Initially I was confused over how this book would be different from "Small Business for Dummies." Now I think I know. This book focuses on the everyday chores of starting, funding and running a small business, and gives you lots of legal forms which you can use in order to save money on attorney fees. I find the forms on the CD-ROM extremely useful and helpful.
The book does NOT talk about business ideas or marketing. It approaches the small business from a legal standpoint. For example, how do you talk to venture capitalists? How do you give employees stock options (incredible info in the book!)? How do you deal with employee discontent? How to protect your business legally? How to write a contract? And so on.
If you need to know how to get a small biz idea or how to sell your products/services, this book is not for you. But, once you get your idea off the ground, you ABSOLUTELY NEED this book to survive -- unless you've got lots of cash to afford a good attorney. This book is no substtitute for a lawyer in many situations, but I have been able to use the forms in the book and on the accompanying CD-ROM to save my company thousands of dollars. I think this is a must-have reference for every small business owner.
I wish IDG would put out an updated edition soon.