The Big Book of Small Business: You Don't Have to Run Your Business by the Seat of Your Pants

by Phil Bolsta and Tom Gegax

Book Overview

Your shoes are charred from stomping out brush fires. You have nightmares about UFOs--Unreachable Financial Objectives. All-star interviewees turn into duds. Meetings cause more problems than they solve. The office is a ghost town at 5:01 p.m. Does this sound familiar? Tom Gegax knows what that is like. Years after running his Tires Plus franchise by the seat of his pants, blissfully unaware of how little he knew about getting the most out of people...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061206695
• ISBN13: 9780061206696
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The first "Cliff Notes" for how to run a business.

If you could take all the best practices of business today and consolidate them into one manual, you would have an invaluable book but it would be about the size of the average American house. I believe "The Big Book for Small Business" by Tom Gegax is the "Cliff Notes" version of these best practices, I found this guide to be extremely valuable as an entrepreneur who owns four businesses and have made it required reading for all my employees. Since one of my businesses is in an emerging market, I have done the unthinkable. I have sent my competitors CEO's copies of the book as well because I also believe in what Tom so eloquently stated, "A rising tide raises all boats". If we as industry can all utilize the advice contained in this book, our industry will grow to its incredible potential. This is the best business book I have ever read and find myself coming back to it time and time again for strategy and execution ideas. This is 100% meat and zero fluff. My sincere congratulations to the author for delivering a business book masterpiece. Best Regards, Brian Brasch, President Branick Industries Inc.

MUST READ

Have you ever been stuck on an important issue and did not know where to turn?, did you ever wonder what would an expert do in this situation?, from employee reviews, Strategic Planning, Building your Brand, creating a atmosphere that is positive and fun for everyone to be in, Tom's book is your reference. This is the book (business bible) I keep closest to me while sitting at my desk. When a little question comes up in my mind what would Tom do? I simply turn you my Business Bible and read the simple outline Tom has created for me and that's it. In minutes I have an answer. "The Big Book of Small Business" is a must read for all management. I purchased this book for all my team members and we have 30 minute meetings each week and go over a chapter it not only keeps all of us thinking as a team but opens us up to better communication and role playing. Tom I thank you so much for writing this and sharing your experience with us it has made a big difference in the Success at ALSI.

Roadmap to Business Success

I was with Tom at Tires Plus for over 25 years. Tom was always a strong advocate for education, and is now sharing this talent with small businesses that seek his help. The Big Book of Small Business is a "must read" for any individual starting a new business or for those who are already involved in one. This book offers a quick business overview and is also an excellent reference tool. Don Gullett, Co-Founder Tires Plus

Maynard Howe, PhD, Chief Executive Officer

The principles set forth in Tom Gegax's book, The Big Book of Small Business, are sound and if applied to your business will have a significant impact on your bottom line - I know, because I have used them. Where most books on business are heavy on theory, this book provides practical solutions based on real-life experiences - solutions that can be applied to any business - solutions that will result in an immediate payoff. This book is for every leader interested in improving their personal performance and that of their company. It truly is a decision maker's guide to best practices.