In times of uncertainty and change, the safest place for your future to lie is within your own hands. Many South Africans would like to become entrepreneurs, but they aren’t always sure where to start. Entrepreneurship holds many opportunities, but there are also pitfalls you should avoid to make sure you get the best from your new business.

Starting Your Own Business is designed to give you, the small business owner, the essential advice you need to succeed in your entrepreneurial venture without having to resort to costly consultants. The book is short and to the point, providing practical information on how to run your business effectively.

Starting Your Own Business looks at the three most common ways of starting a new venture:

• Get started in business – the basics of starting a new business from scratch.

• Become a franchisee – the ins and outs of investing in a franchised business.

• How to buy a small business – what to look out for when buying an existing business.

ERIC PARKER is a well-known entrepreneur and expert on small business and franchising. He has published numerous books on the subject and is a sought-after speaker on business topics. He is currently hosting a small business show on Summit TV called SME Zone.

KURT ILLETSCHKO is a fulltime business writer.

BOB POWER is a business consultant who teaches entrepreneurship at the Wits Business School.