress, and need for careful research, planning and resource gathering. With suggestions like forming an advisory board, using SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), and applying for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans, Sapp is all about using available resources and assistance, including his own products — his www.sappbiz.com website offers many helpful documents and forms, including and a free Business Plan Checklist. Fully one third of the book deals with money — raising, managing and controlling it. And that's a good way to sum up this excellent business how-to book: It's "on the money." -- James Barnes, Editor, www.IndependentPublisher.com InBusiness Magazine, August 2004 When I was embarking on my first entrepreneurial venture, I could have used this book. A decade or so ago, I leaned on Paul Hawken’s (of Smith and Hawken fame) “Growing a Business” for its philosophical and inspirational qualities. It’s a book that I still recommend today. In the “how-to” department, I never really found a definitive book. I relied upon Welsh and White’s “The Entreprenuer’s Master Planning Guide” and Joseph R. Mancuso’s “How to Start, Finance and Manage Your Own Small Business,” among others. Each offered something different. Mancuso’s book served up some business plan examples that were good models from which to work. Welsh and White did a better job in the step-by-step department, but its high-mindedness detracted at times from being a playbook. Billed as a combination of “how-to” and inspiration, Jim Sapp’s “Starting Your First Business” doesn’t disappoint on either end. He lays out the basic foundation of starting a business, yet sprinkles in his real-world experiences and life lessons judiciously. This keeps the reader’s interest. Additionally, Rylinn Publishing gets points for the fine layout. Though mostly devoid of graphics, the company makes great use of shading, bullet points and white space. A decent text size and open spacing make reading this book a visual pleasure as well as an intellectual one. -- Rick Wilkerson Miami Herald Jim Sapp's book is a veritable Swiss Army Knife for business start-ups. He has put together a collection of exercises, self-exams and step-by-step tutorials for the preparation and establishment of new enterprises. Moreover, Sapp smartly suggests a number of government and private agencies that advise and support infant commercial endeavors. He also gets into legal issues, as well as human resources, marketing, pricing and so on, and even weighs the advantages and disadvantages of partnerships, franchises, sole proprietorships, family businesses and other structures. Well-organized and easy to use, Sapp's book is an excellent primer for prospective entrepreneurs. Midwest Book Review Knowledgeably written by Jim R. Sapp (a national business consultant and winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award), Starting Your First Business: Gain Independence And Love Your Work is a handy, practical, and all-inclusive guide to the basics of starting a business, ranging from setting up; to getting the necessary initial capital; to building an effective staff; to sales and marketing for commercial success, and so much more. A straightforward, clearly presented, and no-nonsense primer, Starting Your First Business is specifically written for and recommended to the non-specialist general reader determined to become the skilled owner of a profitable business. Nebraska Magazine A tough job market and rebounding economy are contributing to the historic growth rate in new small businesses. People are craving self-reliance as the illusion of job security crumbles. A recent study quoted in the Wall Street Journal revealed that more than 60 percent of Americans surveyed dream of owning their own business. Unfortunately, the vast majority of new business owners have little experience starting or running a business. Jim Sapp, founder and director of the [American] Small Business Institute, gives budding entrepreneurs solid advice on developing their skills. Learn how to lay the groundwork, structure a company, find start-up money, hire and manage employees, find the right sales and marketing techniques, choose the right financing, and manage cash. Realistic case studies show step-by-step how each decision is made and the results of both good and bad ones. A former Indiana CEO of the Year, Sapp is the founder and former president of Indy Lube Service Co. Inc., and president of eSapp Consulting LLC and Rylinn Publishing LLC. -- Andrea Wood Cranford, Editor Sacramento Business Journal — Book Review Jim. R. Sapp, a serial entrepreneur turned consultant, has written Starting Your First Business, a very readable 230-page paperback with few wasted words. Startup primers are hardly rare on the ever-expanding business-book shelf, but Sapp's is a welcome addition. Solid topical organization is a hallmark of his book, as is the breadth of subjects, some of which an eager but naive entrepreneur could overlook: thinking through the original business notion, protecting assets, finding startup cash, money management, making the best use of time, sales and marketing, hiring staff, wages and benefits, determining product pricing, evaluating numbers, among other things. Moreover, though many of Sapp's tips and suggestions are brief, they shouldn't be mistaken for shallow. Rylinn Publishing LLC seeks a reasonable $17.95 for the work. The Small Press Book Review Sapp's Starting Your First Business stands out among the shelf of small-business, entrepreneurial self-help works for its substantive content and experienced advice. As the subtitle connotes, Sapp connects with the reader in understanding the enthusiasm and optimism motivating the small businessperson. Sapp is encouraging while concentrating on what is required to give a small business a solid footing and make it successful in the long run. In covering marketing, financing, management, growth, and other basics, the author goes into more depth and also includes information not found in other beginning business books. There are also some topics not even covered in other books. Sapp does this in a succinct, reader-friendly style. Sapp has been recognized in the field of entrepreneurialism by awards and as an active speaker and consultant. He is the founder and director of the American Small Business Institute for educating small businesses and helping them to find funding. His Starting Your First Business is comprehensive, relevant, and useful in dealing with the tasks, skills, and decisions called for by the founder and linchpin of a business. It is especially helpful in the area of working with others, whether these be lending institutions, employees, partners, customers, or suppliers. Anyone involved in a first business from planning and start-up through operation for the first year or two would profit much from Sapp's Starting Your First Business. -- Henry Berry, Book Reviewer Endorsements Lori Geishecker WBIX-AM Radio Your mixture of real-life case studies, resources, and step-by-step actions decreases the learning curve of the potential business owner and increases the likelihood of success. It's a great read!
Jim's book came along just in time for me. I'm pregnant with my second child and came up with a business idea of my own. I read Jim's book and it has given me some valuable information. His book is very easy to read and understand. I especially appreciate the stories of different businesses as they have started out and their trials and tribulations down the road. I know my new business won't run smoothly at first, but with Jim's help I will have more smoothness than bumps.
Former Business Owner Author, Reflections of Adoption Jim Sapp has included so much valuable information in this book that it's equivalent to getting the knowledge from several college courses for only a fraction of the cost! There are so many “how to” books on the market—but when the author shares his successes and his failures it gives the reader a truly realistic picture of the highs and lows of starting a business. Jim has taken most of the suspense out of it, so entrepreneurs can take off with their project! I previously owned an interior design business for 7 years. I was so excited by this book I want to think of a new business to start!
Director of Tradeshows and Customer Service Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Where was this book when I was growing up? My father was a young Hispanic man who dreamed of owning his own business in America. He tried many times—with a body shop, restaurant, real estate office, insurance agency, building company, used car lot and others—but in each case he failed. If he’d had this book, he might have gone to the SBA and applied for a small business loan to help make his dream come true.  Craig HansonSenior Associate Sustainable Enterprise Institute World Resources Institute Starting Your First Business provides valuable insights from a seasoned and accomplished entrepreneur. I recommend it for anyone thinking about starting a new business.
Dentist I found the section on dealing with stress in the workplace very helpful. The examples are real and easy to relate to. I highly recommend this quick read for anyone in business.
Business Attorney I really thought I needed a partner to help with everything. But after reading Starting Your First Business, I gained the confidence to begin the process by myself. This is an easy to understand foundational resource that I recommend to all contemplating entrepreneurship.  Mike BeaudoinOwner Star Janitorial Services, LLC I wish I had read Starting Your First Business earlier. I made a lot of expensive mistakes setting up and beginning operations for my company. I found the section “Make it Internet Friendly” especially helpful. It broke things down so simply that even a non-computer person—like me—could understand the importance of a professional email address and website design.  Ken YontzExecutive Vice President Sales Partner Systems This book is a “must read” for anyone considering starting their own business. I suggest that you read it cover to cover before you take another step. Then use it as a reference guide to help you through each phase of your project.  Larry NorthupDirector of Government Affairs Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Having run a small business for over 13 years, I recognized many of the mistakes and shortcomings described in Jim Sapp’s book. Perhaps if the book had been written three years ago, I’d still be running that business!
Senior Fellow in Regulatory Studies National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation I taught Small Business Finance at Georgetown University for 10 years. Most students assume that customers will "walk through the door." Frequently that is not the case. This book will be helpful, and I know it will be well received. The Glossary at the end of the book is a major positive.
Business Accountant Finally, an honest blueprint for starting your own business! The worksheets are a must for all new business owners. Joe Grendys, CEO Koch Foods, Inc. If you need financing for your small business, this is the book for you! Jim Sapp walks you step by step through the funding process—from developing your business plan to applying for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan—and gives you the tools to do it successfully.
Business Owner Many small businesses—even those with great products—fail within the first two years because of a lack of business knowledge, incomplete planning, or insufficient financing. Jim Sapp shares the knowledge he's gained during his twenty years of business experience to help first-time business owners manage their businesses to success. Dr. H. N. Sievers ER Physician The glossary is great for helping me understand the jargon of the business world.
Department of Decision Sciences College of Business East Carolina University As an educator, I know the importance of helping new business people understand the realities and liabilities of a business. Starting Your First Business by Jim Sapp does an outstanding job of providing examples and reality checks that demonstrate what small business is like and how to handle various situations. |
