Accounting for the Numberphobic: A Survival Guide for Small Business Owners

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 268 ratings

Price: 16.28

Last update: 11-02-2024


About this item

As a small business owner, having knowledge of crucial numbers is the most important tool you can equip yourself with to survive today’s competitive marketplace. If you’re not a numbers person, Accounting for the Numberphobic is to the rescue!

Why do so many business owners dread looking at the numbers? Financial statements, ledgers, profit and loss reports--many avoid these and treat them like junk mail and phone solicitors. Nevertheless, it’s true--you’re not a numbers person. How can you learn to make sense out of all this Greek?

This easy-to-follow guide demystifies your company's financial dashboard: the Net Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Balance Sheet. The book explains in plain English how each measurement reflects the overall health of your business--and impacts your decisions.

In Accounting for the Numberphobic, you will discover:

  • How your Net Income Statement is the key to growing your profits;
  • How to identify the break-even point that means your business is self-sustaining;
  • Real-world advice on measuring and increasing cash flow;
  • What the Balance Sheet reveals about your company's worth;
  • And much more!

Don’t leave your company’s finances entirely in the hands of a third-party accounting service or an employee who is only loyal to the highest paycheck. Knowing the numbers yourself isn’t just about seeing how your company is doing, it’s about knowing where it is going--and guiding it toward the highest profits possible.


Top reviews from the United States

Ted
5.0 out of 5 stars One of The Best Gifts an Entrepreneur Can Receive!
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2015
First a qualifier, I have only gone through the first 3 chapters, but that is because I have already read them multiple times! I have purchased the Audible version and Kindle version.

The author Dawn Fotopulos breaks down the financial statements of business into recognizable everyday language of an automobile dashboard. One of the greatest strengths of The United States today is our entrepreneurial spirit. Combined with the unprecidented lower barriers of entry that allow competition, this is the Era of the Startup. Spiderman’s Uncle said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This is very true with the leverage and capital this Startup Movement has created.

As Entrepreneurs we are building jets (Launching Companies), carrying cargo (product) & passengers (customers/employees), blasting into the stratosphere for the entire world to see on Facebook, Twitter, etc. And for me personally, having just enough information and understanding to be extremely dangerous. The simple and proper perspective Dawn brings, I believe is training me for understanding to be an effective operator as a business leader. This is done without trying to turn me into a bookkeeper, accountant, or CPA.

My personal story and history has been, I believe, a typical one for the entrepreneurial personalities out there. Excellent product and people person. Natural salesman. Passionate with a vision, having the ability to communicate the destination. All these qualities people would celebrate as a leader. The great danger for startups and entrepreneurs is this. We are taking this long journey into the wilderness without the knowledge of how to read our basic instruments. Fear takes over and discouragement is encountered by well meaning colleagues who are naturally “Number Guys/Gals”. Fighting to survive day to day naturally leads to focusing on activities that “Generate Money.” Selling more, Marketing better, Buidling more.

I’ve read books on Quickbooks, Bookkeeping, signed up for online services, Stewardship seminars, and have even gone to counselling because of the stress and pressure I’ve placed on myself. All these activities have aspects of help and assistance, but none have communicated to me the way this book does.

Accounting for the Numberphobic: A Survival Guide for Small Business Owners takes the monster of Financial Statements and transforms it to the tools that they are designed to be. Spedometer, Fuel Guage and Oil Pressure. The boogeyman has no teeth and no more claws.
The excitement I am beginning to feel with each chapter of this book is nothing short of a miracle for me personally. Without guilt or shame, I am facing my fears of “The Numbers” and taking my knowledge from being merely intuitional guessing to a thoughtful methodical creative process.
Gone are the days of “Googling” accounting terms and figuring it out myself.

I thank God for Dawn Fotopulos and the work she put into this book

Looking forward to following up with this review after I complete this book and beyond.
JJD
5.0 out of 5 stars The sum is greater than it's parts...!
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2015
Invaluable! The story behind the numbers in the plainest speak I've ever heard. I work for one of the oldest coaching companies out there, and am part of a network of coaches working day in and day out with small business owners. While we have a curriculum that's used for getting familiar with the 3 reports that Dawn speaks about and creating a dashboard, I've never seen it broken down so plainly, so simply, so digestible! I'm humbled and overjoyed that this book is available. Even as I write, earlier today I was actually able to have a same day email exchange with Dawn when I reached out. Now, what does that say about practicing what's being preached!
This book is a game changer, really, for any owner who is serious about getting out of being a technician and into making some of the greatest leverage possible, this book will get you there with levity and clarity.
While you'll still need to face into your relationship with money, and you may need to clean up your books, once that's done- this book will make managing by the numbers directly applicable, sensible and effective in changing your top and bottom lines. This book isn't just talking numbers, it's pointing towards a healthy and holistic relationship with running your business. If you're just starting a business, it's equally valuable. This book should be taught in schools; I can't say enough. What do you have to lose, really?!
Sophia
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
This book is hands down revolutionary for an aspiring Small Business owner. I picked up this book per the recommendation of my professor and immediately fell in love. Once I read the first two pages of this book I was HOOKED! Accounting for the Numberphobic is such an easy read while also giving individuals the amazing insight they need to start a business on their own. I have been pondering on the idea of opening some small businesses but felt as though I did not know enough and would fail, but this book and Professor Fotopulos have given me the courage and reassurance to pursue that dream. The way in which this book is structured allows the important information to be absorbed effortlessly because it is so greatly written. I have recommended this book to anyone and everyone I have come across even if they are not aspiring business owners. This book is essentially a book in which anyone can read regardless of if they want to own a business due to the fact that the book gives insight on how an individual should look at their finances on a personal level.

Professor Fotopulos is truly an amazing woman who is very knowledgeable in her field and wants nothing but the BEST for Small Business owners. She takes the extra mile and is on a mission to educate others so that their businesses can grow and be profitable. You WILL NOT regret reading this book!

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