Are you a college student or recent graduate with a great idea fora business? You're not alone. All across the country, more and more studentsare seeking advice on starting their own businesses. Theentrepreneurial spirit is thriving at Harvard, where many students,past and present, have become successful business owners--evenfounders of Fortune 500 companies. Now, some of the bright minds ofthe Harvard Entrepreneurs Club, a recognized student organizationof Harvard College, have compiled their business knowledge andexperience into one comprehensive manual to aid students in makingtheir entrepreneurial dreams come true. This professional andpractical guide will take you step by step through the process ofstarting and maintaining a business. Poonam Sharma and fellowmembers of the Club have tailored this useful resource to theunique issues and obstacles that students will face. You'll receiveinvaluable advice on formulating a business plan, advertising,legal protection, business ethics, and much more. Even if you have no professional experience, little marketingknow-how, or even a small bank account, this book can teach you howto join the ever-growing ranks of students who know firsthand thepleasure--and the profit--that come from being your own boss andbringing your business idea to life.

This second edition covers the Internet and alternative sources of funding that have developed since the first edition was published. The examples given are updated, legal issues are revised and financial statements reflect 21st-century figures.

In 2017 34% of the workforce was considered part of the gig economy. This growing workforce of freelancers and side-giggers is also estimated to grow to 43% by 2020. That’s 4 million freelancers, soon to be 7 million by 2020. Whether it’s people looking to earn extra money, those tired of their 9-to-5, to entrepreneurs looking to grow their side hustle, Entrepreneur is uniquely qualified to guide a new generation of bold individuals looking to live their best lives and make it happen on their own terms. Whatever industry or jobs this new workforce takes, Start Your Own Business will guide them through the first three years of business. They’ll gain the know-how of more than 30 years of collective advice from those who’ve come before them to: How to avoid analysis paralysis when launching a business Tips for testing ideas in the real-world before going to market with insights from Gary Vaynerchuk Decide between building, buying, or becoming a distributor What to consider when looking for funding from venture capitalists, loans, cash advances, etc. Whether or not a co-working space is a right move Tips on running successful Facebook and Google ads as part of a marketing campaign Use micro-influencers to successfully promote your brand on social media

Be Your Own Boss Whether you're looking to earn extra money or are ready to grow your side hustle, Start Your Own Business is the first step toward entrepreneurship. With more than 40 years of experience and advice shared on Entrepreneur.com and in Entrepreneur magazine, the team at Entrepreneur Media is uniquely qualified to guide a new generation of bold individuals like you looking to make it happen on their own terms. Coached by business experts, practicing business owners, and thriving entrepreneurs, Start Your Own Business uncovers what you need to know before taking the plunge, securing finances, launching your venture, and growing your business from startup to household name. Learn how to: Avoid analysis aralysis when launching a business Define and research your ideal audience Test ideas in the real world before going to market Pitch and win funding from venture capitalists, apply for loans, and manage cash advances Evaluate if a co-working space is the right move for you Run successful Facebook and Google ads as part of your marketing campaign Use micro-influencers to successfully promote your brand on social media

The founder of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company offers insider tips on raising captital, marketing, making deals, hiring employees, and creating quality products

The one primer you need to develop your entrepreneurial skills. Whether you're imagining your new business to be the next big thing in Silicon Valley, a pivotal B2B provider, or an anchor in your local community, the HBR Entrepreneur's Handbook is your essential resource for getting your company off the ground. Starting an independent new business is rife with both opportunity and risk. And as an entrepreneur, you're the one in charge: your actions can make or break your business. You need to know the tried-and-true fundamentals--from writing a business plan to getting your first loan. You also need to know the latest thinking on how to create an irresistible pitch deck, mitigate risk through experimentation, and develop unique opportunities through business model innovation. The HBR Entrepreneur's Handbook addresses these challenges and more with practical advice and wisdom from Harvard Business Review's archive. Keep this comprehensive guide with you throughout your startup's life--and increase your business's odds for success. In the HBR Entrepreneur's Handbook you'll find: Step-by-step guidance through the entrepreneurial process Concise explanations of the latest research and thinking on entrepreneurship from Harvard Business Review contributors such as Marc Andreessen and Reid Hoffman Time-honed best practices Stories of real companies, from Airbnb to eBay You'll learn: Which skills and characteristics make for the best entrepreneurs How to gauge potential opportunities The basics of business models and competitive strategy How to test your assumptions--before you build a whole business How to select the right legal structure for your company How to navigate funding options, from venture capital and angel investors to accelerators and crowdfunding How to develop sales and marketing programs for your venture What entrepreneurial leaders must do to build culture and set direction as the business keeps growing