Starting your Own Business: Where do you start?

ConnectA Strategic Solutions Group

Starting your Own Business: Where do you start?

Starting your Own Business: Where do you start?


I'm probably not the best writer in the world, but if anything, I say can help an entrepreneur then I have achieved my goal. 


Is starting your own business your dream?

Dreaming of Starting your Own Business?


I had always wanted to start my own business, but it never seemed to be the right time. Then a series of events led me to start my own business in 2012. But where to start? I honestly think this was the first time I really utilized my learnings from my MBA course, but a lot of what I did boiled down to common sense. I had to figure it out as I went along, but through my recent role of mentoring a very talented and dynamic young lady in how to start her own business I decided I wanted to help any budding entrepreneur by providing a simple 6 step starting checklist to get them started.

Firstly, I want to say to the budding entrepreneur -Just go for it! You can do it!


Quick disclaimer - the checklist below is based on my experience and is not exhaustive. I have just given you a flavor for what you need to think about.  There are many government funded resources out there and at the end of this article I provide a list with links.


1. Business Plan


Have you created a business plan with financial projections?


  • What start-up funds do you need?
  • What are you selling - services or product?
  • What is the cost to you and what price do you need to charge in order to make a profit?
  • What are your revenue expectations?
  • What resources do you need?

2. What is your business going to be called?


Have you decided what to call your business?


  • Will you include your name in the company name e.g. Joe Smith's
  • Will your business include what your services is e.g. Joe Smith's Pluming?
  • Will your name be something that only has meaning to you e.g. Red Bird

3. Legal & Compliance


Start your business right from the start. Ensure you comply with all legal regulations.


  • Do you have a legal advisor?
  • What legal structure will your company be - LLC, Corporation, or sole proprietorship?
  • Have you registered your company with the State?
  • Do you need a business license?
  • Do you need contracts for your customers?

Check with your Legal Advisor.


4. Financial


Financial control will be imperative for your business operations.


  • Do you have a CPA to help you with your Tax returns?
  • Have you established your bank account?  - you will need your company registration to establish your bank account.
  • Do you have the startup capital that you need?

Check your requirements with your CPA


5. Insurance


Insurance requirements can vary, and it depends on the type of business services you offer. You may need the following:


  • General Liability
  • Professional Liability
  • Errors and emissions
  • Workers Compensation
  • Commercial property insurance (if you rent a space)
  • Cyber
  • Crime

Check with your Insurance Broker.


6. Marketing


Developing your brand is important to get your message out to your target audience.



  • Have you developed the logo for your business?
  • What colors do you want to use?
  • What do you want your logo to say about you?
  • Have you developed your website?
  • Have you ordered your business cards?
  • Have you developed your 30 second or elevator pitch to tell people what you do?


It's Time for YOU to Soar


Owning and running your own business is a satisfying experience and a lot of fun, it can however be a 'roller-coaster' ride, but clear planning and starting right can lesson the headaches. There are many free resources that are provided by the government:


  • SBDC
  • SBA
  • SCORE


Good luck with your new adventure.


Lynn Donaldson

CEO ConnectA Strategic Solutions Group

+1-908-963-7747

Lynn@ConnectAStrategy.Com

ConnectAStrategy.com

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