04/ 01/ 2002
If you're in the process of starting a small business, you've probably talked with consultants and financial advisers, studied market research and read dozens of books on the innumerable aspects of beginning a small business. In short, you've left no stone unturned in finding out everything you can about how to make a small business successful.
But there comes a time when you need to begin assembling the pieces involved in moving your idea from paper to reality. To do this, you should prepare a comprehensive checklist that includes everything that you may need to accomplish to get your business up and running. In today's and next week's Workshops, Jeffrey Moses provides such a list, allowing you to determine nearly everything that needs to be accomplished prior to hanging up your sign and waiting for customers. Please note that this list is not intended to indicate priorities or any particular order in which things should be done.
1. Develop a name for your business and register that name with appropriate officials.
2. Create a detailed business plan and marketing plan through consultations with the following professionals:
- Financial consultants and advisers, to help create business description, organizational structure, product information, market research and other financial information.
- Marketing and advertising experts, to help with marketing strategies, identification of customer base, pricing, PR, advertising consulting, ad creation and brochures.
- An accountant, to set up and handle your financial and tax details. Keep all records for purchases of equipment and furnishings.
- An attorney, to advise about legal aspects of starting a new business.
- An insurance agent, to advise and set up all necessary business insurance, including property, liability, loss of income, health and life on principals.
4. Develop and print up letterhead, business cards, brochures and flyers.
5. Obtain all permits and licenses required for your business. When applicable, apply for state sales tax permit.
6. Set up business checking and saving accounts.
7. Obtain Employee ID number, if required.
8. Select, lease and design office space.
9. Design and print all in-house/inter-office forms required.
Next week's Workshop continues the checklist, and includes specific items necessary when starting a home-based business.
