YOU CAN DO IT
A Guide for Starting and Running a Small Business
Revised Edition
April 2018
Thomas L. Greenbaum
Copyright ©2012 by Thomas L. Greenbaum
Copyright ©2018
Permission is granted to copy or reprint portions for any noncommercial use.
ISBN 978-0-9858550-5-5
OTHER BOOKS BY THOMAS L. GREENBAUM
The Practical Handbook & Guide to Focus Group Research
The Handbook for Focus Group Research
The Handbook for Focus Group Research – Revised Edition
Moderating Focus Groups
The Consultant’s Manual
DEDICATION
To the 13,000 SCORE volunteers who donate their time to help small businesses succeed…!
and
To my wife and best friend, Rosalie, who puts up with me every day, and has for 52 years…bless her!
What People Are Saying
This is a must-read book for all of our counselors and clients. It's a gem!
E. Michael O'Malley Chapter
Chair
Fairfield County SCORE
Tom Greenbaum brings a wealth of business knowledge and strategic thinking to the process of starting and managing a small business, but what really makes him exceptional is his ability to translate his advice into practical, actionable steps that get great results.
Jean Haynes
Jean Haynes Consulting, LLC
Working with Tom Greenbaum has been a pleasure. He listens carefully, shows respect for his clients, and asks factual questions. His ability to ask about desired outcomes and possible obstacles provides his clients with direction. His list of resources is extensive.
Pat Duncan Score
Counselor
Fairfield County SCORE
Tom has been a great guide and leveler for me entering the small business entrepreneur arena, a wealth of valuable experience.
James Sheed
President
I reached out to SCORE at a time when my business was in trouble short term as well as long term. Our industry had been contracting for years and the financial crisis was just another punch in the stomach to our business. Tom was assigned to me and from our first meeting was giving me fresh ideas as well as helping me with a more positive attitude toward the future. When we settled on an idea, that was just the start.
Tom was diligent about sticking to a monthly schedule of meetings where we have status updates and set targets for the future. Not only do I have a new, fresh strategy for my business, I am excited to be an entrepreneur again thanks to Tom.
Michael Astorino
President
Fabricare Cleaners
As a small business owner, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked with Tom Greenbaum as a business mentor.
Tom’s candor and his ability to target the areas of our business with precision have been invaluable. I have no doubt, that without Tom’s sound advice and guidance and unwavering willingness to help, we would not be as successful as we are today. His excellent credentials and business acumen have and will continue to be a huge asset to Jumar Marketing.
Judi Virgulak
President
Jumar Marketing
Tom was an exceptional resource during my time of uncertainty and desire for change. Through his ability to listen and understand the issues at hand, he was invaluable in helping me find the direction I was looking for while offering ideas and support that has taken my business to new levels. Thanks Tom!
Kevin Theissen
Principal, Keygate Financial Group
We would like to say how lucky we are as small business owners to be guided and mentored by Tom Greenbaum. He has given us confidence and courage to stay on the slow and steady path to success, as our business is growing to the next level. At times this is a completely overwhelming process, and his practical and straightforward advice has helped us stay focused with clear priorities of where to really put our energy. Since we are not just business owners, but also doing the day to day work, our time is precious and limited. We appreciate the support, guidance and personal investment that Tom has put into helping us grow our business. We feel so lucky to have met him, and each of you that read this book will take away tips and ideas that will help you to have a successful and thriving business. Thank you, Tom, from the bottom of our hearts for helping us get to where we are today, and where we hope to be in the future.
Aileen Tisser M.A., P.T. and Cindy Freedman, OTR Co-Owners of Angelfish Therapy
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book never would have been written had I not joined the SCORE Association over three years ago. This is a wonderful organization of 13,000+ volunteers who work with small businesses to help them achieve their objective. I have enjoyed my time in the Fairfield County Chapter and want to thank our Chairman for the past three years, Mike O’Malley for his help and support. Also, to all those counselors who have co-counseled with me I owe a great deal of appreciation. You have provided excellent wisdom, support and enthusiasm to our sessions with clients and I really value the relationships I have developed in this organization.
A special thanks to John Harmon, an outstanding small business counselor, for writing the chapter about Financial Statements. This is clearly a major contribution to the book, which I never could have completed with his level of professionalism. He is currently Managing Director of Adulant Consulting Services in Trumbull CT.
I also owe special thanks to Bill Gottlin of HR Aspire Consulting, who contributed the chapter on Human Resources. Bill has been my friend and SCORE client for over two years and is a real professional in human resources. I recommend his services all the time and believe that you will understand why when you read the Human Resources Chapter.
I want to express my great appreciation to David Albright, former President of both Godiva Chocolates and Pepperidge Farm for his reading my draft and providing helpful
