What are the first steps we should take to get things rolling? We have the business name and have created business cards, a website, and business email account. We have registered with the state for a business ID # for tax purposes. What else should we do?
2006-08-23 18:13:19 · 6 answers · asked by swty2crazy2001 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
I forgot to mention we our running the business out of my home.
2006-08-23 18:20:08 · update #1
The business is a personal assistant business, like running errands, grocery shopping, gift shopping, film drop off/pick up, light house cleaning, make hotel reservations and more. I feel this business will be a great asset to busy professionals, senior citizens and busy parents. I have already begun working on my business plan.
2006-08-23 19:15:54 · update #2
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* How to Start and Operate an Errand Service (Revised 2nd Edition) by Rob Spina
* Start Your Own Personal Concierge Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Entrepreneur Press
* The Concierge Manual, Second Edition by Katharine C. Giovanni
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-08-24 07:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, kind of depends on what business you're in - since you don't mention that, it's pretty hard to give you details of the steps to take. Would be very different if you're planning for example a restaurant, or a daycare, or an accounting service.
But a business plan should really have come before the business cards and websites. The business plan would be a written document that would describe the details of the business you're planning, including but not limited to the specifics of what you're planning to do, resources needed, financing plan, how you plan to make money and when you expect to make money and how much. The business plan will detail the steps needed to get your business up and running, and what you expect to do once it gets going.
2006-08-23 18:46:43 · answer #2 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look around for an affordable space. Don't get in over your head. Create a business plan - that will help you more than you know. You need the right location, take into consideration your surroundings. Don't get close to any of your competition unless you can offer better prices and better quality. You need to call the IRS for a tax number, that is how you do it here in NC - you call IRS for EIN - then you go and apply for your business license. After the above is completed, think about your product and how you plan to merchandise it, also how you plan to advertise it. Take your time and do not rush - get your head completely in the game!!! Good Luck!!!
Just seen where you are doing this out of your home. Still go with the business plan it will definitely keep everything in perspective. You will need to know how you are going to get the word out on your new business.
2006-08-23 18:23:51 · answer #3 · answered by jewels_of_fire76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some of the activities that you want to do sounds like being a virtual assistant. I have included a link to an article that talks about Vas with the perspective of someone hiring a virtual assistant. The links would still be valuable though to learn about how others are building their business.
http://www.nomorecubes.com/blog/virtual-workers-hiring-help-virtually.html
Hope this helps and good luck!
2006-08-24 07:04:03 · answer #4 · answered by No More Cubes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try a press release. Submit it to the papers and maybe one of them will find it interesting. Run an add in one of the many financial papers. This might get you some high end clients. Also, make sure to tell any clients that you have to refer their friends. Give them a discount for future services if they do.
Just a few thoughts. I hope this helped.
2006-08-23 19:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by joseph t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rent or buy a building
2006-08-23 18:15:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋