Common Sense Business for Kids

by Kathryn Daniels

What does it take to be successful in business? Anthony Maybury used to think that in order to be successful in business one must know how to put complex theories into practice. He thought that success required knowledge of advanced mathematics, inventory management equations, and whiz-bang marketing techniques. But, he made some interesting discoveries. He came to realize that the greatest contributor to his business success was found in life experiences, not textbooks. Mr. Maybury said his business strategy was just "plain old common sense." But, through years observing others in the business world, he realized that his common sense business strategy was not so common after all. Through a series of interviews, author Kathryn Daniels collected dozens of Anthony Maybury's anecdotes and common sense strategies about what it takes to be successful in business. The result, "Common Sense Business for Kids," is a collaboration to benefit and encourage kids interested in entering the business world; but Maybury's wisdom is ageless. Using practical judgment derived from experience rather than study, and using real-world examples, Anthony Maybury explains common sense realities behind basic business principles, fixed and variable costs, market potential, research, price strategies, inventory management, salesmanship, and management techniques. Mr. Maybury discusses characteristics needed to be a successful entrepreneur, manager, or employee. Mr. Maybury "I hope the 'common sense' I share with you will be beneficial as you embark on your own career, that it helps you appreciate the value in being aware, of looking at things from multiple perspectives, and of being ready to adapt. I hope you see that even though success in business may seem complicated, it's really just 'common sense.' "


1. It's All About Common Sense
2. The Biggest Cause of Business Failure
3. Operating There is More to Business Than What You Pay for the Product
4. Market Two Isn't Always Better Than One
5. More About The Perfect Fit
6. Research, Research, and More Research
7. How Much Does It Cost?
8. Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
9. Change With the Times
10. Needs Versus Wants
11. Business is Hands-On
12. Inventory
13. The Employee, the Employer, and the Entrepreneur
14. Salesmanship
15. Deciding Which Business to Go Into
16. The Other Stuff You Need to Know
17. There is No "Final Answer"

Genres: Nonfiction

63 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2006

Reviews

[M.K. Laffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book! It helped me learn a lot about business in an easily-read way.

[Kara Rull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good introduction to starting and running a business using "common sense." A heavy emphasis was placed on common sense involving research, research, and more research to ensure that one opens and runs a business that can realistically make a profit. Plenty of practical advice and concrete examples, including definitions of necessary vocabulary make a this book a useful resource for young people in the very beginning stages of considering opening their own business.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, to the point, wise… I feel helped, and I’m an adult!!