Bullet-Proof Your Business Now

How do we protect our business when times get tough?” This is the most common question Andrew Griffiths is asked nowadays.
With 25 years’ experience as a business owner and numerous publications targeting small businesses to his credit, including his ‘101 Ways’ business building advice series, Griffiths says “business success or failure is totally dependant on attitude” and “survival depends on the action you take”. 
Griffiths says his latest book is smaller than usual, with around 160 pages set out in five sections, to make it convenient to be kept handy for use. 
Whether you are simply worried about the financial future of your business, or it’s in bad shape now – or worse still you are looking down the barrel of bankruptcy, Griffiths says this book can help you by giving you the information you need to make the right decisions immediately.  
As Griffith explains, you will get three very clear messages that sum up the best way to save any business: “Don’t panic, accept responsibility and take immediate action”.  
The advice comes with examples, websites, recommended reading, quotes from famous people to inspire you and room at the end of each section to write down the action you intend to take.
To be prepared for future challenges, Griffiths gives ten suggestions to ensure your business is as close to bulletproof as it can be. These highlight the need to take responsibility for everything from bills, products, staff, legal obligations and taxes to management of your cashflow and business ethics.  
In addition to recommendations about what to do if the business is already in trouble, including not to panic, there is worthwhile advice about what needs to be done if the situation gets really serious. 
Griffiths also offers guidance on ‘surviving when your business doesn’t’, gathered from   interviewing ‘people who have gone bust’.  
Bullet-Proof Your Business Now is another very helpful Andrew Griffiths business guide with particular relevance in today’s economic climate. 

Usefulness 8.5/10

Linda Donald is an Auckland-based freelance writer and reviewer. Email: [email protected]