I am just getting into my own webhosting company. This is the first time I have started my own company. Can anyone here suggest a good book on small buisnesses. I don't need a book on web hosting but a book on the legal aspects on starting my company. I need tax info and things like that.

Webdave,

I would suggest speaking to an accountant and attorney instead. The information obtained from them will be more useful and up to date than most books, and when the time comes to file taxes or a legal issue arises, by doing so you will already have the contact established, whereas a book would be of little use.

I agree. I got a bunch of books on starting business, taxes, etc., and honestly, if I'm ever feeling too 'up' and need to get to sleep, they make a great sleep aid.

Both Brian and Chicken make good points, but to answer the question: look at any of the business books from Nolo Publishing. They're up-to-date and pretty clearly written. Easy to find in the bookstores, or at nolo.com.

The general knowledge you gain by reading books on these business topics can be very valuable, although I do agree that asking a lawyer or accountant is usually the best way to get answers to specific questions that come up.

When I incorporated, I used a book to guide me through the process. I believe it was a Nolo book, but I don't have it in front of me so I cannot be sure. It was quite good, and provided a lot of detail on getting started in business.

I also contacted the state of Virginia, and they sent me all sorts of information on getting started as a new business in the state. It was very usefull, and included all of the taxes and licenses I needed to be setup for. I'm sure most states have similar programs.

I would not recommend spending hundreds or thousands on lawyers unless you have specific, complex needs for your business that are not addressed by a general business incorporation guide. For the most part these books are good enough for general usage.

Take care, and good luck,

Brian

Books I got were from nolo, heh. I guess I don't like reading through it all. They posed as many questions as they answered and I ended up choosing something that I feel wasn't right. Ohh, well, - attempt #2!!! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Chicken
Books I got were from nolo, heh. I guess I don't like reading through it all. They posed as many questions as they answered [...]Yeah, I guess that's been true for me too. But I do get a lot of background understanding from them, and at least a refresher for some things I might have learned or should have learned completing that business degree a while back!

Ha who am I kidding? I never had any thought that a finance degree would have anything to do with actually running a business...

I share an extreme need to READ READ READ. Assuming your are in the US, You may inquire with the Secretary of State in your particular area, she/he will point you in the right direction.

The Department of Trade and Economic Development for each state publishes a book annually called "A guide to Starting a Business in (state)". This book is pretty informative and covers everything: Organizational types, Trademarks, regulatory considerations, business plans, accounting, taxes, insurance, business loans and a whole slew of resources for each of those areas including FREE assitance from organizations like S.C.O.R.E.

I agree that contacting a lawyer is a good thing, however he'll start by asking the questions that you could answer for yourself by reading the book.

Three groups you need to be in "ka-hoots" with:
1. a good lawyer;
2. a good tax man;
3. S.C.O.R.E