Manage Your Business

Managing a small business can range from figuring out how to pay yourself and employees, to running the day to day operations and handling your supply chain.

Tips

Starting points:

Assess your logistics to find areas that could be more streamlined
Select a system for record-keeping
Decide if you will be a non-employer (you are the only employee) or if you will need to hire staff

Suggested strategies:

Use the Department of Labor website to find labor laws, wages, and associated costs
Search directories of manufacturers, suppliers, or retailers to build your supply chain

Select Resources

The following materials link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are provided when available.

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Financial Statements by David Worrell
Call Number: HG4027.7 .W675 2014
ISBN: 9781440829352
Published/Created: 2014
"Written by a business owner for business owners," this book uses real-world examples and simple language to explain complex financial terms, understand basic financial statements, use those financial statements to evaluate business operations, make decisions, and predict future earnings.
The Essential Manager's Handbook
Call Number: HD38.15 .E87 2016
ISBN: 9781465454683
Published/Created: 2016
This book covers a range of essential topics, from managing, coaching, and mentoring teams and individuals to time management, communication, leadership, and strategic thinking. Each guide is clearly presented for ease of reference, with visual pointers, tips, and infographics.
How Business Works: A Graphic Guide to Business Success by (contributors) Julian Sims, Philippa Anderson, Alexandra Black, Joe Stanley-Smith and Paul McDougall
Call Number: HD62.5 .H6835 2015
ISBN: 9780241006931
Published/Created: 2015
Each topic is presented in an infographic over a two-page spread, with charts and other visuals to simplify and explain business concepts such as "How Companies Work" and "How Operations and Production Work." The back of the book has US and Canada business information with a short list of resources. All statistics are cited at the very end.
Small Time Operator by Bernard B. Kamoroff
Call Number: HD62.5 .K344 2019
ISBN: 9781493040209
Published/Created: 2019
For a guide on bookkeeping, taxes, and legal issues with starting a business, written by a tax accountant, this book is surprisingly easy to read, humorous, and comprehensive. At the back is an appendix of different accounting ledgers.

These are freely available online sources provided by government agencies, trade publications, and organizations.

8(a) Business Development program to small disadvantaged businesses, Small Business Administration
To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program. This site provides information on qualifications and certification.
Business Expenses Survey, Economic Census, U.S. Census Bureau
The Business Expenses Survey (BES) was created originally to compile statistics on business operating expenses for Retail Trade, Wholesale Trade, and Service Industries.
eLaws
The Department of Labor created eLaws, a website that contains a number of tools called "advisors." The advisor asks questions about your business scenario and determines the applicable employment laws.
Employer.gov
Organized in a frequently-asked-questions format, this federal government portal has information for employers on laws, compensation, and benefits.
Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
These estimates on national occupational employment and wages are calculated with data collected from employers in all industry sectors in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in every state and the District of Columbia.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Protecting Small Businesses. Federal Trade Commission.
Federal Trade Commission offers help to small businesses to avoid scams, protect their computers and networks, keep their customers’ data safe.
Small Business and Self-Employment Tax Center, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
State Minimum Wage Laws. Department of Labor.
Use the legend to highlight different minimum wage categories, and click on any state to learn about applicable minimum wage laws.
Thomas Register (ThomasNet) External
This directory of American manufacturers has addresses, contact information, and catalogs.
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the women’s contracting program. This site provides information on eligibility requirements.
Better Business Bureau: Your Business HQ External
This landing page is for business owners interested in learning more about marketing, sales, and technology, to better serve customers.

The following guides were created by the Library of Congress to give an in-depth list of resources on a specific topic.

Entrepreneur's Reference Guide: Managing Your Business
An annotated list of books and websites that cover information on starting, organizing, and running a business.
Entrepreneur's Reference Guide: Human Resources
Annotated references to books and websites related to hiring, state and federal regulations, benefits, and personnel issues.
Employment & Labor Law: A Beginner's Guide
This guide provides an overview of secondary and primary sources related to Employment and Labor Law, such as discrimination, harassment, compensation, and unionization.

Small Business Hub: A Research Guide for Entrepreneurs

Business Reference: Ask a Librarian

Manage Your Business

Tips

Starting points:

Suggested strategies:

Select Resources