Written for small businesses, self-employed individuals, employers, professionals, independent contractors, home businesses, and Internet businesses, Small Time Operator is the most popular business start-up guide ever. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the author covers getting permits and licenses; how to finance a business; finding the right business location; creating and using a business plan; choosing and protecting a business name; deciding whether to incorporate; establishing a complete bookkeeping system; hiring employees; federal, state, and local taxes; buying a business or franchise; dealing with—and avoiding—the IRS; doing business on the Internet; handling insurance, contracts, pricing, trademarks, patents, and much more.