Feedback to the author

Just purchased the book on the 27th November. Amazed at how much the first few days or weeks have been just like ours, and it is nice to read that we have been doing, and obviously, now we have the book will be doing things correctly in the future. Am hoping with the information in the book will fill in a few gaps in our business. Loks like this was possibly one of the best buys we have made for our business to date!!!

Hi pmb,

Thanks for your kind feedback. Do let us know how you get on in the coming weeks - perhaps you could keep a pilots log? :)

What will your business be doing?

steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, flyingstartups.com

Hi Steve,
will be doing a pilots log as soon as we can find our way around!!!
We are already a few weeks ahead of the book at this stage, but have decieded to begin at the beginning of the book. The business itself is a few moths old now, (knowing then what we know now springs to mind!!!) so we have already made a few promising contacts. The book has been invalueable to us to date, showing us what we have done, and will be doing in future, and that some of the ideas we have had are not as silly as we first thought.
The business covers a wide range of the security sector, and stems from many years working experience previous to setting up.
Our web address is www.mssi.co.uk if you have a few spare minutes to have a look, any feedback would be appreciated.

Regards,
Paul Martin-Beades
www.mssi.co.uk

Hi Paul

I've just had a look around your website, and it's looking good.

What I like:
1. It's immediately clear what you do.
2. The site is easy to navigate.
3. There are full contact details at the bottom of each page.
4. The design looks good.

So you've got the major things sorted.

Ideas for improvement:
1. I'd lose the first two paragraphs on the front page.
2. Have some kind of 'call to action' on each page. Something like 'contact us now to get peace of mind: Email..... Phone .....'
3. Have an 'about us' page which tells us about the two of you who founded the company. What is your background? Why should we trust you? Why should we choose you instead of anyone else?
4. Have a page of 'our recent work', and without breaching any confidentiality (names have been changed to protect our clients), describe some of the recent contracts you have undertaken for clients. That gives people more ideas as to how they can use you. As you are just starting up it may take a while before you can do this.

There are also ways that you can improve your ranking on search engines. I had a look at the code of your web pages, and you could do with putting in some 'meta tags' for keywords and description. For details of what this means and how to do it see this useful page:
http://webmonkey.wired.com/webmonkey/96/51/index2a.html?tw=authoring

Your keywords could be 'midlands, birmingham, security, investigation, enquiry, bodyguard, investigator' etc, but don't have too many!

Does anyone else have any views on Paul's website?

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Steve !

Got your book as I was travelling back from London and "stumbled" across it at the airport bookstore. I'm not thinking of starting up a business (just yet), but I was extremely interested in what type of advice you'd be giving. Well, after reading only the first three chapters I must say that you have a lot of sound advice and I love the structured approach. More feedback as I get further into the book. It's superb to be able to contact you and give you feedback ... this is certainly a big plus.

I have a question: Have you thought about having a foreign version of your book ?, E.g. in German (I live in Switzerland), or French ? Of course, you'd need to tailor it to the local legal and business requirements etc. Perhaps I can be of help if you are thinking of expanding your horizons ... just a thought.

Anyway, thanks for raising my inquisitive mind and attention to your book.

Ted K. Ling

P.S. Not Chinese, but British !!

Hi Ted

Thanks for your kind comments. My publisher has mentioned in passing the possibility of doing localised versions of the book for different countries, but that would only happen either:

1. As a result of the book being a roaring success here (and it's too early to tell within two weeks of publication). It'll take two years or so this way.

or

2. As a result of a partnership with a major international company (such as a bank) who would sponsor the project. This'd be quicker. Know anyone? ;)

I look forward to hearing your further feedback when you've read more of the book - I hope you still like it!

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Steve,

to 1.) I can wait :-)

to 2.) I do have some contacts and I could certainly ask. Let me read the book ... I'll get back to you on this in the New Year.

Thanks.
Ted

Have started a log and think your book is exactly right for me. I have just decided to set up a business as a Virtual Assistant and I want to do things properly, not just see if I can get a few clients via friends or family. I was looking for a "guidebook" and considered about half a dozen on the shelves. The cover design is a winner and the layout and clear format for using the book decided me within about 5 mins of studying what was available.

Am up to week 5 tonight - had already done most of the to do's up to this point. I will be recording how I get on with the book and my business in my log.

Congratulations.

Hi Valerie

Great to hear from you, and thanks for the compliments about the book. I do hope it proves useful to you.

I'm really pleased that you've started a pilots log, and I'll be following it with interest.

I think there's a lot of potential in a Virtual Assistant business - so good luck and have fun!

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hello
I have started reading the book as I am planning my own birthday party business. I am reading the whole book first and then I will go through step by step.
I have found the information very useful as a starting point to focus my ideas.
I am finding it difficult to access/find the proformas in the book.
For example where is the decision grid described on p89? and can I get a computer version of the monthly budget sheet?
Thanks Vicmiester

First of all thank you Steve.

I bought your book yesterday and read it in one go last night. I have been thinking about launching a business for the last year or so and now with your help I feel I can do it.

The structure is great, and although I know I can complete the tasks in less than 6 months (having read many books previously, being experienced in my field and having started the prep already) the simple realisation that starting a business is a process rather than an action was worth the cover price alone.

The other "Start your own business" books I have seen and read are AWFUL, with the exception of the Prentice Hall book on business plans (the big expensive weighty one!) and the Beermat Entrepreneur (or Beermat Business Plan - I forget which).

You deserve to feel pretty smug and make a lot of cash!

I would like to echo the feedback above however, there is no decision grid as promised in the book and sample cash flow sheets would be helpful as the text explanation whilst thorough, is not as easy to understand as would be an example.

I shall keep you posted on progress...do you hold any non-exec directorships and would you be interested in this?

Hi Steve,
many thanks for your remarks on site. It took a while, but its been done. Just waiting for all those search engines to send all the business our way!!!

Paul Martin-Beades
Midlands Security, Surveying and Ivestigation
www.mssi.co.uk

Hi Steve

I attended the Business Startup exhib. London's Excel last Nov. looking for inspiration, advice and a decent 'what the hell do I do now book' to take home.

I left with your book because it was only book I could find that wasn't dry or American self-help style. BUT most importantly the magic words 'Week by Week' on the front cover leapt out at me and I thought 'thank God someone's had the intelligence to write down how to start up businesses in recipe style, WONDERFUL! it makes so much sense'. Inside the cover the book is written in very acessible way, the content is well organised, it's full of useful de-mystifying information, and is nicely peppered with stories and anecdotes to keep you going through the darker hours. It is going to have a heavy hand in making my idea come to life. I am going to sell petite women's clothing.

Oh and I also bought your book because of all the people I spoke to at the fair (and there were many) about my idea you were the most personable, helpful, and positive. You gave me some really sound advice, cheers for that!

Will start a log V soon.

Lisa Lam

Happy New Year Everyone

Thanks bushpig media (or may i call you bush? :) That's the only problem with nicknames, I don't know anyones real names!)

I'm really glad to hear you like the book, and are finding it valuable in starting your business.

You mention the missing decision grid - and you're right - we spotted that just a few days after the book hit the shops. We spent so much time checking and re-checking, but there's always something that slips through the net. Sorry. You can find a lot of information about [?link:startyourbusiness/week09 Decision Grids in Week 9 on this website]. I've written a lot of extra detail and examples to make up for the omission in the book.

I'll also take up your comment about sample cash flow sheets, and I'll produce some to go on this website very soon.

Regarding non-exec positions, I'm afraid I'm already fully committed - I have my own companies to run, two more books to write, there are three companies I have been mentoring for a while, and I've just become Chief Executive of the Institute of Entrepreneurs. I'm very flattered by the invitation though - and pleased to see that you're the kind of entrepreneur who's not afraid to ask...go for it!

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Lisa

I remember you well....thanks for the lovely feedback.

I look forward to reading your pilots log!

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Vicmiester,

You've spotted the absence of the decision grid too. Sorry about that! To make up for it I've written a really big section about it on this website, see [?link:startyourbusiness/week09 the decision grid in Week 09].
You can find the [?link:node/189 monthly personal budget here].

I'll soon be putting up documents for the later stages of the book.

Good luck with your business, and have fun!

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

A great book Steve. I got in tonight after reading 8 chapters on the plane and I think I've bored the wife to sleep! I look forward to reading the other chapters, which I will read in full, then re-read and enact as other readers appear to be doing.

On teensy weeensy thing (not about the book but the website).. the image of the cover of the book is humungous, 74K humungous to be exact. Any chance it can be trimmed down a shade? I know its a nice pic and those of us with broadband are ok, but think of the dialups..

Sorry to moan.. just thinking of usablilty :D

Steve,

I have found your book incredibly helpful. For the past year I have read several books about starting businesses, as well as life stories about entrepreneurs. Although I found these books to be very uplifting and inspiring, I didn't find them very helpful in regards to directing me towards achieving my own business leanings. It was by accident that I found your book, and I am incredibly thankful that I did. The book has helped to put order into a complex system. I like the homework bits at the end of the chapters, as it has helped me to focus on specific tasks. Starting a business can be quite daunting. I found that breaking things up into smaller chunks of information and action ideal for my situation and my very scattered mind! The website has also been a boost, as I have gotten lots of comments and feedback from my ideas. I have been raving about the book and the website to my friends and even today, I bought the book for a like-minded friend. She will surely benefit from it as much as I have.
Thanks again...
Cassandra

Hi Popey

Good feedback about the image - that's now fixed. As you're a fellow anorak I can explain that we were using Imagemagick to autogenerate thumbnails, but it seemed to not be very efficient. We've now put up just a bog standard jpeg at 13k !

Thanks for pointing it out.

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Got the book 2 weeks ago, and so far its exactly what I needed. It has spurred me into action instead of thinking "its all too difficult & risky, best stick to the day job". Which has been my perspective since I had my first idea 17 years ago (and I'm only 30!)

I've been doing the daydreaming in chapter 2, and the temptation to dive ahead to chapter 3 is strong!

This book is full of small steps, and its really working for me

I'm going to explore the website now and see what people are up to. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

katy

..but I put it on now and then..

:D

The image looks much better now. Dunno why imagemagick would muck it up like that.. probably a raft of command line options required :D

Thanks for taking note.

I've been contemplating setting up a business with a colleague for 6 months and we've just taken the leap and set up our limited company.

I got your book as a Christmas present and it's taken the scary elements out of the business and really getting me excited in the possibilities of where our new venture could go.

As you told us off for skipping ahead I've been strict in doing all the exercises you suggest and they really work. Focusing on what we're aiming for with visual links associated with our daydreaming reminds me why I'm doing this and encourages me. I look forward to the forthcoming chapters.

Pindy

Got the book this morning, and felt the need to check out the website. Already read first three chapters - don't worry I will do all the tasks - promise! Just a little keen that I've found a book that's really helping me out. The Emma thing is an absolutely genius idea - well done to you! Been wanting to start my own business for ages and this year is the year to do it.

Thanks Again for a fantastic book.

I'll keep you posted

Kelly

Hi Steve,

I've just received your book two days ago and I can't put it down. Its helped me to focus and its fired up my enthiusiasm even more. The task no longer seems so daunting, thank you for simplifying it for me.

On a seperate subject I wanted to comment on your advice about the Citizens Advice Bureau. I work for Caerphilly CAB. You may be surprised to learn that not all advisors are volunteers, some are specialist debt and benefits advisors who have mountains of knowledge and experience. I would suggest that anyone who has debt problems to contact their local bureau directly and ask if there is a specialist. We also have an appointment system in place however this will vary with each bureau, always contact you local CAB directly.

Love the book and the web site I'm looking forward to using both as a resource and support in my new venture. Watch this space!!

I will have a look at that asap
The book is really good anyway!!

I have been away for several weeks on a project and I come back to tons of people on this website - we all know a good thing when we see one.

Vicmiester :)

Hi Steve
My wife & I are partners & we are doing the book together.
We are having heaps of fun doing the tasks each week & look forward
to next weeks tasks.
It realy gets us fired up .
We are up to chapter 6 & going strong, thanks for a fantastic book.
ALL FIRED UP.
Rick & Michelle.

Dear Steve,

I am in week 2 but I already browsed the book here and there.

Once, someone mentioned me that, more important than the business plan, is the "marketing plan": getting to know your prospect's needs, interview them (or set up a survey) and eventually mend your services/products according to the received feedbacks.

This is supposed to be fundamental for the bank interviews in particular.

I wonder if all this is implied in week 7. If this is the case, in my perception, one week is a bit too short for setting up the market research and waiting for the prospects feedback.

Many thanks.

Cheers,
Irena

Hi Steve,

I only purchased the book a few days ago and I'm very pleased I did so.

My business has been up and running for some time now although I have decided to review it from the ground up so your book seemed like a good choice.

Reading your book as often as I can while working a full-time day job, raising a family and trying to re-ignite my business is made easier by your style of writing. So many books in this market are too formal leaving me struggling, but this is not so with Start Your Business Week by Week.

I'll leave feedback as I progress through the book, but so far so good!!

Thanks very much.

John

Thankyou very much for a great read, I rarely read books but have recently been pondering starting my own venture.

I found the book on Amazon.com and it had some great reviews, bought it and two mornings later was reading it.

I took the advise of reading a chapter or two infront so as to know what was coming, and found myself on the last page of the book that night, I found a brilliant read, easy yet thoroughly interesting and informative.

Obviously I have plenty of work left to do on venture, this book has made more all the more confident of my own abilities and taught me those final bits that I was missing.

As to constructive criticism, I found the book very easy to read, but lots of the checklists I found to be under-detailed, maybe a few more examples here and there would've made things easier.

I loved the quotes from successful entrepreneurs, some amusing and intelligent quotes you found there.

I'm going to re-read the book as it was supposed to be read now, starting my work around University time.

Can't wait to post more on this website.

Cheers,

Jimmy

Hi Jimmy

Thanks very much for the kind comments - and for the constructive feedback, those were good points and I'll work on them for the second edition.

cheers, and Happy New Year
Steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Steve

For a start; many thanks for writing an amazing book! I paid a lot of money for a consultant before finding your book, and he didn't cover half of the things you did, nor tell me how to go about doing things - you are a Godsend!!

Could you give me any recommendations for a good and reasonably priced accountant; I live in Ealing Broadway in London, and currently work in the city.

Many thanks

Liz

Just read the book after another night with no sleep! I started a domestic cleaning business called Stretton Domestic 12 months ago while working as a kitchen salesman. The kitchen business I worked for has gone into administration after 2 years of poor sales so now I'm on day 2 of running my own fitted kitchen business,Stretton Kitchens, hence no sleep!

Thought the book was great, very easy to read with the right emphasis on sales, sales and sales. Liked the idea of added love with a product which has helped me come up with what I can add to a fitted kitchen to make it different to one of my competitors. I can make sure I give each customer exactly what they want by putting myself in their shoes and looking at buying a kitchen from their point of view. Hopefully this will give me an edge over the "big boys" who just look at people as numbers.

The discussion forums look great, going to have a look around the site but I suppose every one's asleep at the moment (Does this insomnia stage pass?, it isn't mentioned in the book!.

Hello Steve,

Firstly a big thank you for writing a book that is clear to understand. I have been thinking about going in to business for some time and having worked for a few companies and having been made redundent from my job i feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am new to your site and wish to gain valuable knowledge to help me progress with my business. So again thank you for writing a bookwith the right information. Many thanks

tesh

Hi Liz

Thanks for your lovely feedback, it's great to know I've helped a bit!

I'm afraid I don't know any accountants in your area, but I would recommend asking business people that you know? Don't think you know any businesspeople? Perhaps you're forgetting about the owner of the local pub, cafe, bakery, restaurant? What about your hairdresser? Get chatting to them and ask who they use for their accounts and if they would be happy to reccomend them.

Good luck

cheers
steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Jon

thanks for the nice feedback. I hope you've managed to sleep a little!

I know sometimes I go to bed with so many ideas racing around my head that I can't sleep, so I end up getting up and writing books.

I wish you huge success with both your businesses, and a good nights rest!

cheers
steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Tesh

Thanks for the kind comments and good luck with your business.

cheers
steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Steve,
I've been trying to get in touch with you to ask you something but I'm not having much luck. I've been on your personal website and used the contact form, but it said there were errors so I don't think the message went through. Is there any other way I can contact you?
Regards,
Caroline

Hi Caroline

I'm always browsing flying startups, so you can post a message here in the forums or your pilot's log.

Otherwise feel free to email me. The address is in the back of the book, but it's steve [at] flyingstartups [dot] com.

I'll have a look into why the contact form on my personal website isn't working - thanks for letting me know!!

cheers
steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Just to let you know that the problem with the contact form on my personal site has now been fixed. Thanks for letting me know about it
steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

No problem Steve! I'm going to email you now. I should have realised your address was on the back of the book!

Caroline

Just want to ask Steve, will there be a way for you to customize these books for a specific country? Say like the Philippines? Are you open to that sort of thing?

I'm talking about your first book, Start Your Business Week by Week. It's really cool!!

Thanks :-)

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but, every time I move around the site I keep getting runtime errors.

A Runtime Error has Occurred
Do you wish to Debug

line 153 thats not the only number
Error not implemented.

I've been reading info on webcredible and statisticly errors on sites drive people away!........That's not to say i'm going anywhere, But

Is there any way of fixing it or is there a patch I need?.......

If I hear another thud?.........

Hi

Yes, my publisher is arranging deals with a number of publishers around the world to release versions of all my books customised for each country. I don't think the philippines is on the list at the moment though - I'll mention it to them

Thanks
Steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Karl

Thanks for letting me know about this. I haven't been able to replicate similar errors, but I will keep looking into this.

The site is being gradually upgraded in the background ready to launch a set of new features soon, so that may have something to do with it.

Has anyone else been getting these errors?

steve

Steve Parks
Pilot, FlyingStartUps.com

Hi Steve,
I have read your book Start Your Businee Week By Week.Its different to all the other "Start Your Own Business" books that tend to groan the shelves of Bookshops.
What I liked about it?
1.The Quotes and Tips from successful self-made entrepreneurs!!!
2.The fact that all the qualities and skills required to start your own business are clearly spelt out!!!
3.Its a book you can also dip in and out of
What I think could be improved on?
1.Dealing with Bank Managers!!! they seem to be breed apart!!! I would like more detailed information!!!
2.More Information on Cash-Flow,Profit and Loss,Accounts and Business Plans
I am considering getting your new book "How To Be an Entrepreneur" and the CD as well
Regards
Rajesh Malhotra
R.M.Consultants/ClubEntrepreneur
PS I have posted advice for other entrepreneurs and self-employed

Some good friends gave me SYBWBW as a birthday present last month. Normally, I take months to read a book, but it caught my interest straight away and I got through it in just a few weeks. I am planning to change career in just over 4 years from the Police to Carpentry and have taken steps towards training etc.

The book reinforced some of what I had learned at a college course for business start-ups in 2005 / 6. Therefore I had every confidence in the content of the book.

As a result of the book, I have become a member of your website and have enjoyed the times when logged on. It is especially good to read other's accounts of how they are getting on and various ideas which are floated and discussed.

I have already recommended the site to my sister-in-law who started her own business a few years ago, but which has not really taken off.

Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your staff.

Dave Chinn
Woodworking4U

I have just received your book, and have had a quick browse through it. I immediately checked out the website and although I have not read all the posts and advice, I could not resist making a comment. I am blown away by the friendly community spirit, the helpfulness and advice that is being offered. I am really looking forward to reading the book and applying the methods suggested. I have just moved to France...and although I do not know what exactly it is I want to do (I have a few ideas), I am sure that I will pick up many ideas and good advice from both the book and the website. "Inspiring", many thanks....Tony

Hi Steve,

I've been reading your book "Start Your Business: Week by Week" for the last few weeks and I have really enjoyed it. I've been thinking about starting a business for the last 18 months but it wasn't until I read your book that I found the focus and clarity of thought needed to go ahead and do it. Having said that, I haven't actually started up yet. The reason for that (and I'm hoping you'll be able to offer some advice on this) is that the market research stage has proved more difficult than I'd hoped. I'm aware that I could just throw some money at the problem as there are plenty of market research companies around who could help me, but frankly I'd rather spend the money I have on getting my business off the ground. The problem seems to lie in the nature of my planned business. Its going to be a specialist B2B creative services company. I've managed to find information on my competitors and customers but I’m struggling to find out what the market is worth, what portion of the overall market the bit I'm interested in accounts for, what the market trends are, why there aren't more of this type of company, if there’s enough need for another company of this type ....... I could go on. Is there any way to answer these questions without spending a fortune on market research?

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.