"This book dispels the myths surrounding the process of starting a business, and gives hope and encouragement to people who would like to give it a try." -Tim Berry, Founder and CEO, Palo Alto Software Creators of the World's Most Popular "Bruce Barringer and Duane Ireland's new book, What's Stopping You? is an insightful and thought-provoking examination of nine common myths that discourage individuals from starting new businesses...This book is much-needed and long overdue...The value of What's Stopping You? is that it effectively debunks the false premises that too often preclude acts of business start up. What's Stopping You? is an encouraging, instructive, and eloquently written book that would be a valuable addition to any aspiring entrepreneur's bookshelf." Jeffrey G. Covin, Samuel and Pauline Glaubinger Professor of Entrepreneurship, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana "Over the years I have observed many seemingly great business opportunities never get off the ground. Quite often, what holds these aspiring entrepreneurs back are common misconceptions about the difficulties and risks of starting a new business. In What's Stopping You?, Professors Barringer and Ireland systematically break down the myths that hold many entrepreneurs back from pursuing their dreams." Jeffrey R. Cornwall, The Jack C. Massey Chair in Entrepreneurship, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee "Barringer and Ireland simultaneously demystify start-up misconceptions and empower readers to explore their own opportunity with renewed passion. Many prospective entrepreneurs feel trapped by myths, the authors carefully detail the myth's fallacies and encourage the reader to see beyond start-up stereotypes. Future and experienced entrepreneurs have much to learn from What's Stopping You?" Sarah Schupp, Founder/CEO, University Parent Media, Boulder, Colorado "Creating your own business from scratch can be a mental, emotional, and financial roller coaster ride. Bruce Barringer and Duane Ireland's book provides a 'voice of reason' and helps give you the confidence to realize you can do it. They recognize that starting a business is hard work, but that it is attainable-and that you should celebrate your accomplishments every step of the way." Jan Stephenson Kelly, Cofounder/CEO, Spark Craft Studios, Cambridge, MA Business Plan Software Follow Your Dream! Start Your Own Winning Business-Now! *Get past the myths that keep you from making the leap *Gain the practical skills and confidence you need to succeed *Quickly evaluate business ideas and pick a winner *Launch your company and watch it grow and profit Build the business you've always dreamed of! Take control of your future and achieve the breakthrough success that's only possible when you're working for yourself. You can do it-and this book will show you how. Forget the myths that have been standing in your way. You don't need to be rich. You don't need extensive business experience. You don't need to be a genius. You don't need a revolutionary product or service. You can handle the risk, the competition, and the challenges. The proof's on every page of this book: case studies of "ordinary" people building great businesses and practical techniques you can use, too-every step of the way!