This book is a general introduction to managing a small business. The book is meant to be a general, and simplified, introduction to the subject matter. This book treats small business management as a practical human activity rather than as an abstract theoretical concept. The hope is to teach concepts that can be immediately applied to "real world" experiences and case studies.

This book incorporates the use of technology and e-business as a way to gain a competitive advantage over larger rivals. Technology is omnipresent in today's business world and small businesses must use it to their advantage. Practical discussions and examples of how a small business can use these technologies without having extensive expertise or expenditures are found within the readings.

Cash flow is extremely important to small businesses. This book explicitly acknowledges the constant need to examine how decisions affect cash flow by incorporating cash flow impact content. As the lifeblood of all organizations, cash flow implications must be a factor in all business decision-making.

Finally, this book recognizes the need to clearly identify sources of customer value and bring that understanding to every decision. Decisions that do not add to customer value should be seriously reconsidered.