| Starting your own business is no different then many | | | | corporation you form depends on your type of |
| things you have already done. No matter what | | | | business. You should discuss this with your attorney. |
| procedure or undertaking you are going to get involved | | | | The lawyer will also advise you on all the licenses you |
| with, there are always certain things you need to do | | | | will need and state requirements you will have to meet. |
| before you can begin. If you have been working for | | | | You will need to get an accountant. Accurate and |
| someone else for a salary for most of your life, you | | | | complete business records can help you monitor the |
| now may have to do some things that were | | | | business and make plans for the future based on |
| previously done for you which should be no real | | | | financial knowledge rather than guesswork. You should |
| hardship. | | | | definitely get an accountant who works with small |
| Some time ago I left the job market and started my | | | | businesses so he can more accurately advise you on |
| own businesses. What you need to do is pretty | | | | your business needs. I cannot emphasize this enough. I |
| straightforward if you simply and logically follow certain | | | | had an accountant recommended to me once to |
| steps. | | | | check out a business I was buying. He was not a |
| Once you have an idea and a desire to manufacture | | | | business accountant and missed many items and |
| or sell a certain product or perform a service, you will | | | | misinterpreted others. It cost me dearly. |
| need a comprehensive plan in order to turn your vision | | | | Before opening your business, you will need to consult |
| into a working operation. Who will I sell to? Is there | | | | an insurance agent or broker for advice on insurance |
| definitely a market for my product? Will I have enough | | | | needs. If you will be operating out of a brick and |
| money to get me over the initial start up period or will I | | | | mortar location you will definitely need fire and liability |
| have to find a lender? Maybe I should buy a business | | | | insurance. Additional employees will also require |
| similar to the one I am thinking about instead of sinking | | | | additional insurance. |
| much money into furniture and fixtures. | | | | Now that your new business is open, it will be up to |
| All of these are questions that need to be answered. If | | | | you to publicize and promote it. After you have |
| there are many items you are unsure about, you may | | | | determined the markets you want to reach and who |
| want to consult the small business administration or a | | | | your customers are, you can select the most |
| Small Business Development Center operating out of | | | | cost-effective media for your particular operation. |
| the College of Business Administration at a college | | | | Advertisers can be very helpful and use several |
| near you. | | | | criteria to judge the media best suited for your needs. |
| I would also go to Chamber of Commerce local | | | | I once knew a man who set up his son in a |
| chapter meetings and speak to local businessman and | | | | landscaping business and spent big bucks on yellow |
| ask their advice. I have found that if you tap people on | | | | page ads with no response. He then printed up a |
| the shoulder and say, "I need your help", they are | | | | cheap flyer and distributed it to several hundred |
| usually responsive and understanding. Also,if you | | | | locations and got more than 40 requests for estimates. |
| contact local business owners at their locations during | | | | This just shows it is the method and not the amount |
| a slow time of the day, most will sit down and help | | | | you spend that counts. |
| you. | | | | Attack everything you need to do completely and |
| Whether you have decided on a home-based or a | | | | leave no stone unturned. Network with all who may be |
| brick and mortar type business, I would definitely | | | | helpful and hear what they have to say and if your gut |
| recommend that you form a corporation. The type of | | | | feeling is positive, go for it.. |