Reviewed by STEVEN GARDENER
Small Business Survival Tactics is just that: a book on tactics that all businesses should employ to give their business every chance to succeed.
It is presented in a clear point-by-point style and contains an abundance of good advice.
The book runs the risk of trying to answer too
many questions, since it covers such a wide subject, but is saved by the "expert tips" and "danger" boxes dotted throughout. Senior and McBride launch straight into the tactics with a section on "How to keep ahead."
Next is a chapter devoted to frequently asked questions. Here you find subjects as diverse as green businesses, shoplifting, inventory and time management. But don't expect an in-depth thesis on these. The name of the game here is be brief and to the point.
Legal issues are discussed, with space given to leases, company liabilities and a good section on covering your business against accidents and damages, using some excellent examples.
What stood out for me was the section on debt-collecting. This topic is covered in detail: when to chase the money, how to chase the money and what other tactics are open if you decide to take further action.
The next two chapters get to the nitty-gritty - money. The first deals with accounting and explains some of the scary accounting terms such as balance sheet, profit-and-loss statements and ratio analysis.
The next is all about cashflow and how to use it to your best advantage.
The book covers human resources issues, including hiring and firing and disciplinary procedures, with the emphasis on staying out of court.
It looks at motivation and why it makes a big difference in whether your business is successful. And it gives pointers as to why you should be on the web.
My only concern here is that because the book is sponsored by Telecom, the exclusion of all other options apart from those offered by Telecom mean this part is not objective.
* Enterprise Publications
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