Rule of Thumb: A Small Business Guide to Basics is an introductory guide for first-time entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to gain a basic understanding of what it takes to operate a small business. A business owner needs to be aware of legal requirements, financial resources, record-keeping requirements, marketing basics and strategies, communication skills, human resource laws, as well as issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis. Knowing and following the laws will keep you out of legal trouble. Knowing and applying the skills needed to run your business on a day-to-day basis will increase the odds of your success. Rule of Thumb: A Small Business Guide to Basics will assist you in gaining a basic understanding of what it takes to operate a small business successfully.