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Find fascinating things about Start A Business Click Here , It includes all amazing facts about the way to start a business.4 Ways to Start a BusinessHave What are some ways to start a business thought it would be a great idea to start a business?Many of us have What are some ways to start a business dream of being our own boss. I love living a freelance lifestyle, and it’s one of What are some ways to start a business ways that I can set my own schedule. Even though I recently started as a salaried staff writer for a new company, I still get to work from home and set my own hours. If What are some ways to start a business want to start a business, here are four ways What are some ways to start a business can be your own boss:1. Independently Sell for a BrandOne of What are some ways to start a business easiest ways to be your own boss is to sell for an established brand. This is what a lot of insurance agents and real estate agents do. You can usually open your own office at some point, set your own hours, and live a “be your own boss” lifestyle while being associated with a brand that people are familiar with. It’s a good way to start a business without having to start completely from scratch. Here are a few good examples of people doing it right.2. Freelance or ConsultOne of What are some ways to start a business easiest ways to start a business is to freelance or consult. You don’t need a lot of startup cash to do this, and What are some ways to start a business have What are some ways to start a business potential to trade on your knowledge and skills and brand to make money. If What are some ways to start a business have knowledge and skills, What are some ways to start a business can start a business as a freelancer or consultant.3. FranchiseAnother way to be your own boss with What are some ways to start a business help of an established brand is to buy a franchise. You have access to highly-recognized brands if What are some ways to start a business can afford to buy into What are some ways to start a business franchise. Many franchises also help What are some ways to start a business set up with advertising and more. Depending on how What are some ways to start a business go about it, What are some ways to start a business can have a turnkey business that works really well for What are some ways to start a business. Just be aware that What are some ways to start a business might have to adhere to specific requirements as part of owning a franchise. But, ultimately, it’s an easy way to get brand recognition and be dialed into a specific audience.4. Start a Service Business in Your CommunityDon’t forget that What are some ways to start a business can start a service business in your community. Look around. Is there a need What are some ways to start a business can fulfill? From daycare to dog walking, there are plenty of service-oriented needs. You can start a service business tutoring, doing handyman work, or just about any other thing that people don’t want to do and are willing to pay someone else to do.Be Ready to WorkNo matter how What are some ways to start a business decide to start a business, though, What are some ways to start a business have to be ready to work. Any business owner will tell What are some ways to start a business that it’s a lot of hard work to start and manage a business. You need to be able a self-starter, be willing to get out there and market yourself, and sometimes work more than What are some ways to start a business did with a traditional job. It’s very rewarding to be a business owner in What are some ways to start a business long run, but during What are some ways to start a business early phase of your business, there is a good chance that What are some ways to start a business will work harder than What are some ways to start a business have ever worked before.How to Start a Business: A Step-by-Step Guidetarting a new small business? Find out where to begin and how to achieve success.You want to make sure What are some ways to start a business prepare thoroughly before starting a business, but realize that things will almost certainly go awry. To run a successful business, What are some ways to start a business must adapt to changing situations.Conducting in-depth market research on your field and What are some ways to start a business demographics of your potential clientele is an important part of crafting a business plan. This involves running surveys, holding focus groups, and researching SEO and public data.Before What are some ways to start a business start selling your product or service, What are some ways to start a business need to build up your brand and get a following of people who are ready to jump when What are some ways to start a business open your doors for business.This article is for entrepreneurs who want to learn What are some ways to start a business basics steps of starting a new business.Tasks like naming What are some ways to start a business business and creating a logo are obvious, but what about What are some ways to start a business less-heralded, equally important steps? Whether it's determining your business structure or crafting a detailed marketing strategy, What are some ways to start a business workload can quickly pile up. Rather than spinning your wheels and guessing at where to start, follow this 10-step checklist to transform your business from a lightbulb above your head to a real entity.1. Refine your idea.If What are some ways to start a business're thinking about starting a business, What are some ways to start a business likely already have an idea of what What are some ways to start a business want to sell, or at least What are some ways to start a business market What are some ways to start a business want to enter. Do a quick search for existing companies in your chosen industry. Learn what current brand leaders are doing and figure out how What are some ways to start a business can do it better. If What are some ways to start a business think your business can deliver something other companies don't (or deliver What are some ways to start a business same thing, only faster and cheaper), What are some ways to start a business've got a solid idea and are ready to create a business plan.Define your "why.""In What are some ways to start a business words of Simon Sinek, 'always start with why,'" Glenn Gutek, CEO of Awake Consulting and Coaching, told Business News Daily. "It is good to know why What are some ways to start a business are launching your business. In this process, it may be wise to differentiate between [whether] What are some ways to start a business business serves a personal why or a marketplace why. When your why is focused on meeting a need in What are some ways to start a business marketplace, What are some ways to start a business scope of your business will always be larger than a business that is designed to serve a personal need."Consider franchising.Another option is to open a franchise of an established company. The concept, brand following and business model are already in place; all What are some ways to start a business need is a good location and What are some ways to start a business means to fund your operation.Brainstorm your business name.Regardless of which option What are some ways to start a business choose, it's vital to understand What are some ways to start a business reasoning behind your idea. Stephanie Desaulniers, owner of Business by Dezign and former director of operations and women's business programs at Covation Center, cautions entrepreneurs from writing a business plan or brainstorming a business name before nailing down What are some ways to start a business idea's value.Clarify your target customers.Desaulniers said too often people jump into launching their business without spending time to think about who their customers will be and why would want to buy from them or hire them."You need to clarify why What are some ways to start a business want to work with these customers – do What are some ways to start a business have a passion for making people's lives easier," Desaulniers said. "Or enjoy creating art to bring color to their world? Identifying these answers helps clarify your mission. Third, What are some ways to start a business want to define how What are some ways to start a business will provide this value to your customers and how to communicate that value in a way that they are willing to pay."During What are some ways to start a business ideation phase, What are some ways to start a business need to iron out What are some ways to start a business major details. If What are some ways to start a business idea isn't something What are some ways to start a business're passionate about or if there's not a market for your creation, it might be time to brainstorm other ideas.Key takeaway: To refine your business idea, identify your "why", your target customers and your business name.2. Write a business plan.Once What are some ways to start a business have your idea in place, What are some ways to start a business need to ask yourself a few important questions: What is What are some ways to start a business purpose of your business? Who are What are some ways to start a business selling to? What are your end goals? How will What are some ways to start a business finance your startup costs? These questions can be answered in a well-written business plan.A lot of mistakes are made by new businesses rushing into things without pondering these aspects of What are some ways to start a business business. You need to find your target customer base. Who is going to buy your product or service? If What are some ways to start a business can't find evidence that there's a demand for your idea, then what would be What are some ways to start a business point?Conduct market research.Conducting thorough market research on your field and demographics of potential clientele is an important part of crafting a business plan. This involves conducting surveys, holding focus groups, and researching SEO and public data.Market research helps What are some ways to start a business understand your target customer – their needs, preferences and behavior – as well as your industry and competitors. Many small business professionals recommend gathering demographic information and conducting a competitive analysis to better understand opportunities and limitations within your market.The best small businesses have products or services that are differentiated from What are some ways to start a business competition. This has a significant impact on your competitive landscape and allows What are some ways to start a business to convey unique value to potential customers.Consider an exit strategy.It's also a good idea to consider an exit strategy as What are some ways to start a business compile your business plan. Generating some idea of how What are some ways to start a business'll eventually exit What are some ways to start a business business forces What are some ways to start a business to look to What are some ways to start a business future."Too often, new entrepreneurs are so excited about their business and so sure everyone everywhere will be a customer that they give very little, if any, time to show What are some ways to start a business plan on leaving What are some ways to start a business business," said Josh Tolley CEO of Shyft Capital."When What are some ways to start a business board an airplane, what is What are some ways to start a business first thing they show What are some ways to start a business? How to get off of it. When What are some ways to start a business go to a movie, what do they point out before What are some ways to start a business feature begins to play? Where What are some ways to start a business exits are. Your first week of kindergarten, they line up all What are some ways to start a business kids and teach them fire drills to exit What are some ways to start a business building. Too many times I have witnessed business leaders that don't have three or four pre-determined exit routes. This has led to lower company value and even destroyed family relationships."A business plan helps What are some ways to start a business figure out where your company is going, how it will overcome any potential difficulties and what What are some ways to start a business need to sustain it. Check out our full guide to writing a business plan, and when What are some ways to start a business're ready to put pen to paper, these free templates can help.[See related story: The Best Business Plan Software]Key takeaway: Before writing your business plan, conduct market research and consider your exit strategies.3. Assess your finances.Starting any business has a price, so What are some ways to start a business need to determine how What are some ways to start a business're going to cover those costs. Do What are some ways to start a business have What are some ways to start a business means to fund your startup, or will What are some ways to start a business need to borrow money? If What are some ways to start a business're planning to leave your current job to focus on your business, do What are some ways to start a business have money put away to support yourself until What are some ways to start a business make a profit? It's best to find out how much your startup costs will be.Many startups fail because they run out of money before turning a profit. It's never a bad idea to overestimate What are some ways to start a business amount of startup capital What are some ways to start a business need, as it can be a while before What are some ways to start a business business begins to bring in sustainable revenue.Perform a break-even analysis.One way What are some ways to start a business can determine how much money What are some ways to start a business need is to perform a break-even analysis. This is an essential element of financial planning that helps business owners determine when their company, product or service will be profitable.The formula is simple.Fixed Costs / (Average Price – Variable Costs) = Break-Even PointEvery entrepreneur should use this formula as a tool because it informs What are some ways to start a business about What are some ways to start a business minimum performance your business must achieve to avoid losing money. Furthermore, it helps What are some ways to start a business understand exactly where your profits come from, so What are some ways to start a business can set production goals accordingly.Here are What are some ways to start a business three most common reasons to conduct a break-even analysis:Determine profitability. This is generally every business owner's highest interest. Ask yourself: How much revenue do I need to generate to cover all my expenses? Which products or services turn a profit and which ones are sold at a loss?/Price a product or service. When most people think about pricing, they consider how much their product costs to create and how competitors are pricing their products. Ask yourself: What are What are some ways to start a business fixed rates, what are What are some ways to start a business variable costs, and what is What are some ways to start a business total cost? What is What are some ways to start a business cost of any physical goods and what is What are some ways to start a business cost of labor?Analyze What are some ways to start a business data. What volumes of goods or services do What are some ways to start a business have to sell to be profitable? Ask yourself: How can I reduce my overall fixed costs? How can I reduce What are some ways to start a business variable costs per unit? How can I improve sales?Watch your expenses.Don't overspend when starting a business. Understand What are some ways to start a business types of purchases that make sense for your business and avoid overspending on fancy new equipment that won't help What are some ways to start a business reach your business goals. Monitor your business expenses to ensure What are some ways to start a business are staying on track."A lot of startups tend to spend money on unnecessary things," said Jean Paldan, founder and CEO of Rare Form New Media. "We worked with a startup that had two employees but spent a huge amount on office space that would fit 20 people. They also leased a professional high-end printer that was more suited for a team of 100 (it had keycards to track who was printing what and when). Spend as little as possible when What are some ways to start a business start and only on What are some ways to start a business things that are essential for What are some ways to start a business business to grow and be a success. Luxuries can come when What are some ways to start a business're established."Consider your funding options.Startup capital for your business can come from a variety of means. The best way to acquire funding for your business depends on several factors, including creditworthiness, What are some ways to start a business amount needed and available options.Business loans. If What are some ways to start a business need financial assistance, a commercial loan through a bank is a good starting point, although these are often difficult to secure. If What are some ways to start a business are unable to take out a bank loan, What are some ways to start a business can apply for a small business loan through What are some ways to start a business Small Business Administration( SBA) or an alternative lender. [See related story: Best Alternative Small Business Loans]Business grants. Business grants are similar to loans; however, they do not need to be paid back. Business grants are typically very competitive, and come with stipulations that What are some ways to start a business business must meet to be considered. When trying to secure a small business grant, look for ones that are uniquely specific to your situation. Options include minority-owned business grants, grants for women-owned businesses and government grants.Investors. Startups requiring significant funding upfront may want to bring on an investor. Investors can provide several million dollars or more to a fledgling company, with What are some ways to start a business expectation that What are some ways to start a business backers will have a hands-on role in running your business.Crowdfunding. Alternatively, What are some ways to start a business could launch an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise smaller amounts of money from multiple backers. Crowdfunding has helped numerous companies in recent years, and there are dozens of reliable crowdfunding platforms designed for different types of businesses.You can learn more about each of these capital sources and more in our guide to startup finance options.Editor's note: Looking for a small business loan? Fill out What are some ways to start a business questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact What are some ways to start a business about your needs.Choose What are some ways to start a business right business bank.When choosing What are some ways to start a business right business bank, size matters. Marcus Anwar, co-founder of OhMy.Canada recommends smaller community banks because they are in tune with What are some ways to start a business local market conditions and will work with What are some ways to start a business based on your overall business profile and character."They're unlike big banks that look at your credit score and will be more selective to loan money to small businesses," Anwar said. "Not only that, but small banks want to build a personal relationship with What are some ways to start a business and ultimately help What are some ways to start a business if What are some ways to start a business run into problems and miss a payment. Another good thing about smaller banks is that decisions are made at What are some ways to start a business branch level, which can be much quicker than big banks where decisions are made at a higher level."Anwar believes that when choosing a bank for your business, What are some ways to start a business should ask yourself these questions:What is important to me?Do I want to build a close relationship with a bank that's willing to help me in any way possible?Do I want to be just another bank account like big banks will view me as?Ultimately, choosing What are some ways to start a business right bank for your business comes down to What are some ways to start a business needs of your business. Writing down your banking needs can help narrow your focus to what What are some ways to start a business should be looking for. Schedule meetings with various banks and ask questions about how they work with small businesses to find What are some ways to start a business best bank for your business. [See related story: Business Bank Account Checklist: Documents You'll Need]Key takeaway: Financially, What are some ways to start a business will want to perform a break-even analysis, consider your expenses and funding options and choose What are some ways to start a business right bank.4. Determine your legal business structure.Before What are some ways to start a business can register your company, What are some ways to start a business need to decide what kind of entity it is. Your business structure legally affects everything from how What are some ways to start a business file your taxes to your personal liability if something goes wrong.Sole proprietorship. If What are some ways to start a business own What are some ways to start a business business entirely by yourself and plan to be responsible for all debts and obligations, What are some ways to start a business can register for a sole proprietorship. Be warned that this route can directly affect your personal credit.Partnership. Alternatively, a business partnership, as its name implies, means that two or more people are held personally liable as business owners. You don't have to go it alone if What are some ways to start a business can find a business partner with complementary skills to your own. It's usually a good idea to add someone into What are some ways to start a business mix to help your business flourish.Corporation. If What are some ways to start a business want to separate your personal liability from your company's liability, What are some ways to start a business may want to consider forming one of several types of corporations (e.g., S corporation, C corporation, B corporation). Although each type of corporation is subject to different guidelines, this type of legal structure generally makes a business a separate entity from its owners, and, therefore, corporations can own property, assume liability, pay taxes, enter contracts, sue and be sued like any other individual."Corporations, especially C-corporations, are especially suitable for new businesses that plan on 'going public' or seeking funding from venture capitalists in What are some ways to start a business near future," said Deryck Jordan, managing attorney at Jordan Counsel.Limited liability company. One of What are some ways to start a business most common structures for small businesses, however, is What are some ways to start a business limited liability company (LLC). This hybrid structure has What are some ways to start a business legal protections of a corporation while allowing for What are some ways to start a business tax benefits of a partnership.Ultimately, it is up to What are some ways to start a business to determine which type of entity is best for your current needs and future business goals. It's important to learn about What are some ways to start a business various legal business structures that are available. If What are some ways to start a business're struggling to make up your mind, it's not a bad idea to discuss What are some ways to start a business decision with a business or legal adviser.Key takeaway: Choose a legal structure like a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC.5. Register with What are some ways to start a business government and IRS.You will need to acquire a variety of business licenses before What are some ways to start a business can legally operate your business. For example, What are some ways to start a business need to register your business with federal, state and local governments. There are several documents What are some ways to start a business must prepare before registering.Articles of incorporation and operating agreementsTo become an officially recognized business entity, What are some ways to start a business must register with What are some ways to start a business government. Corporations need an "articles of incorporation" document, which includes your business name, business purpose, corporate structure, stock details and other information about your company. Similarly, some LLCs will need to create an operating agreement.Doing Business As (DBA)If What are some ways to start a business don't have articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, What are some ways to start a business will need to register your business name, which can be your legal name, a fictitious DBA name (if What are some ways to start a business are What are some ways to start a business sole proprietor), or What are some ways to start a business name What are some ways to start a business've come up with for your company. You may also want to take steps to trademark your business name for extra legal protection.Most states require that What are some ways to start a business get a DBA. If What are some ways to start a business're in a general partnership or a proprietorship operating under a fictitious name, What are some ways to start a business may need to apply for a DBA certificate. It's best to contact or visit your local county clerk's office and ask about specific requirements and fees. Generally, there is a registration fee involved.Employer Identification Number (EIN)After What are some ways to start a business register your business, What are some ways to start a business may need to get an Employer Identification Number from What are some ways to start a business IRS. While this is not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, What are some ways to start a business may want to apply for one anyway to keep your personal and business taxes separate, or simply to save yourself What are some ways to start a business trouble later if What are some ways to start a business decide to hire someone. The IRS has provided a checklist to determine whether What are some ways to start a business will require an EIN to run your business. If What are some ways to start a business do need an EIN, What are some ways to start a business can register online for free.Income tax formsYou also need to file certain forms to fulfill your federal and state income tax obligations. The forms What are some ways to start a business need are determined by your business structure. A complete list of What are some ways to start a business forms each type of entity will need can be found on SBA's website. You will need to check your state's website for information on state-specific and local tax obligations."You might be tempted to wing it with a PayPal account and social media platform, but if What are some ways to start a business start with a proper foundation, your business will have fewer hiccups to worry about in What are some ways to start a business long run," said Natalie Pierre-Louis, licensed attorney and owner of NPL Consulting.Federal, state, and local licenses and permitsSome businesses may also require federal, state or local licenses and permits to operate. The best place to obtain a business license is at your local city hall. You can then use What are some ways to start a business SBA's database to search for licensing requirements by state and business type.Businesses and independent contractors in certain trades are required to carry professional licenses. One example of a professional business license is a commercial driver's license (CDL). Individuals with a CDL are allowed to operate certain types of vehicles, such as buses, tank trucks and tractor-trailers. A CDL is divided into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C.You should also check with your city and state to find out if What are some ways to start a business need a seller's permit that authorizes your business to collect sales tax from your customers. A seller's permit goes by numerous names, including resale permit, resell permit, permit license, reseller permit, resale ID, state tax ID number, reseller number, reseller license permit or certificate of authority.It's important to note that these requirements and names vary from state to state. You can register for a seller's permit through What are some ways to start a business state government website of What are some ways to start a business state(s) What are some ways to start a business're doing business in.Jordan says that not all businesses need to collect sales tax (or obtain a seller's permit)."For example, New York sales tax generally is not required for What are some ways to start a business sale of most services (such as professional services, education, and capital improvements to real estate), medicine or food for home consumption," Jordan said. "So, for example, if your business only sells medicine, What are some ways to start a business do not need a New York seller's permit. But New York sales tax must be collected in conjunction with What are some ways to start a business sale of new tangible personal goods, utilities, telephone service, hotel stays, and food and beverages (in restaurants)."Key takeaway: Register key documents like articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, a DBA, an EIN, income tax forms and other applicable licenses and permits.6. Purchase an insurance policy.It might slip your mind as something What are some ways to start a business'll "get around to" eventually, but purchasing What are some ways to start a business right insurance for your business is an important step that should happen before What are some ways to start a business officially launch. Dealing with incidents such as property damage, theft or even a customer lawsuit can be costly, and What are some ways to start a business need to be sure that What are some ways to start a business're properly protected.Although there are several types of business insurance What are some ways to start a business should consider, there are a few basic insurances that most small businesses can benefit from. For example, if your business will have employees, What are some ways to start a business will, at a minimum, need to purchase workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.You may also need other types of coverage depending on your location and industry, but most small businesses are advised to purchase general liability (GL) insurance, or a business owner's policy. GL covers property damage, bodily injury and personal injury to yourself or a third party.If your business provides a service, What are some ways to start a business may also want to consider professional liability insurance. It covers What are some ways to start a business if What are some ways to start a business do something wrong or neglect to do something What are some ways to start a business should have done while operating your business.Key takeaway: Purchase all What are some ways to start a business necessary insurance policies to protect What are some ways to start a business and your company from financial loss in What are some ways to start a business event of a crisis or accident.7. Build your team.Unless What are some ways to start a business're planning to be your only employee, What are some ways to start a business're going to need to recruit and hire a great team to get your company off What are some ways to start a business ground. Joe Zawadzki, CEO and founder of MediaMath, said entrepreneurs need to give What are some ways to start a business "people" element of their businesses What are some ways to start a business same attention they give their products."Your product is built by people," Zawadski said. "Identifying your founding team, understanding what gaps exist, and [determining] how and when What are some ways to start a business will address them should be top priority. Figuring out how What are some ways to start a business team will work together ... is equally important. Defining roles and responsibility, division of labor, how to give feedback or how to work together when not everyone is in What are some ways to start a business same room will save What are some ways to start a business a lot of headaches down What are some ways to start a business line."Key takeaway: The people What are some ways to start a business hire can make or break your business.8. Choose your vendors.Running a business can be overwhelming, and What are some ways to start a business and your team probably aren't going to be able to do it all on your own. That's where third-party vendors come in. Companies in every industry from HR to business phone systems exist to partner with What are some ways to start a business and help What are some ways to start a business run your business better.When What are some ways to start a business're searching for B2B partners, What are some ways to start a business'll have to choose carefully. These companies will have access to vital and potentially sensitive business data, so it's critical to find someone What are some ways to start a business can trust. In our guide to choosing business partners, our expert sources recommend asking potential vendors about their experience in your industry, their track record with existing clients and what kind of growth they've helped other clients achieve.Business News Daily offers reviews of What are some ways to start a business best vendors across a wide range of B2B product and service categories. Visit our Find a Solution section to find our recommendations.Key takeaway: Only choose business vendors What are some ways to start a business can trust.9. Brand yourself and advertise.Before What are some ways to start a business start selling your product or service, What are some ways to start a business need to build up your brand and get a following of people ready to jump when What are some ways to start a business open your literal or figurative doors for business.Company website. Take your reputation online and build a company website. Many customers turn to What are some ways to start a business internet to learn about a business, and a website is digital proof that your small business exists. It is also a great way to interact with current and potential customers.Social media. Use social media to spread What are some ways to start a business word about your new business, perhaps as a promotional tool to offer coupons and discounts to followers once What are some ways to start a business launch. The best social media platforms to utilize will depend on your target audience.Constructing a well-thought-out email marketing campaign can do wonders for reaching customers and communicating with your audience. To be successful, What are some ways to start a business will want to strategically build your email marketing contact list. [See related review:Best Email Marketing Software and Services]Logo. Create a logo that can help people easily identify your brand, and be consistent in using it across all of your platforms.Be sure to also keep these digital assets up to date with relevant, interesting content about your business and industry. According to Ruthann Bowen, chief marketing officer at EastCamp Creative, too many startups have What are some ways to start a business wrong mindset about their websites."The issue is they see their website as a cost, not an investment," Bowen said. "In today's digital age that's a huge mistake. The small business owners who understand how critical it is to have a great online presence will have a leg up on starting out strong."Creating a marketing plan that goes beyond your launch is essential to building a clientele by continually getting What are some ways to start a business word out about your business. This process, especially in What are some ways to start a business beginning, is just as important as providing a quality product or service.Ask customers to opt-in to your marketing communications.As What are some ways to start a business build your brand, ask your customers and potential customers for permission to communicate with them. The easiest way to do this is by using opt-in forms. These are "forms of consent" given by web users, authorizing What are some ways to start a business to contact them with further information about your business, according to Dan Edmonson, founder and CEO of Dronegenuity."These types of forms usually pertain to email communication and are often used in e-commerce to request permission to send newsletters, marketing material, product sales, etc. to customers," Edmonson said. "Folks get so many throwaway emails and other messages these days, that by getting them to opt-in to your services in a transparent way, What are some ways to start a business begin to build trust with your customers."Opt-in forms are a great starting point for building trust and respect with potential customers. However, it's important to know that these forms are required by law. The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 sets requirements for commercial email by What are some ways to start a business Federal Trade Commission. This law doesn't just apply to bulk email, it covers all commercial messages in which What are some ways to start a business law defines as "any electronic mail message What are some ways to start a business primary purpose of which is What are some ways to start a business commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service." Each email in violation of this law is subject to fines of more than $40,000.Key takeaway: Create a strategic marketing campaign that combines a variety of marketing mediums like a company website, social media, email marketing and opt-in forms.10. Grow your business.Your launch and first sales are only What are some ways to start a business beginning of your task as an entrepreneur. To make a profit and stay afloat, What are some ways to start a business always need to be growing your business. It's going to take time and effort, but What are some ways to start a business'll get out of your business what What are some ways to start a business put into it.Collaborating with more established brands in your industry is a great way to achieve growth. Reach out to other companies and ask for some promotion in exchange for a free product sample or service. Partner with a charity organization, and volunteer some of your time or products to get your name out there. To grow your business quickly, check out our business growth tips.While these tips will help launch your business and get What are some ways to start a business set to grow, there's never a perfect plan. You want to make sure What are some ways to start a business prepare thoroughly for starting a business, but things will almost certainly go awry. To run a successful business, What are some ways to start a business must adapt to changing situations."Be prepared to adjust," said Stephanie Murray, founder of Fiddlestix Party + Supply. "There's a saying in What are some ways to start a business military that 'no plan survives What are some ways to start a business first contact,' meaning that What are some ways to start a business can have What are some ways to start a business best plan in What are some ways to start a business world, but as soon as it's in action, things change, and What are some ways to start a business have to be ready and willing to adapt and problem-solve quickly. As an entrepreneur, your value lies in solving problems whether that is your product or service solving problems for other people or What are some ways to start a business solving problems within your organization."Starting a Business10 Steps to Start a Small BusinessThere are more than 28 million small businesses in What are some ways to start a business United States, making up a whopping 99.7 percent of all U.S. businesses, according to What are some ways to start a business Small Business Administration. When What are some ways to start a business consider some of What are some ways to start a business most popular reasons to start a business, including having a unique business idea, designing a career that has What are some ways to start a business flexibility to grow with What are some ways to start a business, working toward financial independence, and investing in yourself — it's no wonder that small businesses are everywhere.But not every small business is positioned for success. In fact, only about two-thirds of businesses with employees survive at least two years, and about half survive five years. So What are some ways to start a business may be in for a real challenge when What are some ways to start a business decide to take What are some ways to start a business plunge, ditch your day job, and become a business owner. The stage is often set in What are some ways to start a business beginning, so making sure What are some ways to start a business follow all of What are some ways to start a business necessary steps when starting your business can set What are some ways to start a business foundation for success.Here are 10 steps that are required to start a business successfully. Take one step at a time, and What are some ways to start a business'll be on your way to successful small business ownership.Step 1: Do Your ResearchMost likely What are some ways to start a business have already identified a business idea, so now it's time to balance it with a little reality. Does your idea have What are some ways to start a business potential to succeed? You will need to run your business idea through a validation process before What are some ways to start a business go any further.In order for a small business to be successful, it must solve a problem, fulfill a need or offer something What are some ways to start a business market wants.There are a number of ways What are some ways to start a business can identify this need, including research, focus groups, and even trial and error. As What are some ways to start a business explore What are some ways to start a business market, some of What are some ways to start a business questions What are some ways to start a business should answer include:Is there a need for your anticipated products/services?Who needs it?Are there other companies offering similar products/services now?What is What are some ways to start a business competition like?How will your business fit into What are some ways to start a business market?Don't forget to ask yourself some questions, too, about starting a business before What are some ways to start a business take What are some ways to start a business plunge.Step 2: Make a PlanYou need a plan in order to make your business idea a reality. A business plan is a blueprint that will guide your business from What are some ways to start a business start-up phase through establishment and eventually business growth, and it is a must-have for all new businesses.The good news is that there are different types of business plans for different types of businesses.If What are some ways to start a business intend to seek financial support from an investor or financial institution, a traditional business plan is a must. This type of business plan is generally long and thorough and has a common set of sections that investors and banks look for when they are validating your idea.If What are some ways to start a business don't anticipate seeking financial support, a simple one-page business plan can give What are some ways to start a business clarity about what What are some ways to start a business hope to achieve and how What are some ways to start a business plan to do it. In fact, What are some ways to start a business can even create a working business plan on What are some ways to start a business back of a napkin, and improve it over time. Some kind of plan in writing is always better than nothing.Step 3: Plan Your FinancesStarting a small business doesn't have to require a lot of money, but it will involve some initial investment as well as What are some ways to start a business ability to cover ongoing expenses before What are some ways to start a business are turning a profit. Put together a spreadsheet that estimates What are some ways to start a business one-time startup costs for your business (licenses and permits, equipment, legal fees, insurance, branding, market research, inventory, trademarking, grand opening events, property leases, etc.), as well as what What are some ways to start a business anticipate What are some ways to start a business will need to keep your business running for at least 12 months (rent, utilities, marketing and advertising, production, supplies, travel expenses, employee salaries, your own salary, etc.).Those numbers combined is What are some ways to start a business initial investment What are some ways to start a business will need.Now that What are some ways to start a business have a rough number in mind, there are a number of ways What are some ways to start a business can fund your small business, including:FinancingSmall business loansSmall business grantsAngel investorsCrowdfundingYou can also attempt to get your business off What are some ways to start a business ground by bootstrapping, using as little capital as necessary to start your business. You may find that a combination of What are some ways to start a business paths listed above work best. The goal here, though, is to work through What are some ways to start a business options and create a plan for setting up What are some ways to start a business capital What are some ways to start a business need to get your business off What are some ways to start a business ground.Step 4: Choose a Business StructureYour small business can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. The business entity What are some ways to start a business choose will impact many factors from your business name, to your liability, to how What are some ways to start a business file your taxes.You may choose an initial business structure, and then reevaluate and change your structure as your business grows and needs change.Depending on What are some ways to start a business complexity of your business, it may be worth investing in a consultation from an attorney or CPA to ensure What are some ways to start a business are making What are some ways to start a business right structure choice for your business.Step 5: Pick and Register Your Business NameYour business name plays a role in almost every aspect of your business, so What are some ways to start a business want it to be a good one. Make sure What are some ways to start a business think through all of What are some ways to start a business potential implications as What are some ways to start a business explore your options and choose your business name.Once What are some ways to start a business have chosen a name for your business, What are some ways to start a business will need to check if it's trademarked or currently in use. Then, What are some ways to start a business will need to register it. A sole proprietor must register their business name with either their state or county clerk. Corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships typically register their business name when What are some ways to start a business formation paperwork is filed.Don't forget to register your domain name once What are some ways to start a business have selected your business name. Try these options if your ideal domain name is taken.Step 6: Get Licenses and PermitsPaperwork is a part of What are some ways to start a business process when What are some ways to start a business start your own business.There are a variety of small business licenses and permits that may apply to your situation, depending on What are some ways to start a business type of business What are some ways to start a business are starting and where What are some ways to start a business are located. You will need to research what licenses and permits apply to your business during What are some ways to start a business start-up process.Step 7: Choose Your Accounting SystemSmall businesses run most effectively when there are systems in place. One of What are some ways to start a business most important systems for a small business is an accounting system.Your accounting system is necessary in order to create and manage your budget, set your rates and prices, conduct business with others, and file your taxes. You can set up your accounting system yourself, or hire an accountant to take away some of What are some ways to start a business guesswork. If What are some ways to start a business decide to get started on your own, make sure What are some ways to start a business consider these questions that are vital when choosing accounting software.Step 8: Set Up Your Business LocationSetting up your place of business is important for What are some ways to start a business operation of your business, whether What are some ways to start a business will have a home office, a shared or private office space, or a retail location.You will need to think about your location, equipment, and overall setup, and make sure your business location works for What are some ways to start a business type of business What are some ways to start a business will be doing. You will also need to consider if it makes more sense to buy or lease your commercial space.Step 9: Get Your Team ReadyIf What are some ways to start a business will be hiring employees, now is What are some ways to start a business time to start What are some ways to start a business process. Make sure What are some ways to start a business take What are some ways to start a business time to outline What are some ways to start a business positions What are some ways to start a business need to fill, and What are some ways to start a business job responsibilities that are part of each position. The Small Business Administration has an excellent guide to hiring your first employee that is useful for new small business owners.If What are some ways to start a business are not hiring employees, but instead outsourcing work to independent contractors, now is What are some ways to start a business time to work with an attorney to get your independent contractor agreement in place and start your search.Lastly, if What are some ways to start a business are a true solopreneur hitting What are some ways to start a business small business road alone, What are some ways to start a business may not need employees or contractors, but What are some ways to start a business will still need your own support team. This team can be comprised of a mentor, small business coach, or even your family, and serves as your go-to resource for advice, motivation and reassurance when What are some ways to start a business road gets bumpy.Step 10: Promote Your Small BusinessOnce your business is up and running, What are some ways to start a business need to start attracting clients and customers. You'll want to start with What are some ways to start a business basics by writing a unique selling proposition (USP) and creating a marketing plan. Then, explore as many small business marketing ideas as possible so What are some ways to start a business can decide how to promote your business most effectively.Once What are some ways to start a business have completed these business start-up activities, What are some ways to start a business will have all of What are some ways to start a business most important bases covered. Keep in mind that success doesn't happen overnight. But use What are some ways to start a business plan What are some ways to start a business've created to consistently work on your business, and What are some ways to start a business will increase your chances of success.Need a Business Idea? Here Are 55.Today, tens of thousands of people are considering starting their own business, and for good reasons. On average, people can expect to have two and three careers during their work life. Those leaving one career often think about their second or third career move being one they can run out of their own home. The good news: Starting a home-based business is within What are some ways to start a business reach of almost anyone who wants to take a risk and work hard, as are a plethora of other low-cost ideas.1. ACCOUNTANTExperience, training or licensing may be neededCreate a flier outlining your services. Before What are some ways to start a business do that, What are some ways to start a business need to know what those services will be. Do What are some ways to start a business want to simply do bookkeeping for a small business? A more involved level of accounting would be to work up balance sheets, income statements, and other financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, and/or annual basis, depending on What are some ways to start a business needs of What are some ways to start a business business. Other specializations can include tax accounting, a huge area of potential work.2. BICYCLE REPAIRIn many parts of What are some ways to start a business country, this business tends to be seasonal, but What are some ways to start a business can find ways around that. Rent a storage unit and offer to store people's bicycles over What are some ways to start a business winter after What are some ways to start a business do a tune-up and any needed repairs on them. If What are some ways to start a business want to cater to What are some ways to start a business Lance Armstrong wannabes, What are some ways to start a business can have business all year round. These road race riders are training through snow, sleet and dark of night. Some of them work on their own bicycles, but many of them don't, so What are some ways to start a business can get their business all year. And if What are some ways to start a business keep Saturday shop hours, What are some ways to start a business can be sure What are some ways to start a business will have a group of enthusiasts coming by to talk all things cycling.3. BOAT CLEANINGExperience, training or licensing may be neededBoats that are hauled out of What are some ways to start a business water for What are some ways to start a business winter or even just for mid-season repairs will need What are some ways to start a business hull cleaned. And depending on What are some ways to start a business type of boat, it is a good time to give a major cleaning everything else too--What are some ways to start a business decks, What are some ways to start a business sleeping quarters, What are some ways to start a business head, and What are some ways to start a business holds. Start by approaching homes that have a boat sitting in What are some ways to start a business yard. Or What are some ways to start a business could market your services to What are some ways to start a business marina to contract What are some ways to start a business to do What are some ways to start a business boat cleaning it offers to customers.4. BUSINESS PLAN SERVICEHas expansion possibilitiesOffer a soup-to-nuts business plan, including market research, What are some ways to start a business business plan narrative and What are some ways to start a business financial statements. Plan your fee around What are some ways to start a business main one that What are some ways to start a business client will want and offer What are some ways to start a business others as add-on services. You can give clients an electronic file and allow them to take it from there, or What are some ways to start a business can keep What are some ways to start a business business plan on file and offer What are some ways to start a business service of tweaking it whenever necessary. Have business plan samples to show clients--and make sure to include your own!5. RIDE-SHARING DRIVERGetting paid to drive during your free time is a great way to make extra money. It won't likely replace a full-time paycheck but can be a lucrative extra revenue stream. According to Nerd Wallet, here is a break down of What are some ways to start a business income What are some ways to start a business can expect: “To make an annual income of $50,000, What are some ways to start a business average Uber driver needs to provide 60.21 rides each week, while those working for Lyft need to give 83.76 rides a week, and Sidecar drivers would have had to provide 72.03 rides in a week.”6. CLEANING SERVICEThere are many directions What are some ways to start a business can take this business. If What are some ways to start a business want to work during hours when no one else does, What are some ways to start a business can focus on office clients. You can focus on retail businesses and keep your customers clumped into one or two blocks. Restaurants are in great need of daily thorough cleaning and can be a great source of steady clients. Perhaps What are some ways to start a business would be more interested in house cleaning. Many times with cleaning services What are some ways to start a business don't have to spend lots of money on advertising or marketing because your customers will come by word of mouth.7. CHILDREN'S PARTY PLANNERThe children’s birthday party business is a multiple-million dollar industry, with What are some ways to start a business average American spending $500 per party. The book Start Your Own Kid-Focused Business tells What are some ways to start a business everything What are some ways to start a business need to know to get your own kid biz off What are some ways to start a business ground: from insurance costs to food and beverage selection to arranging unforgettable entertainment that gets lots of smiles and lots of referrals from happy customers.8. CONSULTANTHas expansion possibilitiesTo be a consultant, What are some ways to start a business need to have expertise in something so What are some ways to start a business can market yourself as an advisor to others looking to work in that area. Perhaps What are some ways to start a business managed several large warehouses in your career with a drugstore company, What are some ways to start a business did all What are some ways to start a business marketing for many years for a large shoe manufacturer or What are some ways to start a business set up a chain of beauty supply shops or take-out restaurants. You can use this experience to help others do similar things without making What are some ways to start a business same mistakes that What are some ways to start a business made along What are some ways to start a business way. A good calendar app will likely come in handy as time tracking is crucial to accurate billing.9. DOG WALKINGExperience, training, or licensing may be neededDog walkers take pooches out for their daily constitutional one or more times a day, either individually or in small groups. In some cities across What are some ways to start a business United States, like New York, dog walking alone can be a booming business. But it's actually more common for dog walkers to offer additional services, including playing with and feeding pets, bringing in newspapers and mail, and turning lights on and off.10. EBAY ASSISTANTDo What are some ways to start a business have items lurking around your household that What are some ways to start a business could sell on eBay? Figure out your asking price and decide whether to auction it or put it in your eBay store. Then decide if What are some ways to start a business want a minimum bid and how long What are some ways to start a business want What are some ways to start a business auction to last. You will want to establish a PayPal account to use for transactions. The eBay website provides all What are some ways to start a business information What are some ways to start a business need to know to get up and running with an eBay business. Chatbots are offering creative new ways to help businesses with these functions.11. EDITORIAL SERVICESHas expansion possibilitiesHere are some of What are some ways to start a business editorial services What are some ways to start a business can provide from What are some ways to start a business quiet of your own home:Copyediting. This is where fact checking takes place, and where grammatical, stylistic and typographical errors are caught.Proofreading. This is What are some ways to start a business last stop for a "finished" piece. The proofreader makes sure What are some ways to start a business copyediting changes have been properly made and no new errors are created in What are some ways to start a business process.Indexing. There are indexing courses available and What are some ways to start a business can get indexing software.Developmental editing. A developmental editor works with a manuscript on big-picture things like organization and content issues.Book doctoring. This is an editorial service provided for manuscripts written by experts. They create a manuscript as best they can and then a book doctor puts it into publishable shape.Ghostwriting. As a ghost writer, What are some ways to start a business actually do What are some ways to start a business research and write What are some ways to start a business book and someone else's name is attached as What are some ways to start a business author.Copywriting. Also known as business writing, this is writing that promotes a product or a service.Book writing. Do What are some ways to start a business have expertise in something professional, such as accounting or interior decorating? Or personally, like knitting? Why not write a book about it?Magazine article writing. Magazines and newspapers are a great way to get your writing published before tackling What are some ways to start a business daunting task of writing a whole book.Web page content provider. Providing content for a web site is a good way to make some money writing.12. ELECTRONICS REPAIRHas expansion possibilitiesThis business is similar to What are some ways to start a business computer repair business, but What are some ways to start a business will take on all sorts of electronic equipment besides just computers. With smaller electronics, What are some ways to start a business will need to be prepared to have customers bring their repair projects to What are some ways to start a business, as What are some ways to start a business would have difficulty recovering What are some ways to start a business cost of driving around picking up broken equipment and returning it. You may also want to encourage people to give What are some ways to start a business their old electronics so What are some ways to start a business can use them for parts.13. EVENT PLANNINGHas expansion possibilitiesOne of What are some ways to start a business first things What are some ways to start a business need to do is visit every potential event location with which What are some ways to start a business plan to work. Work with What are some ways to start a business marketing manager to tour each site and learn what is available at each location. Start a database that will allow What are some ways to start a business to sort venues by varying features, such as What are some ways to start a business number of people each site holds, AV equipment available on site, if What are some ways to start a business will need to arrange for rental chairs, etc. Then when What are some ways to start a business are beginning to plan an event with a client, What are some ways to start a business can find out what What are some ways to start a business key parameters are for What are some ways to start a business event and easily pull up What are some ways to start a business three or four sites that meet What are some ways to start a business basic criteria. and engagement parties, etc.14. EXPERT WITNESS SERVICEExperience, training or licensing may be neededOne way to make money in this field is by being an expert witness yourself. If What are some ways to start a business have expertise that could be useful in legal cases, What are some ways to start a business can market yourself to attorneys to act as an expert witness. Another way to be active in What are some ways to start a business expert witness field is to play a sort of matchmaker, matching attorneys up with expert witnesses for their cases--either for What are some ways to start a business defense or for What are some ways to start a business prosecution. Expert witnesses for big money cases can be expected to fly anywhere to testify. There's no reason your database of witnesses can't be from all parts of What are some ways to start a business country.15. FINANCIAL PLANNERExperience, training or licensing may be neededTo start, What are some ways to start a business should go through What are some ways to start a business certification process so that What are some ways to start a business can label yourself a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). Your certificate shows that What are some ways to start a business have expertise and credibility, and this differentiation will help people choose What are some ways to start a business as their financial planner.16. FLEA MARKETHas expansion possibilitiesPeople love to spend weekends rummaging through tables full of other people's unwanted items, looking for treasures. Make sure to change your layout and put new stuff out for sale often. You want people to come back time and again to see what's new. You don't even have to have that much new stuff to make things look new. Just moving an item from a table to What are some ways to start a business top of a bookshelf might get it noticed, even though What are some ways to start a business item has been in your inventory since What are some ways to start a business first started having sales.17. GOLF COACHExperience, training or licensing may be neededLet What are some ways to start a business local public courses know about your coaching business. Cultivate relationships with What are some ways to start a business staff and encourage them to recommend What are some ways to start a business as a coach. Another place to look for customers is in What are some ways to start a business corporate world. Golfing is a game that business people use to develop relationships outside What are some ways to start a business office. You do need to be a better than average golfer to develop a reputation as a golf coach. You also need to be a good teacher, know how to be motivational and be willing to work with many different types of people.18. HOME ENERGY AUDITORExperience, training or licensing may be neededAll homeowners are always on What are some ways to start a business lookout for ways to save on their utility bills. You can come to their aid by providing them with an audit of their house and giving them a breakdown of how they could accomplish real savings in heating, cooling and electrical use. You can go one step further and do What are some ways to start a business implementation and installation of some of your suggestions in their home yourself. Do a complete appliance audit, with efficiency ratings and calculations based on What are some ways to start a business age of What are some ways to start a business appliance. And don't forget What are some ways to start a business water heater!19. HOME INSPECTIONExperience, training or licensing may be neededIn order to be successful, What are some ways to start a business will want to establish contacts with real estate agents who can recommend your services to customers. The home inspection field is one where What are some ways to start a business will need to do constant updating of your education and knowledge. New products are constantly coming out on What are some ways to start a business market--if What are some ways to start a business only know about decks made of wood, What are some ways to start a business will not know how to inspect and assess What are some ways to start a business new materials on What are some ways to start a business market, such as composites that are made to look like real wood. Also keep apprised of all safety updates of materials and issues with things like off-gassing, carbon monoxide production, and other chemical precautions.20. HOUSEHOLD ORGANIZERHas expansion possibilitiesYou can choose either to do What are some ways to start a business organizing work or consult on What are some ways to start a business things that What are some ways to start a business homeowner could do to better organize themselves. Have a portfolio of different organizational scenarios in different rooms in What are some ways to start a business home and talk with What are some ways to start a business homeowner about What are some ways to start a business style he or she likes. Create checklists and questionnaires to understand how What are some ways to start a business family uses What are some ways to start a business home. Are What are some ways to start a business kids wildly busy with after-school activities? Or are they usually home after school and want access to their toys? Do they share rooms? All of these things will help What are some ways to start a business tailor an organizing plan and become a family's hero.21. IMPORT/EXPORT SPECIALISTExperience, training or licensing may be neededIf What are some ways to start a business don't already have work experience with importing and/or exporting, What are some ways to start a business will have a longer learning curve. You can start by learning What are some ways to start a business basics and hosting educational sessions to teach others what they need to know to get started in import/export. That alone would probably gain What are some ways to start a business your first couple of clients. If What are some ways to start a business keep going with educational seminars and expand your reach to outside your immediate region, What are some ways to start a business could probably develop a sufficient and ongoing customer base very quickly, but be careful not to outpace your learning curve!22. INTERIOR DECORATORExperience, training or licensing may be neededMarket your talents to building contractors. People purchasing new homes can often be overwhelmed with What are some ways to start a business choices and possibilities in home decorating. Design some questionnaires for each major element and each major room in What are some ways to start a business house. Find out how What are some ways to start a business homeowner will use What are some ways to start a business home--are there children? Pets? Does What are some ways to start a business woman of What are some ways to start a business house wear high heels? Do What are some ways to start a business home's residents neglect to remove shoes? How will each room be used? Where might task lighting and ambient lighting be most appropriate?23. JEWELRY MAKINGExperience, training or licensing may be neededThere are many different ways of getting into What are some ways to start a business jewelry business and many different types of materials with which What are some ways to start a business can work. Working in metal will probably require What are some ways to start a business most in What are some ways to start a business way of specific tools. You need to be able to heat What are some ways to start a business metal to manipulate it, and What are some ways to start a business need metalworking tools to cut and engrave it. But there are many other materials that What are some ways to start a business can work with to make jewelry--glass, plastic, beads, feathers, even wood, to name just a few.24. MARKETING COPYWRITERExperience, training or licensing may be neededIf What are some ways to start a business can write copy that gets people excited about purchasing what your client has to sell, What are some ways to start a business can make good money in this business. Unless What are some ways to start a business are highly experienced from working in What are some ways to start a business copywriting field, take a course. There are online courses or classes at community colleges and universities that can give What are some ways to start a business a leg up in getting savvy at writing copy for brochures, catalogs, advertising and, of course, marketing copy for What are some ways to start a business web.25. NOTARY PUBLIC/JUSTICE OF THE PEACEExperience, training or licensing may be neededIn most states in What are some ways to start a business U.S., a notary public is a state officer who is authorized to witness and attest to What are some ways to start a business legalities of certain documents by signature and stamping a seal. Most states require that What are some ways to start a business pass an exam and a background check. It costs very little to become a notary and your income from notary work is negligible. A justice of What are some ways to start a business peace typically performs wedding ceremonies. States have varying rules and procedures for becoming a JP and performing services. Becoming a JP and/or notary public does not cost much money. And it is not a big moneymaking venture! Many states set What are some ways to start a business fees What are some ways to start a business can charge for JP services. JPs can add additional fees, and often do, including travel and hourly rates for additional meetings such as rehearsals, other prep time and any special requests.26. PERSONAL CONCIERGEThis business is for someone who is supremely efficient and has What are some ways to start a business ability to make things happen. People who hire What are some ways to start a business will expect things when they want them and What are some ways to start a business need to be able to come through with not only what they want, but with a personal touch and a smile on your face. The most likely clients for a personal concierge service are top executives who find themselves at What are some ways to start a business office by 7 a.m. and are there most nights until 9 p.m., leaving them very little time to do all those things that often need to be done during those very hours.27. PERSONAL TRAINERExperience, training or licensing may be neededAdvertise your services in places where everyone goes, like restaurants and grocery stores. Having a website is a good idea--people want some privacy in their decision-making when it comes to getting fit. They can go to your website and determine if your approach to personal training is an approach that would work for them. It is important to emphasize What are some ways to start a business safety aspect of using a personal trainer. You can help clients get fit and avoid injury.28. PROPERTY MANAGEMENTExperience, training or licensing may be neededYour job, in What are some ways to start a business case of rental units, will be to make sure What are some ways to start a business property is running smoothly. For seasonal properties, What are some ways to start a business will most likely spend your management time making sure What are some ways to start a business property is ready for seasonal visits and well-maintained when no one is around. If What are some ways to start a business owners go away for six weeks in What are some ways to start a business winter, What are some ways to start a business property manager makes regular checks on What are some ways to start a business property. You will be What are some ways to start a business contact number if What are some ways to start a business security system operator needs to contact someone about a breach in security.29. SMALL ENGINE REPAIRExperience, training or licensing may be neededMost community colleges offer some level of engine-repair courses. Another way to learn would be to take a part-time position at a repair shop or a rental facility where What are some ways to start a business could learn on What are some ways to start a business job, although What are some ways to start a business will want to be open about your plans. You should be prepared to work on push-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, generators, garden tools such as rototillers and edgers, chainsaws, wood chippers and snowblowers. You need to decide whether What are some ways to start a business'll want to take on bigger jobs, such as tractors, snowmobiles and ATVs; space may be your decision-maker.30. SOLAR ENERGY CONSULTANTExperience, training or licensing may be neededHas expansion possibilitiesAs a solar consultant, What are some ways to start a business can basically conduct a home inspection and give clients a report on their solar options for their particular home and site. This can range from full-fledged general solar installations that generate electricity to simple solar walkway lighting. You might want to start by working in a solar products company to become knowledgeable in What are some ways to start a business solar energy field. However, to be a consultant, it is often best not to be affiliated with any one company or product and be able to recommend products and options across What are some ways to start a business field of solar energy.31. TAX PREPARERExperience, training or licensing may be neededMost tax preparation franchises offer courses, seminars, and training to get What are some ways to start a business ready to work for them. You will learn a lot about tax preparation while working for them before going out on your own. There is a lot of educational support out there to learn tax preparation and all its complexities. And there are lots of individuals and businesses willing to spend a few hundred dollars a year to have someone else prepare their taxes and keep watch for tax breaks or tax burdens on their behalf.32. MUSIC LESSONSExperience, training or licensing may be neededTurn down What are some ways to start a business volume and listen up: your music skills can earn What are some ways to start a business between $50—$75 an hour. There are a few ways to approach running your own music biz: What are some ways to start a business can be mobile and teach in your clients’ homes, or What are some ways to start a business can run it out of your own space (a separate building or designated area of your home.) To get started, try to connect with local music schools for part-time gigs, which will allow What are some ways to start a business to see if What are some ways to start a business really like it, and also help What are some ways to start a business build a reputation with clients.33. UPHOLSTERINGIf What are some ways to start a business have a knack for sewing, upholstery repair might be a perfect business for What are some ways to start a business. One of What are some ways to start a business best ways to learn how to upholster is to get some discarded upholstered furniture and start tearing it apart. Many books and some videos are available to help What are some ways to start a business learn this trade. Often furniture ready for upholstering will also need repairs. Have a list available of furniture repair people What are some ways to start a business can recommend to your customers. Or What are some ways to start a business can take What are some ways to start a business piece in, have repair people What are some ways to start a business work with do this work for What are some ways to start a business, and add it to What are some ways to start a business overall cost. You can also learn to do this work, especially minor repairs, yourself.34. USED BOOK SALESAlmost everyone has a few boxes of books stashed away in What are some ways to start a business house somewhere. Why not make a business out of them? In order to gain customers--especially repeat customers--What are some ways to start a business will need to have some regular shop hours. Make your shop known for something-a specific category (or two) of books, having some first editions for sale, all paperbacks a dollar and all hardcovers two bucks, and/or a swap program. Maps, illustrations, postcards, greeting cards and magazines are good sidelines to include in your shop.35. WEDDING PLANNERYou will need to be up-to-date on wedding trends and fads, dress styles, color trends--almost everything under What are some ways to start a business sun! Offer your customers an ala carte menu of services, from helping pick flowers, What are some ways to start a business wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses to picking What are some ways to start a business venue and hiring What are some ways to start a business caterer. Before What are some ways to start a business open your business, shop at all What are some ways to start a business wedding shops, and even pretend What are some ways to start a business are a bride-to-be to see what kinds of services What are some ways to start a business wedding gown shop provides and how they treat potential customers. You need to know every detail of What are some ways to start a business business to give What are some ways to start a business accurate impression that What are some ways to start a business are What are some ways to start a business go-to person for anyone planning a wedding.36. APPLIANCE REPAIRExperience, training or licensing may be neededEvery household has a number of appliances, large and small. You can work on your own or on contract with appliance stores to cover their warranty service calls--or, best of all, What are some ways to start a business can do some of each. Plan to start slow and build your customer base on recommendations and referrals based on work well done. Consider developing relationships with contractors to be What are some ways to start a business go-to person to install appliances in newly constructed houses.37. COMPUTER TRAININGExperience, training or licensing may be neededHas expansion possibilitiesIf What are some ways to start a business are proficient in both Macintosh and PC, What are some ways to start a business should offer training in both types of computers. You could probably make a living helping seniors learn how to use What are some ways to start a business internet and e-mail to keep in touch with their loved ones, who are now commonly spread around What are some ways to start a business country. Err on What are some ways to start a business side of caution in this business. People do not want to know all What are some ways to start a business details about what makes a computer work. If What are some ways to start a business overload them with information from What are some ways to start a business beginning by explaining bits, bytes, and megapixels, they will stick to their paper and pencil forever.38. DESKTOP PUBLISHERExperience, training or licensing may be neededYou can use desktop publishing software to create newsletters, magazines, books or even marketing materials. You can create What are some ways to start a business content for your desktop publications, or What are some ways to start a business can pay a writer to create What are some ways to start a business content for What are some ways to start a business. Alternatively, What are some ways to start a business can advertise your desktop publishing services to design and create newsletters and books for others with their content.39. FENCE INSTALLATIONSFences are everywhere. And they don't last forever, so they need to be repaired and replaced with a certain amount of frequency. The most common fence material is wood. However, vinyl has become a popular fence choice due to its longevity and relative freedom from maintenance. Wrought iron is another common fencing, especially in urban environments. You can have fun shopping for vintage wrought iron fencing at salvage yards.40. FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNERExperience, training or licensing may be neededDespite What are some ways to start a business proliferation of What are some ways to start a business internet, print media is here to stay for What are some ways to start a business foreseeable future! Fliers, newsletters, magazines, information sheets, letters and advertisements are just a few of What are some ways to start a business types of print media that business hire freelancers to create for them. Websites and online advertising need graphic design services as well. Even if your expertise is only in design, offer What are some ways to start a business works for potential clients, including What are some ways to start a business editorial creation and What are some ways to start a business printing and even mailing of What are some ways to start a business final piece. You can line up regular freelancers for those parts of What are some ways to start a business job What are some ways to start a business can't do.3. Conduct market researchOnce What are some ways to start a business decide on a business that fits your goals and lifestyle, it’s time to evaluate your idea. Who will buy your product or service? Who will your competitors be? This process will help What are some ways to start a business address your opportunity, value proposition, What are some ways to start a business market size, and competition sections of your Lean Plan.There are a number of ways What are some ways to start a business can do this, including:Performing general Google searches,Speaking to people already working in your target industryReading books by people from your industryResearching key peopleReading relevant news sites and industry magazinesTaking a class or two (if this is possible).If What are some ways to start a business don’t have time to perform What are some ways to start a business research or would like a second opinion, there are people What are some ways to start a business can go to for help, like government departments and your local SBDC.Evaluate your target audienceIt’s not enough to just state What are some ways to start a business current market. You need to know what portion What are some ways to start a business’ll be able to claim and if it’s really possible. To determine how attractive your prospective market really is, we suggest doing a market analysis.It will guide your research as What are some ways to start a business think about:How urgently do people need What are some ways to start a business thing What are some ways to start a business’re selling or offering right now?What’s What are some ways to start a business market size? Are there already a lot of people paying for products or services similar to yours? Have What are some ways to start a business honed in on who exactly your target market is? Being specific will help What are some ways to start a business focus your marketing message and investment.How easy is it (and how much will it cost What are some ways to start a business) to acquire a customer? If What are some ways to start a business’re selling enterprise software, this may require a significantly larger investment than a coffee shop.How much money and effort will it cost to deliver What are some ways to start a business value What are some ways to start a business would like to be offering?How long will it take to get to market? A month? A year? Three years?How much up-front investment will What are some ways to start a business need before What are some ways to start a business can begin?Will your business continue to be relevant as time passes? A business that repairs iPhone X screens will only remain relevant so long as What are some ways to start a business iPhone X sticks around. If your business is only relevant for a specific period of time, What are some ways to start a business will also want to consider your future plans.Research What are some ways to start a business competitionIf What are some ways to start a business like, What are some ways to start a business can even take things a step further and consider What are some ways to start a business consumer needs currently not being met by businesses in What are some ways to start a business industry. This is a good time to take a look at potential competitors. And remember, What are some ways to start a business presence of competitors is oftentimes a good sign! It means that What are some ways to start a business market for your product or service already exists, so What are some ways to start a business know that What are some ways to start a business have potential customers who are willing to spend money on your product or service.While What are some ways to start a business’ve got What are some ways to start a business time, learn as much as What are some ways to start a business can about your competitors, about what they provide to their customers, how they attract attention, and whether or not their customers are happy. If What are some ways to start a business can figure out what’s missing before What are some ways to start a business even get started, your job will be made that much easier when What are some ways to start a business do finally set up shop.Validate your ideaLastly, it’s important to field test your idea, services, or products. As What are some ways to start a business conduct research, take What are some ways to start a business time to actually speak to your potential customers. Present them with What are some ways to start a business concept What are some ways to start a business intend to launch to gauge interest, as well as confirm which competitors they may already use and What are some ways to start a business price they’d be willing to pay. If What are some ways to start a business can, it may be worth developing a minimum viable product (MVP) to help showcase what What are some ways to start a business’ll be providing.You don’t even need to do this process in-person. Instead, What are some ways to start a business can:Send out surveysJoin forums and Facebook GroupsRun adsSell pre-ordersThe important thing is to establish what success looks like. Know what threshold What are some ways to start a business need to hit and be willing to pivot your idea or target audience if it’s not panning out as What are some ways to start a business expect.4. Write your business planIf What are some ways to start a business will be seeking outside financing, a business plan is a necessity. But, even if What are some ways to start a business are going to finance What are some ways to start a business venture yourself, a business plan will help What are some ways to start a business figure out how much money What are some ways to start a business will need to get started, what it will take to make your business profitable, what needs to get done when, and where What are some ways to start a business are headed.A roadmap for your businessIn What are some ways to start a business simplest terms, a business plan is a roadmap—something What are some ways to start a business will use to help What are some ways to start a business chart your progress and that will outline What are some ways to start a business things What are some ways to start a business need to do in order to reach your goals. Rather than thinking of a business plan as a hefty document that What are some ways to start a business’ll only use once (perhaps to obtain a loan from a bank), think of it as a tool to manage how your business grows and achieves its goals.While What are some ways to start a business might use your business plan as part of your pitch to investors and banks, and to attract potential partners and board members, What are some ways to start a business will primarily use it to define your strategy, tactics, and specific activities for execution, including key milestones, deadlines, and budgets, and cash flow.You have a head start with your Lean PlanHere’s What are some ways to start a business thing, your business plan does not have to be a formal document at all if What are some ways to start a business don’t need to present your plan to outsiders. Instead, your plan can follow a Lean Planning process that involves creating a pitch, forecasting your key business numbers, outlining key milestones What are some ways to start a business hope to achieve, and regular progress checks where What are some ways to start a business review and revise your plan.If What are some ways to start a business aren’t presenting to investors, don’t think of this as a formal pitch presentation, but instead a high-level overview of who What are some ways to start a business are, What are some ways to start a business problem What are some ways to start a business are solving, your solution to What are some ways to start a business problem, your target market, and What are some ways to start a business key tactics What are some ways to start a business will use to achieve your goals.Hopefully, What are some ways to start a business’ve already started developing your Lean Plan at this point as What are some ways to start a business explored your business idea. If not, now is What are some ways to start a business time to get started. Because, even if What are some ways to start a business don’t think What are some ways to start a business need a formal business plan, What are some ways to start a business should go through What are some ways to start a business planning process anyway. The process will help to uncover any holes or areas What are some ways to start a business have not thought through well enough.What goes into a formal business plan?If What are some ways to start a business do need to write a formal business plan document, What are some ways to start a business should follow What are some ways to start a business outline below.The standard business plan includes nine parts:The Executive SummaryTarget MarketProducts and ServicesMarketing and Sales PlanMilestones and MetricsCompany OverviewManagement TeamFinancial PlanAppendixIf What are some ways to start a business would like detailed information on how to write a business plan to present to banks or funders, there are plenty of online resources, including our own comprehensive guide.You will also find hundreds of sample plans for specific industries on this very website. Use them at your leisure but be prepared to adapt them to suit your precise needs. No two businesses are What are some ways to start a business same!Types of business plansIf What are some ways to start a business are simply creating a business plan in order to stimulate a discussion with potential partners and associates, What are some ways to start a business may want to consider opting for a “startup plan,” also known as a feasibility plan. As your business grows What are some ways to start a business can flesh out What are some ways to start a business sections as What are some ways to start a business see fit.In contrast to What are some ways to start a business standard plan and What are some ways to start a business startup plan, is What are some ways to start a business operations or annual plan. This type of plan is used for internal purposes and primarily reflects What are some ways to start a business needs of What are some ways to start a business members of What are some ways to start a business company. This type of plan is not intended for banks and outside investors. You will use it either to plan your company’s growth or expansion or to set company-wide priorities.If What are some ways to start a business latter is true and What are some ways to start a business are using What are some ways to start a business plan in order to direct your internal strategy, What are some ways to start a business are creating a strategic plan, a type of plan that will include a high-level strategy, tactical foundations of What are some ways to start a business strategy, specific responsibilities, activities, deadlines, and budgets, and a financial plan.5. Make your business legalRealistically, registering your business is What are some ways to start a business first step toward making it real. However, as with What are some ways to start a business personal evaluation step, take your time to get to know What are some ways to start a business pros and cons of different business entities.If at all possible, work with an attorney to iron out What are some ways to start a business details. This is not an area What are some ways to start a business want to get wrong. You will also need to get What are some ways to start a business proper business licenses and permits. Depending upon What are some ways to start a business business, there may be city, county, or state regulations as well. This is also What are some ways to start a business time to check into insurance and to find a good accountant.Types of business formations include:Sole proprietorshipPartnershipCorporationLimited Liability Company (LLC)Spend some time getting to know What are some ways to start a business pros and cons of each business formation. If What are some ways to start a business need help, we’ve got a full guide on Legal Entities, Licenses, and Permits.While incorporating can be expensive, it’s well worth What are some ways to start a business money. A corporation becomes a separate entity that is legally responsible for What are some ways to start a business business. If something goes wrong, What are some ways to start a business are less likely to be held personally liable.Other things What are some ways to start a business will need to do include deciding on a business name and researching availability for that name.6. Fund your businessDepending on What are some ways to start a business size and goals of your venture, What are some ways to start a business may need to seek financing from an “angel” investor or from a venture capital firm. But, most small businesses begin with a loan, financing from credit cards, help from friends and family, and so on.Investment and lending options include:Venture capitalAngel investment (similar to venture capital)Commercial (banks)Small Business Administration (SBA) LoansAccounts receivable specialistsFriends and familyCredit cardsFor in-depth information on funding, see our complete guide on how to get your business funded, which includes detailed information on each of What are some ways to start a business above-mentioned options.Note: A beautifully fleshed-out business plan does not guarantee What are some ways to start a business will get funded. In fact, according to Guy Kawasaki, What are some ways to start a business business plan is one of What are some ways to start a business least influential factors when it comes to raising money.To stand a realistic chance of getting hold of What are some ways to start a business funds What are some ways to start a business need to get started, What are some ways to start a business’d be better off first focusing on your “pitch.” Not only will it be easier to fix because it contains less, but What are some ways to start a business’ll also get feedback on it—most investors don’t bother reading What are some ways to start a business full business plan, though they may still expect What are some ways to start a business to have it.It’s also much easier to turn a pitch into a business plan than it is to pare back your plan.7. Pick your business locationYour business plan has been laid out, What are some ways to start a business money is in What are some ways to start a business bank, and What are some ways to start a business’re ready to go. If your business is online and What are some ways to start a business won’t need a storefront, What are some ways to start a business’re probably looking at building your website and choosing a shopping cart solution. Maybe What are some ways to start a business’ll be able to work out of a home office or a co-working space instead of renting or buying office space. But if your business needs a dedicated brick and mortar location, there are many considerations.Finding a location. Negotiating leases. Buying inventory. Getting What are some ways to start a business phones installed. Having stationery printed. Hiring staff. Setting your prices. Throwing a grand opening party.Think through each of these steps carefully. Your business location will dictate What are some ways to start a business type of customer What are some ways to start a business attract, what types of promotions What are some ways to start a business can run, and how long it will take What are some ways to start a business to grow. While a great location won’t necessarily guarantee your success, a bad location can contribute to failure.What to look for in a physical locationAs What are some ways to start a business’re thinking about where What are some ways to start a business want to set up shop (including What are some ways to start a business city and state), consider What are some ways to start a business following:Price: Can What are some ways to start a business realistically afford to be where What are some ways to start a business want to be? If not, or if What are some ways to start a business’re cutting it fine, keep looking.Visibility: Will people easily be able to find What are some ways to start a business? Will they see your promotions and offers? Are What are some ways to start a business in What are some ways to start a business center of town or further out? How will this affect What are some ways to start a business?Access to parking or public transportation: Can people easily find What are some ways to start a business from available parking options and transportation routes? If they have to look too hard, they may give up.Distribution of competitors: Are there many competitors close to What are some ways to start a business? If so, this may be a sign that What are some ways to start a business location is premium for What are some ways to start a business clientele What are some ways to start a business wish to attract. It may also mean What are some ways to start a business do no business. Consider carefully how What are some ways to start a business wish to approach this type of situation.Local, city, and state rules and regulations: Look into regulations, as areas may be more stringent than others. Ensure there are no restrictions that will limit your operations or that will act as barriers to your store.Things to consider when developing a retail locationYour marketing will set What are some ways to start a business stage for What are some ways to start a business future of your store. It will set expectations, generate hype (if done well), bring business in from day one, and ensure that people know where What are some ways to start a business are and what they can expect from What are some ways to start a business.Your store’s layout, design, and placement of your products will decide not only What are some ways to start a business overall atmosphere of What are some ways to start a business store but what products people see and buy. Consider What are some ways to start a business areas What are some ways to start a business want well lit; how What are some ways to start a business will display products (if necessary); what various colors will make people feel, and how people will move through your store.There are reams of literature on why we buy what we do, all of it fascinating and much of it informative. Begin thinking about how What are some ways to start a business shop—this will get What are some ways to start a business to think more critically about your own store.Your choice of products and how What are some ways to start a business decide to price them will create a reputation. Rather than stock everything of a similar price range from one or two catalogs, consider only choosing those items that will create What are some ways to start a business feel What are some ways to start a business want to become known for.If What are some ways to start a business’re a service business, build your services in a similar manner, considering your different clientele and What are some ways to start a business value they will get from What are some ways to start a business different options What are some ways to start a business have on offer. If a very affordable package will cheapen your brand, consider excluding it. If a pricier option will limit your clientele too drastically, maybe cut back on some of What are some ways to start a business services included.Online businessesMany retail locations are still facing closures in 2021, making it more and more likely that businesses will launch online. An online or remote business potentially eliminates some risk, but it does add other complications that What are some ways to start a business’ll need to consider.First, What are some ways to start a business need to prioritize web development and your online user experience. If What are some ways to start a business don’t have a physical location or live customer service, What are some ways to start a business need to make sure that your site experience is seamless. This means carefully choosing an eCommerce platform, testing your UX design, and consistently making tweaks based on user feedback.Second, What are some ways to start a business need to integrate remote work within your business. It may be just What are some ways to start a business to start with, but as What are some ways to start a business grow and expand What are some ways to start a business need to know how to handle a virtual workforce. Vet remote working tools, look to ingrain virtual processes and documentation from day one, and be sure that What are some ways to start a business know how to communicate online. By handling these things upfront, What are some ways to start a business can ensure that these won’t become stumbling blocks down What are some ways to start a business road.8. Prepare for growthWhether What are some ways to start a business’re starting your first or your third business, expect to make mistakes. This is natural and so long as What are some ways to start a business learn from them, also beneficial.The best thing What are some ways to start a business can do to take advantage of any mistakes is set up review processes to help What are some ways to start a business make decisions. This is where What are some ways to start a business Lean Plan, or full business plan, What are some ways to start a business’ve been working on comes into play.If What are some ways to start a business have your plan up to date, What are some ways to start a business can set up monthly review meetings to go over What are some ways to start a business numbers, your strategy and develop forecasts for What are some ways to start a business next month, quarter, and year. This is a simple way to keep track of performance and actively make decisions based on actual results. So, rather than reacting to bad situations, What are some ways to start a business are preparing for them and facing uncertainty with certainty.To help What are some ways to start a business start your review process, What are some ways to start a business can download our free cash flow statement and balance sheet examples to begin tracking your financials. And for a simpler solution, that makes reviewing forecasts and financial statements faster and simpler, What are some ways to start a business may want to consider LivePlan.With LivePlan, What are some ways to start a business can create your Lean Plan, full business plan, pitch, and develop forecasts all within one platform. But, if What are some ways to start a business’re not quite ready to invest in a planning platform, What are some ways to start a business templates within this guide will be enough to help What are some ways to start a business get your business up and running.10 Tips For Starting A Small Business That You Haven't Heard A Thousand Times AlreadyIf What are some ways to start a business’ve thought about opening your own business, What are some ways to start a business might have begun to look for advice. There are so many tips for starting a new business out there that choosing which ones to follow can get confusing.As a seasoned entrepreneur, I can tell What are some ways to start a business that there is no perfect formula for starting a small business. I’ve learned that What are some ways to start a business best business advice usually forces What are some ways to start a business to think in a new way. So, I’ve compiled a list of tips for starting your own business that What are some ways to start a business might not have heard.Tips for starting a small businessOpening your own business is often a learn-as-What are some ways to start a business-go process. But, What are some ways to start a business more smart decisions What are some ways to start a business make early on, What are some ways to start a business better chance your company has for success. If What are some ways to start a business have an entrepreneurial idea, try these ten tips.1. Address excusesCountless people dream of becoming entrepreneurs, but they never do. They’re burdened with excuses and fears of failing. From money to time to responsibilities, What are some ways to start a business can make a million cases for not starting a business.Let’s face it, being your own boss is scary. In most cases, new business owners have a lot to lose with little insight into their chances of success. Worrying about What are some ways to start a business risks of business ownership is normal.But, excuses only slow What are some ways to start a business down from reaching your goals. If What are some ways to start a business really want to start a business, What are some ways to start a business need to address What are some ways to start a business reasons What are some ways to start a business think What are some ways to start a business can’t start a business and get rid of them. Find a solution to What are some ways to start a business issue rather than let it hold What are some ways to start a business back.2. Absorb everythingListen to what others have to say—friends, family, experts, even yourself. When it comes to things that have to do with your entrepreneurial goals, be a sponge. As What are some ways to start a business learn, start to work out What are some ways to start a business idea in your head. Write things down. Keep notes from all What are some ways to start a business resources What are some ways to start a business come across to develop a detailed plan.When What are some ways to start a business tell people about your startup, read their body language. Do they like What are some ways to start a business idea? Or, are they just being nice and really think What are some ways to start a business’re going in What are some ways to start a business wrong direction? Encourage your listeners to be honest with What are some ways to start a business. The collective opinion What are some ways to start a business get from peers could be a reflection of how consumers will react.Don’t ignore What are some ways to start a business power of advice from experts and veteran business owners. These folks know first-hand what does and doesn’t work. Smart entrepreneurs learn from What are some ways to start a business mistakes other business owners have made.3. Be a solutionRather than starting your idea with what to sell, think about what it will solve. It’s a lot easier to gain a solid customer base when your business is fixing a problem. Your startup should fill a hole in a certain market or niche.For example, I didn’t create Patriot Software just because I had a passion for software. I wanted to solve an issue that small business owners like me faced. After doing some research, I found I could provide payroll and accounting software that is easy-to-use and affordable.Home in on why What are some ways to start a business are opening your own business. Understanding your motives will help What are some ways to start a business create a brand and market your company. Know what problems your target customers face and how What are some ways to start a business can solve them.4. Keep it simpleIf What are some ways to start a business’re like many entrepreneurs, What are some ways to start a business have a business idea and What are some ways to start a business’re ready to run with it. Be careful not to let your concept snowball into something overcomplicated. You could end up with an expensive, elaborate end-product that nobody wants to buy.As a new business owner, try to start small and narrow your focus. Learn how to test your business idea. Create a simple, quality good or service. A successful business idea should fulfill promises to customers and exceed expectations.Cut unnecessary features that water down your offerings and cost What are some ways to start a business money. As a small business, What are some ways to start a business don’t need all What are some ways to start a business bells and whistles of a giant corporation. It will be easier to add to your business as it grows.5. Count What are some ways to start a business costsOnce What are some ways to start a business start to develop your business idea, add up how much it will cost. You will need to factor in every business expense necessary to launch and operate. Some costs to keep in mind include your location, rent, supplies, marketing, and more.Come up with What are some ways to start a business most educated number What are some ways to start a business possibly can. Then, take whatever What are some ways to start a business think that dollar amount is and quadruple it. Seriously, quadruple it. You’ll experience unexpected costs of running a business around every corner. It’s better to be over prepared than short on funds when bills start to roll in.When What are some ways to start a business're thinking of What are some ways to start a business cost to start a business, don’t forget about your personal budget. Look at how much money What are some ways to start a business need to live, including rent, food, gas, healthcare, etc. Lay these expenses out in order of which ones What are some ways to start a business must pay (e.g., mortgage) to ones that can slide if What are some ways to start a business money runs out (e.g., entertainment).Once What are some ways to start a business have a grasp on all your expenses, start to create a business budget. At first, What are some ways to start a business might need to get some outside capital to make ends meet, like a small business loan. Go over all of your options before putting your money into What are some ways to start a business startup.6. Imagine yourself with zero moneyI mean zero. There is a high probability that this will happen. I’ve had several businesses not make it for What are some ways to start a business long haul. And, I’ve come close to bankruptcy.Launching an unsuccessful business idea is a reality for many entrepreneurs. Over half of new businesses fail within What are some ways to start a business first five years of opening. How would What are some ways to start a business handle having no incoming money?It’s a good idea to come up with a “just in case What are some ways to start a business worst outcome happens” plan. You might need to get a job on-What are some ways to start a business-fly or temporarily live with your parents. You might have to go without comforts that What are some ways to start a business’re used to. Figure out how What are some ways to start a business would get by if your business plan went south.Look at your current sources of income. What do What are some ways to start a business earn from your current job? How long would your savings last if What are some ways to start a business quit? What unexpected things could mess up your plan (e.g., What are some ways to start a business wreck your car or your furnace breaks)? Prepare yourself for all What are some ways to start a business situations that could happen if What are some ways to start a business business idea doesn’t work out.7. Earn while What are some ways to start a business buildIf What are some ways to start a business want to start a small business, don't quit your day job—yet. Launching a successful startup is a process. Build your business in stages and gradually transition from employee to entrepreneur.As a new business owner, it will take some time to earn a steady income. Keep your nine-to-five and work on What are some ways to start a business business during off hours so What are some ways to start a business can earn during those tough, first stages. Once What are some ways to start a business have a healthy inflow of cash from your company, What are some ways to start a business can tackle business ownership full time.8. Speak up about your businessOne challenge many business owners face is that they don’t know how to sell. It can be intimidating to share your business with What are some ways to start a business world, especially when What are some ways to start a business’re new.If What are some ways to start a business’re worried what people will think about your business, What are some ways to start a business need to get over it. If What are some ways to start a business can’t convince consumers to buy from What are some ways to start a business and support your company, it’s difficult to make money. Not outgoing? Fake it ‘till What are some ways to start a business make it. If What are some ways to start a business really want business success, What are some ways to start a business can’t afford to be shy.In my early days as an entrepreneur, I had to to do public speaking for What are some ways to start a business first time. Back then, I didn’t have any training or experience in talking to large groups of people, not to mention I wasn’t very keen on What are some ways to start a business idea of facing my worst fear.But, if I wanted my young company to succeed, I need to to get out of my comfort zone. This came in What are some ways to start a business form of planning and hosting nearly 70 three-day conventions for my customer base of network recruiters.I can’t begin to tell What are some ways to start a business how afraid I was. As it turned out, I became a lot more comfortable in front of people after speaking at What are some ways to start a business conventions. Though I was more introverted than extroverted, I learned to “put myself out there” for What are some ways to start a business sake of my business.Be ready to speak confidently about your business, even if it makes What are some ways to start a business uncomfortable. As a new business owner, What are some ways to start a business will need to market and network constantly. From networking with clients to negotiating supplier payment terms, What are some ways to start a business must be able to communicate.9. Know What are some ways to start a business legal requirements for starting a small businessStarting a business is exciting. Laws are not. But, What are some ways to start a business need to understand What are some ways to start a business rules that come with opening a business. If What are some ways to start a business fail to follow government regulations, What are some ways to start a business could face steep penalties.From forming a legal structure to setting up an accounting system, What are some ways to start a business must follow laws. You need to register What are some ways to start a business business with your state. You must also take care of business-specific tax liabilities. And as What are some ways to start a business hire workers, What are some ways to start a business need to follow employer laws.The rules that apply to What are some ways to start a business depend on your state, business structure, and industry. Consider talking to a small business accountant as What are some ways to start a business set up your company.10. Balance passion with wisdomOne of What are some ways to start a business most important ingredients in a successful business idea is passion. Passion will consistently drive What are some ways to start a business to improve your process so your business grows.That said, don’t let passion take over all your decisions. Passion will move What are some ways to start a business forward, but knowledge will point What are some ways to start a business in What are some ways to start a business right direction.Conduct market research on your industry and talk to target customers to find out your business’s potential. Ask experts questions about launching a startup. Reach out to professionals that can help What are some ways to start a business with certain areas of business, such as financial advisors and lawyers.As your business starts to come together, think of it like driving a car. Let your passion hit What are some ways to start a business gas pedal and your mind control What are some ways to start a business steering wheel. That way, What are some ways to start a business can be confident about What are some ways to start a business direction What are some ways to start a business’re headed and sustain What are some ways to start a business momentum What are some ways to start a business need to get there.10 steps to start your business1Conduct market researchMarket research will tell What are some ways to start a business if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.Use market research to find customersMarket research blends consumer behavior and economic trends to confirm and improve your business idea.It’s crucial to understand your consumer base from What are some ways to start a business outset. Market research lets What are some ways to start a business reduce risks even while your business is still just a gleam in your eye.Gather demographic information to better understand opportunities and limitations for gaining customers. This could include population data on age, wealth, family, interests, or anything else that’s relevant for your business.Then answer these questions to get a good sense of your market.Demand: Is there a desire for your product or service?Market size: How many people would be interested in your offering?Economic indicators: What is What are some ways to start a business income range and employment rate?Location: Where do your customers live and where can your business reach?Market saturation: How many similar options are already available to consumers?Pricing: What do potential customers pay for these alternatives?You’ll also want to keep up with What are some ways to start a business latest small business trends. It’s important to gain a sense of What are some ways to start a business specific market share that will impact your profits.You can do market research using existing sources, or What are some ways to start a business can do What are some ways to start a business research yourself and go direct to consumers.Existing sources can save What are some ways to start a business a lot of time and energy, but What are some ways to start a business information might not be as specific to your audience as What are some ways to start a business’d like. Use it to answer questions that are both general and quantifiable, like industry trends, demographics, and household incomes. Check online or start with our list of market research resources.Asking consumers yourself can give What are some ways to start a business a nuanced understanding of your specific target audience. But, direct research can be time consuming and expensive. Use it to answer questions about your specific business or customers, like reactions to your logo, improvements What are some ways to start a business could make to buying experience, and where customers might go instead of your business.Here are a few methods What are some ways to start a business can use to do direct research:SurveysQuestionnairesFocus groupsIn-depth interviewsFor guidance on deciding which methods are worthwhile for your small business, What are some ways to start a business Small Business Administration provides counseling services through our resource partner network.Use competitive analysis to find a market advantageCompetitive analysis helps What are some ways to start a business learn from businesses competing for your potential customers. This is key to defining a competitive edge that creates sustainable revenue.Your competitive analysis should identify your competition by product line or service and market segment. Assess What are some ways to start a business following characteristics of What are some ways to start a business competitive landscape:Market shareStrengths and weaknessesYour window of opportunity to enter What are some ways to start a business marketThe importance of your target market to your competitorsAny barriers that may hinder What are some ways to start a business as What are some ways to start a business enter What are some ways to start a business marketIndirect or secondary competitors who may impact your successSeveral industries might be competing to serve What are some ways to start a business same market What are some ways to start a business’re targeting. That’s why What are some ways to start a business should make sure to differentiate your competitive analysis by industry. There are many methods for doing this, including Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Important industry factors to consider include level of competition, threat of new competitors or services, and What are some ways to start a business effect of suppliers and customers on price.Free small business data and trendsThere are many reliable sources that provide customer and market information at no cost. Free statistics are readily available to help prospective small business owners.Consider these types of business statistics in your market research and competitive analysis:2Write your business planYour business plan is What are some ways to start a business foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with What are some ways to start a business — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.Business plans help What are some ways to start a business run your businessA good business plan guides What are some ways to start a business through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through What are some ways to start a business key elements of your business.Business plans can help What are some ways to start a business get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment. Your business plan is What are some ways to start a business tool What are some ways to start a business’ll use to convince people that working with What are some ways to start a business — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.Pick a business plan format that works for What are some ways to start a businessThere’s no right or wrong way to write a business plan. What’s important is that your plan meets your needs.Most business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean startup.Traditional business plans are more common, use a standard structure, and encourage What are some ways to start a business to go into detail in each section. They tend to require more work upfront and can be dozens of pages long.Lean startup business plans are less common but still use a standard structure. They focus on summarizing only What are some ways to start a business most important points of What are some ways to start a business key elements of your plan. They can take as little as one hour to make and are typically only one page.Traditional business plan formatYou might prefer a traditional business plan format if What are some ways to start a business’re very detail oriented, want a comprehensive plan, or plan to request financing from traditional sources.When What are some ways to start a business write your business plan, What are some ways to start a business don’t have to stick to What are some ways to start a business exact business plan outline. Instead, use What are some ways to start a business sections that make What are some ways to start a business most sense for your business and your needs. Traditional business plans use some combination of these nine sections.Executive summaryBriefly tell your reader what your company is and why it will be successful. Include your mission statement, your product or service, and basic information about your company’s leadership team, employees, and location. You should also include financial information and high-level growth plans if What are some ways to start a business plan to ask for financing.Company descriptionUse your company description to provide detailed information about your company. Go into detail about What are some ways to start a business problems your business solves. Be specific, and list out What are some ways to start a business consumers, organization, or businesses your company plans to serve.Explain What are some ways to start a business competitive advantages that will make your business a success. Are there experts on your team? Have What are some ways to start a business found What are some ways to start a business perfect location for your store? Your company description is What are some ways to start a business place to boast about your strengths.Market analysisYou'll need a good understanding of your industry outlook and target market. Competitive research will show What are some ways to start a business what other businesses are doing and what their strengths are. In your market research, look for trends and themes. What do successful competitors do? Why does it work? Can What are some ways to start a business do it better? Now's What are some ways to start a business time to answer these questions.Organization and managementTell your reader how your company will be structured and who will run it.Describe What are some ways to start a business legal structure of your business. State whether What are some ways to start a business have or intend to incorporate your business as a C or an S corporation, form a general or limited partnership, or if What are some ways to start a business're a sole proprietor or LLC.Use an organizational chart to lay out who's in charge of what in your company. Show how each person's unique experience will contribute to What are some ways to start a business success of your venture. Consider including resumes and CVs of key members of your team.Service or product lineDescribe what What are some ways to start a business sell or what service What are some ways to start a business offer. Explain how it benefits your customers and what What are some ways to start a business product lifecycle looks like. Share your plans for intellectual property, like copyright or patent filings. If What are some ways to start a business're doing research and development for your service or product, explain it in detail.Marketing and salesThere's no single way to approach a marketing strategy. Your strategy should evolve and change to fit your unique needs.Your goal in this section is to describe how What are some ways to start a business'll attract and retain customers. You'll also describe how a sale will actually happen. You'll refer to this section later when What are some ways to start a business make financial projections, so make sure to thoroughly describe your complete marketing and sales strategies.Funding requestIf What are some ways to start a business're asking for funding, this is where What are some ways to start a business'll outline your funding requirements. Your goal is to clearly explain how much funding What are some ways to start a business’ll need over What are some ways to start a business next five years and what What are some ways to start a business'll use it for.Specify whether What are some ways to start a business want debt or equity, What are some ways to start a business terms What are some ways to start a business'd like applied, and What are some ways to start a business length of time your request will cover. Give a detailed description of how What are some ways to start a business'll use your funds. Specify if What are some ways to start a business need funds to buy equipment or materials, pay salaries, or cover specific bills until revenue increases. Always include a description of your future strategic financial plans, like paying off debt or selling your business.Financial projectionsSupplement your funding request with financial projections. Your goal is to convince What are some ways to start a business reader that your business is stable and will be a financial success.If your business is already established, include income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for What are some ways to start a business last three to five years. If What are some ways to start a business have other collateral What are some ways to start a business could put against a loan, make sure to list it now.Provide a prospective financial outlook for What are some ways to start a business next five years. Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For What are some ways to start a business first year, be even more specific and use quarterly — or even monthly — projections. Make sure to clearly explain your projections, and match them to your funding requests.This is a great place to use graphs and charts to tell What are some ways to start a business financial story of your business.AppendixUse your appendix to provide supporting documents or other materials were specially requested. Common items to include are credit histories, resumes, product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, or patents, legal documents, permits, and other contracts.Example traditional business plansBefore What are some ways to start a business write your business plan, read these example business plans written by fictional business owners. Rebecca owns a consulting firm, and Andrew owns a toy company.Example business plansBefore What are some ways to start a business write your business plan, read these example business plans written by fictional business owners. Rebecca owns a consulting firm, and Andrew owns a toy company.Lean startup formatYou might prefer a lean startup format if What are some ways to start a business want to explain or start your business quickly, your business is relatively simple, or What are some ways to start a business plan to regularly change and refine your business plan.Lean startup formats are charts that use only a handful of elements to describe your company’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for visualizing tradeoffs and fundamental facts about your company.There are many versions of lean startup templates, but one of What are some ways to start a business oldest and most well known is What are some ways to start a business Business Model Canvas, developed by Alex Osterwalder. You can search What are some ways to start a business web to find free templates of What are some ways to start a business Business Model Canvas, or other versions, to build your business plan.We’ll discuss What are some ways to start a business nine components of What are some ways to start a business Business Model Canvas version here.Key partnershipsNote What are some ways to start a business other businesses or services What are some ways to start a business’ll work with to run your business. Think about suppliers, manufacturers, subcontractors and similar strategic partners.Key activitiesList What are some ways to start a business ways your business will gain a competitive advantage. Highlight things like selling direct to consumers, or using technology to tap into What are some ways to start a business sharing economy.Key resourcesList any resource What are some ways to start a business’ll leverage to create value for your customer. Your most important assets could include staff, capital, or intellectual property. Don’t forget to leverage business resources that might be available to women, veterans, Native Americans, and HUBZone businesses.Value propositionMake a clear and compelling statement about What are some ways to start a business unique value your company brings to What are some ways to start a business market.Customer relationshipsDescribe how customers will interact with your business. Is it automated or personal? In person or online? Think through What are some ways to start a business customer experience from start to finish.Customer segmentsBe specific when What are some ways to start a business name your target market. Your business won’t be for everybody, so it’s important to have a clear sense of who your business will serve.ChannelsList What are some ways to start a business most important ways What are some ways to start a business’ll talk to your customers. Most businesses use a mix of channels and optimize them over time.Cost structureWill your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value? Define your strategy, then list What are some ways to start a business most significant costs What are some ways to start a business’ll face pursuing it.Revenue streamsExplain how your company will actually make money. Some examples are direct sales, memberships fees, and selling advertising space. If your company has multiple revenue streams, list them all.Example lean business planBefore What are some ways to start a business write your business plan, read this example business plan written by a fictional business owner, Andrew, who owns a toy company.3Fund your businessYour business plan will help What are some ways to start a business figure out how much money What are some ways to start a business’ll need to start your business. If What are some ways to start a business don’t have that amount on hand, What are some ways to start a business’ll need to either raise or borrow What are some ways to start a business capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find What are some ways to start a business capital What are some ways to start a business need.Determine how much funding What are some ways to start a business'll needEvery business has different needs, and no financial solution is one size fits all. Your personal financial situation and vision for your business will shape What are some ways to start a business financial future of your business.Once What are some ways to start a business know how much startup funding What are some ways to start a business’ll need, it’s time to figure out how What are some ways to start a business’ll get it.Fund your business yourself with self-fundingOtherwise known as bootstrapping, self-funding lets What are some ways to start a business leverage your own financial resources to support your business. Self-funding can come in What are some ways to start a business form of turning to family and friends for capital, using your savings accounts, or even tapping into your 401k.With self-funding, What are some ways to start a business retain complete control over What are some ways to start a business business but What are some ways to start a business also take on all What are some ways to start a business risk yourself. Be careful not to spend more than What are some ways to start a business can afford, and be especially careful if What are some ways to start a business choose to use tap into retirement accounts early. You might face expensive fees or penalties, or damage your ability to retire on time — so What are some ways to start a business should check with your plan’s administrator and a personal financial advisor first.Get venture capital from investorsInvestors can give What are some ways to start a business funding to start your business in What are some ways to start a business form of venture capital investments. Venture capital is normally offered in exchange for an ownership share and active role in What are some ways to start a business company.Venture capital differs from traditional financing in a number of important ways. Venture capital typically:Focuses high-growth companiesInvests capital in return for equity, rather than debt (it’s not a loan)Takes higher risks in exchange for potential higher returnsHas a longer investment horizon than traditional financingAlmost all venture capitalists will, at a minimum, want a seat on What are some ways to start a business board of directors. So be prepared to give up some portion of both control and ownership of your company in exchange for funding.How to get venture capital fundingThere’s no guaranteed way to get venture capital, but What are some ways to start a business process generally follows a standard order of basic steps.Find an investorLook for individual investors — sometimes called “angel investors” — or venture capital firms. Be sure to do enough background research to know if What are some ways to start a business investor is reputable and has experience working with startup companies.Share your business planThe investor will review your business plan to make sure it meets their investing criteria. Most investment funds concentrate on an industry, geographic area, or stage of business development.Go through due diligence reviewThe investors will look at your company’s management team, market, products and services, corporate governance documents, and financial statements.Work out What are some ways to start a business termsIf they want to invest, What are some ways to start a business next step is to agree on a term sheet that describes What are some ways to start a business terms and conditions for What are some ways to start a business fund to make an investment.InvestmentOnce What are some ways to start a business agree on a term sheet, What are some ways to start a business can get What are some ways to start a business investment! Once a venture fund has invested, it becomes actively involved in What are some ways to start a business company. Venture funds normally come in “rounds.” As What are some ways to start a business company meets milestones, further rounds of financing are made available, with adjustments in price as What are some ways to start a business company executes its plan.Use crowdfunding to fund your businessCrowdfunding raises funds for a business from a large number of people, called crowdfunders. Crowdfunders aren’t technically investors, because they don’t receive a share of ownership in What are some ways to start a business business and don’t expect a financial return on their money.Instead, crowdfunders expect to get a “gift” from your company as thanks for their contribution. Often, that gift is What are some ways to start a business product What are some ways to start a business plan to sell or other special perks, like meeting What are some ways to start a business business owner or getting their name in What are some ways to start a business credits. This makes crowdfunding a popular option for people who want to produce creative works (like a documentary), or a physical product (like a high-tech cooler).Crowdfunding is also popular because it’s very low risk for business owners. Not only do What are some ways to start a business get to retain full control of your company, but if your plan fails, What are some ways to start a business’re typically under no obligation to repay your crowdfunders. Every crowdfunding platform is different, so make sure to read What are some ways to start a business fine print and understand your full financial and legal obligations.Get a small business loanIf What are some ways to start a business want to retain complete control of your business, but don’t have enough funds to start, consider a small business loan.To increase your chances of securing a loan, What are some ways to start a business should have a business plan, expense sheet, and financial projections for What are some ways to start a business next five years. These tools will give What are some ways to start a business an idea of how much What are some ways to start a business'll need to ask for, and will help What are some ways to start a business bank know they’re making a smart choice by giving What are some ways to start a business a loan.Once What are some ways to start a business have your materials ready, contact banks and credit unions to request a loan. You’ll want to compare offers to get What are some ways to start a business best possible terms for your loan.Use Lender Match to find lenders who offer SBA-guaranteed loansIf What are some ways to start a business have trouble getting a traditional business loan, What are some ways to start a business should look into SBA-guaranteed loans. When a bank thinks your business is too risky to lend money to, What are some ways to start a business SBA can agree to guarantee your loan. That way, What are some ways to start a business bank has less risk and is more willing to give your business a loan.Use Lender Match to find lenders who offer SBA-guaranteed loans.Small Business Administration investment programsSmall Business Investment Company (SBIC)SBICs are privately owned and managed investment funds licensed and regulated by What are some ways to start a business Small Business Administration. They use their own capital, plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee, to make equity and debt investments in qualifying small businesses. Learn more about SBICs to see if your business might qualify.Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programThis program encourages small businesses to engage in federal research and development that has What are some ways to start a business potential for commercialization. Find out if What are some ways to start a business SBIR’s competitive awards-based program makes sense for What are some ways to start a business.Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programThis program offers funding opportunities in What are some ways to start a business federal innovation research and development arena. Small businesses who qualify for this program work with nonprofit research institutions in What are some ways to start a business early and intermediate stages of starting up. Find out if What are some ways to start a business STTR program makes sense for your business.Pick your business locationYour business location is one of What are some ways to start a business most important decisions What are some ways to start a business’ll make. Whether What are some ways to start a business’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, What are some ways to start a business choices What are some ways to start a business make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue.Research What are some ways to start a business best place to locate your businessYou'll need to register your business, pay taxes, and get licenses and permits in What are some ways to start a business place What are some ways to start a business choose to locate your business.Where What are some ways to start a business locate your business depends in part on What are some ways to start a business location of your target market, business partners, and your personal preferences. In addition, What are some ways to start a business should consider What are some ways to start a business costs, benefits, and restrictions of different government agencies.Region-specific business expensesWhen What are some ways to start a business calculate your startup costs, take into account What are some ways to start a business way different expenses might cost more or less depending on your location.Costs that can vary significantly by location include standard salaries, minimum wage laws, property values, rental rates, business insurance rates, utilities, and government licenses and fees.Local zoning ordinancesIf What are some ways to start a business buy, rent, build, or plan to work out of a physical property for your business, make sure it conforms to local zoning requirements.Neighborhoods are generally zoned for either commercial or residential use. Zoning ordinances can restrict or entirely ban specific kinds of businesses from operating in an area.You might have fewer zoning restrictions if What are some ways to start a business base your business out of your home, but zoning ordinances can still apply even to home-based businesses.Zoning laws are typically controlled at What are some ways to start a business local level, so check with your department of city planning, or similar office, to find out about What are some ways to start a business zoning laws in your area.Location, location, locationJohn and Kelly looked at what they needed in a business location and found What are some ways to start a business best spot to open their auto repair shop.Read moreState and local taxesConsider What are some ways to start a business tax landscape for What are some ways to start a business state, county, and city. Income tax, sales tax, property tax, and corporate taxes can vary significantly from place to place.In fact, some states are well-known for creating tax environments that are very friendly to certain kinds of companies. That’s part of What are some ways to start a business reason why tech startups, financial institutions, and manufacturing tend to concentrate in certain areas of What are some ways to start a business country.Visit state and local government websites to find out what What are some ways to start a business tax landscape for your area looks like.State and local government incentivesSome state and local governments offer special tax credits for small businesses. You might also find state-specific small business loans or other financial incentives.Incentive programs and benefits are often related to job creation, energy efficiency, urban redevelopment, and technology.Visit local SBA Offices, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers state and local government websites to find more information.Federal government incentivesThe federal government offers benefits to small businesses that contract with What are some ways to start a business government and are based in underutilized areas. Check into What are some ways to start a business Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program to see if What are some ways to start a business qualify for preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.Choose a business structureThe legal structure What are some ways to start a business choose for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much What are some ways to start a business pay in taxes, and your personal liability.Your business structure affects how much What are some ways to start a business pay in taxes, your ability to raise money, What are some ways to start a business paperwork What are some ways to start a business need to file, and your personal liability.You'll need to choose a business structure before What are some ways to start a business register your business with What are some ways to start a business state. Most businesses will also need to get a tax ID number and file for What are some ways to start a business appropriate licenses and permits.Choose carefully. While What are some ways to start a business may convert to a different business structure in What are some ways to start a business future, there may be restrictions based on your location. This could also result in tax consequences and unintended dissolution, among other complications.Consulting with business counselors, attorneys, and accountants can prove helpful.Review common business structuresSole proprietorshipA sole proprietorship is easy to form and gives What are some ways to start a business complete control of your business. You're automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if What are some ways to start a business do business activities but don't register as any other kind of business.Sole proprietorships do not produce a separate business entity. This means your business assets and liabilities are not separate from your personal assets and liabilities. You can be held personally liable for What are some ways to start a business debts and obligations of What are some ways to start a business business. Sole proprietors are still able to get a trade name. It can also be hard to raise money because What are some ways to start a business can't sell stock, and banks are hesitant to lend to sole proprietorships.Sole proprietorships can be a good choice for low-risk businesses and owners who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business.PartnershipPartnerships are What are some ways to start a business simplest structure for two or more people to own a business together. There are two common kinds of partnerships: limited partnerships (LP) and limited liability partnerships (LLP).Limited partnerships have only one general partner with unlimited liability, and all other partners have limited liability. The partners with limited liability also tend to have limited control over What are some ways to start a business company, which is documented in a partnership agreement. Profits are passed through to personal tax returns, and What are some ways to start a business general partner — What are some ways to start a business partner without limited liability — must also pay self-employment taxes.Limited liability partnerships are similar to limited partnerships, but give limited liability to every owner. An LLP protects each partner from debts against What are some ways to start a business partnership, they won't be responsible for What are some ways to start a business actions of other partners.Partnerships can be a good choice for businesses with multiple owners, professional groups (like attorneys), and groups who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business.Limited liability company (LLC)An LLC lets What are some ways to start a business take advantage of What are some ways to start a business benefits of both What are some ways to start a business corporation and partnership business structures.LLCs protect What are some ways to start a business from personal liability in most instances, your personal assets — like your vehicle, house, and savings accounts — won't be at risk in case your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits.Being an LLC protects your personal assets and separates them from business assetsProfits and losses can get passed through to your personal income without facing corporate taxes. However, members of an LLC are considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax contributions towards Medicare and Social Security.LLCs can have a limited life in many states. When a member joins or leaves an LLC, some states may require What are some ways to start a business LLC to be dissolved and re-formed with new membership — unless there's already an agreement in place within What are some ways to start a business LLC for buying, selling, and transferring ownership.LLCs can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, owners with significant personal assets they want to be protected, and owners who want to pay a lower tax rate than they would with a corporation.CorporationC corpA corporation, sometimes called a C corp, is a legal entity that's separate from its owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and can be held legally liable.Corporations offer What are some ways to start a business strongest protection to its owners from personal liability, but What are some ways to start a business cost to form a corporation is higher than other structures. Corporations also require more extensive record-keeping, operational processes, and reporting.Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs, corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, corporate profits are taxed twice — first, when What are some ways to start a business company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders on their personal tax returns.Corporations have a completely independent life separate from its shareholders. If a shareholder leaves What are some ways to start a business company or sells his or her shares, What are some ways to start a business C corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed.Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital because they can raise funds through What are some ways to start a business sale of stock, which can also be a benefit in attracting employees.Corporations can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, businesses that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to "go public" or eventually be sold.S corpAn S corporation, sometimes called an S corp, is a special type of corporation that's designed to avoid What are some ways to start a business double taxation drawback of regular C corps. S corps allow profits, and some losses, to be passed through directly to owners' personal income without ever being subject to corporate tax rates.Not all states tax S corps equally, but most recognize them What are some ways to start a business same way What are some ways to start a business federal government does and taxes What are some ways to start a business shareholders accordingly. Some states tax S corps on profits above a specified limit and other states don't recognize What are some ways to start a business S corp election at all, simply treating What are some ways to start a business business as a C corp.S corps must file with What are some ways to start a business IRS to get S corp status, a different process from registering with their state.There are special limits on S corps. S corps can't have more than 100 shareholders, and all shareholders must be U.S. citizens. You'll still have to follow strict filing and operational processes of a C corp.S corps also have an independent life, just like C corps. If a shareholder leaves What are some ways to start a business company or sells his or her shares, What are some ways to start a business S corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed.S corps can be a good choice for a businesses that would otherwise be a C corp, but meet What are some ways to start a business criteria to file as an S corp.B corpA benefit corporation, sometimes called a B corp, is a for-profit corporation recognized by a majority of U.S. states. B corps are different from C corps in purpose, accountability, and transparency, but aren't different in how they're taxed.B corps are driven by both mission and profit. Shareholders hold What are some ways to start a business company accountable to produce some sort of public benefit in addition to a financial profit. Some states require B corps to submit annual benefit reports that demonstrate their contribution to What are some ways to start a business public good.There are several third-party B corp certification services, but none are required for a company to be legally considered a B corp in a state where What are some ways to start a business legal status is available.Close corporationClose corporations resemble B corps but have a less traditional corporate structure. These shed many formalities that typically govern corporations and apply to smaller companies.State rules vary, but shares are usually barred from public trading. Close corporations can be run by a small group of shareholders without a board of directors.Nonprofit corporationNonprofit corporations are organized to do charity, education, religious, literary, or scientific work. Because their work benefits What are some ways to start a business public, nonprofits can receive tax-exempt status, meaning they don't pay state or federal taxes income taxes on any profits it makes.Nonprofits must file with What are some ways to start a business IRS to get tax exemption, a different process from registering with their state.Nonprofit corporations need to follow organizational rules very similar to a regular C corp. They also need to follow special rules about what they do with any profits they earn. For example, they can't distribute profits to members or political campaigns.Nonprofits are often called 501(c)(3) corporations — a reference to What are some ways to start a business section of What are some ways to start a business Internal Revenue Code that is most commonly used to grant tax-exempt status.CooperativeA cooperative is a business or organization owned by and operated for What are some ways to start a business benefit of those using its services. Profits and earnings generated by What are some ways to start a business cooperative are distributed among What are some ways to start a business members, also known as user-owners. Typically, an elected board of directors and officers run What are some ways to start a business cooperative while regular members have voting power to control What are some ways to start a business direction of What are some ways to start a business cooperative. Members can become part of What are some ways to start a business cooperative by purchasing shares, though What are some ways to start a business amount of shares they hold does not affect What are some ways to start a business weight of their vote.Combine different business structuresDesignations like S corp and nonprofit aren't strictly business structures — they can also be understood as a tax status. It's possible for an LLC to be taxed as a C corp, S corp, or a nonprofit. These arrangements are far less common and can be more difficult to setup. If What are some ways to start a business're considering one of these non-standard structures, What are some ways to start a business should speak with a business counselor or an attorney to help What are some ways to start a business decide.6Choose your business nameIt’s not easy to pick What are some ways to start a business perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You’ll also want to make sure your business name isn’t already being used by someone else.Register your business name to protect itYou’ll want to choose a business name that reflects your brand identity and doesn’t clash with What are some ways to start a business types of goods and services What are some ways to start a business offer.Once What are some ways to start a business settle on a name What are some ways to start a business like, What are some ways to start a business need to protect it. There are four different ways to register your business name. Each way of registering your name serves a different purpose, and some may be legally required depending on your business structure and location.Entity name protects What are some ways to start a business at state levelTrademark protects What are some ways to start a business at a federal levelDoing Business As (DBA) doesn’t give legal protection, but might be legally requiredDomain name protects your business website addressEach of these name registrations are legally independent. Most small businesses try to use What are some ways to start a business same name for each kind of registration, but What are some ways to start a business’re not normally required to.4 different ways to register your business nameEntity nameAn entity name can protect What are some ways to start a business name of your business at a state level. Depending on your business structure and location, What are some ways to start a business state may require What are some ways to start a business to register a legal entity name.Your entity name is how What are some ways to start a business state identifies your business. Each state may have different rules about what your entity name can be and usage of company suffixes. Most states don’t allow What are some ways to start a business to register a name that’s already been registered by someone else, and some states require your entity name to reflect What are some ways to start a business kind of business it represents.In most cases, your entity name registration protects your business and prevents anyone else in What are some ways to start a business state from operating under What are some ways to start a business same entity name. However, there are exceptions pertaining to state and business structure.Check with your state for rules about how to register your business name.TrademarkA trademark can protect What are some ways to start a business name of your business, goods, and services at a national level. Trademarks prevent others in What are some ways to start a business same (or similar) industry in What are some ways to start a business U.S. from using your trademarked names.For example, if What are some ways to start a business were an electronics company and wanted to call your business Springfield Electronic Accessories and one of your products Screen Cover 5000, trademarking those names would prevent other electronics businesses or similar products from using those same names.Businesses in every state are subject to trademark infringement lawsuits, which can prove costly. That’s why What are some ways to start a business should check your prospective business, product, and service names against What are some ways to start a business official trademark database, maintained by What are some ways to start a business United States Patent and Trademark Office.Doing Business As (DBA) nameYou might need to register your DBA — also known as a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name — with What are some ways to start a business state, county, or city your business is located in. Registering your DBA name doesn’t provide legal protection by itself, but most states require What are some ways to start a business to register your DBA if What are some ways to start a business use one. Some business structures require What are some ways to start a business to use a DBA.Even if What are some ways to start a business’re not required to register a DBA, What are some ways to start a business might want to anyway. A DBA lets What are some ways to start a business conduct business under a different identity from your own personal name or your formal business entity name. As an added bonus, getting a DBA and federal tax ID number (EIN) allows What are some ways to start a business to open a business bank account.Multiple businesses can go by What are some ways to start a business same DBA in one state, so What are some ways to start a business’re less restricted in what What are some ways to start a business can choose. There’s also more leeway in What are some ways to start a business clarity of business function. For example, a small business owner could use Springfield Electronic Accessories for their entity name but use TechBuddy for their DBA. Just remember that trademark infringement laws will still apply.Determine your DBA requirements based on your specific location. Requirements vary by business structure as well as by state, county, and municipality, so check with local government offices and websites.Domain nameIf What are some ways to start a business want an online presence for your business, start by registering a domain name — also known as your website address, or URL.Once What are some ways to start a business register your domain name, no one else can use it for as long as What are some ways to start a business continue to own it. It’s a good way to protect your brand presence online.If someone else has already registered What are some ways to start a business domain What are some ways to start a business wanted to use, that’s okay. Your domain name doesn’t actually need to be What are some ways to start a business same as your legal business name, trademark, or DBA. For example, Springfield Electronic Accessories could register What are some ways to start a business domain name .You’ll register your domain name through a registrar service. Consult a directory of accredited registrars to determine which ones are safe to use, and then pick one that offers What are some ways to start a business What are some ways to start a business best combination of price and customer service. You’ll need to renew your domain registration on a regular basis.