Start a business with these steps
new business
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Part 1: Business Plan
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Do thorough market research on your industry/product
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Hone in on trends, forecasts, opportunity/risks, competitors, etc.
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Decide if it will be part time or full time business
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Draft the business plan
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Decide on company name
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Legally register your company
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Decide specific hours/days of operation for your company\'s services
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Detail your company\'s monthly and annual budget
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Organize ideas for company funding or raise finances
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Meet investors and consult with your bank
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Look into business startup courses or seminars to help you on the learning curve
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Part 2: Ready To Go
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Get a business license/permit & choose your legal business form (LLC, CO, etc.)
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Finalize paperwork for the legal entity
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Obtain your Employer Identification Number from IRS
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Settle on formal company contact information (physical address, email, telephone, fax, etc.)
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Open a business bank account with a trusted bank your area
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Obtain a merchant account
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Acquire a financial advisor
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Acquire a legal advisor
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Acquire business insurance
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Acquire a tax advisor and/or accountant
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Source a local notary
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Familiarize yourself with regulations and compliance requirements
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Register trademark, logos, patents, etc.
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If functioning out of an office/store front (not home), source a real estate agent to assist with finding your business location
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Sign & finalize lease contract for office/store front
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Hire a moving company if you have much merchandise to move into your new location
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Purchase all necessary new office equipment & supplies
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Get high speed internet! Must.
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Create a floor plan for your new office
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Part 3: Up and Running
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Choose an accounting software
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Prepare a sales & marketing plan
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Finalize your customer service policies (returns & exchanges, shipments, etc.)
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Register a domain name for the new business website
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Hire full-time or freelance IT consultants
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Recruit for available positions in your new company (hiring a recruitment company, if necessary)
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Utilize payroll services if you DO have staff
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Familiarize yourself with labor laws if you DO have staff
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Source a website hosting company and design the website
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Source a website developer and graphic designer to assist in completing the website needs
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Part 4: Short Term Prep
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Hire an SEO consultant or company to increase your web presence
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Publish online or print marketing material
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Design marketing material for the storefront (if you have one) such as company cards, stationary, etc.
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Always, ALWAYS take advantage of networking opportunities to help build your business
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Work with a PR consultant or team to assist in publishing a "Launch" press release
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Outsource customer service or phone call assistance, if needed
