Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or solo prenuer, here are the bare-bones steps you'll want to take when starting up your business. These 8 steps will help you establish your identity as a business and show people that your business is legit.
- Chose your business name and create a tag line. One of the videos in our Turn Your Business Dream Into Reality Series, "Five Characteristics of Great Business Names" will show you how to pick a great name for your business.
- Make sure you have a business address and phone number just for your business. Avoid using your home address and telephone number.
- Get an employer ID number (EIN) with the IRS.
- Open a business checking account. Keep your business expenses and income separate from your personal checking account.
- Create a logo for your home-based business. Shop around on-line for low-cost design options. Low-cost. Not cheap. Unless you're a graphic designer, don't create your own logo.
- Order your business cards. Again, shop around for low-coast options. Unless you have a laser printer that can handle heavier card stock, don't print them yourself.
- Order your business stationery. Often you'll be able to get this done at the same place as your business cards. Ask about a business start-up package deal.
- Put up your business website. It doesn't need to be flashy or costly. It does, however, need to look professional.
Happy starting up!
Susan L. Reid
The original Accidental Pren-her™
Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success
Comments