Business Start-up Checklist

by Denise Hedges

It can be really hard when you're starting a business.  You have to learn all kinds of new stuff.  And, you don't even know what you don't know.  It can be overwhelming.

You may feel reasonably confident in your ability to provide quality professional services, but what about the running-the-business side of things?  Are you an expert in operations, management, and logistics?  Few of us are.

So, you could wrack your brain and try to come up with a list of what you need to do.  But you might miss something important.

Or you could just use the Business Start-up Checklist we've created to help you manage the process.

We may not have included everything you'll need to do, given the unique nature of your business, but it'll get you rolling by covering the essentials.

And if you're already up and running and have been for a while, it might be useful to take a quick look to see if there's anything you've missed that would improve your effectiveness and efficiency.

Hope this helps!

Denise 

Business Start-up Checklist ©

Governmental Requirements

• Acquire City or County Business Licenses and/or Permits
• Obtain Employer Identification Numbers - federal and state, as required
• Apply for Federal Tax ID Number (Sole Proprietors may use SS#)
• Acquire Sales Tax License (if applicable)
• Obtain Employment Tax Forms, etc. for employees (if applicable)
• Prepare to be Able to File and Pay Federal and State Income Taxes

Legal

• Choose and Register Business Name
• Decide on Legal Form for Business
• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership (Partnership Agreement)
• Limited Liability Company
• C-Corp or S-Corp
• Select Attorney
• Create/Register Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks

Financial 

• Establish Banking Relationship.  Set up Separate Business Account.
• Create Financial Plan (projected start-up costs, estimated profit and loss, etc.)
• Set up Bookkeeping System/Procedures
• Select Accountant and/or Bookkeeper
• Choose Payroll System (if applicable)
• Determine Pricing and/or Package(s) of Fees
• Choose Payment System(s) You Offer - check, cash, or credit cards

Administrative

• Establish Filing Systems
• Create Needed Forms (see Office Forms)
• Craft Policy and Procedures Manual (see Operating Policies)
• Buy Needed Insurance (liability, professional, disability, etc.)
• Obtain Office Supplies

Location

• Determine Office Space Needs and Location
• Obtain Furniture and Fixtures
• Set up Telephone and/or Fax
• Install Computer and Software, Printer, and Other Peripherals

Business Operations

• Define Mission, Vision, and Values
• Develop Business Plan
• Determine Business Goals
• Create Marketing Plan
• Determine Target Market
• Craft and Practice Positioning Statement/Elevator Speech
• Determine Marketing Mix of High and Low Touch Strategies
• Study and Know Your Competition

Promotional Needs

• Create Logo/Brand
• Design and Print Business Cards 
• Obtain Letterhead and Envelopes
• Come up with a Domain Name
• Establish Email Address(es)
• Determine and Create Needed Collateral Materials
• Create Website

Management Plan

• Determine Staff or Consultants Needed
• Define Roles
• Job Descriptions
• 1099 Consultant Agreement
• Establish Performance Management System for Employees (if applicable)

Operating Policies and Procedures

• Create Office Procedures
• Create Sales Procedures
• Put System in Place for Client/Patient Notes - Compliance
• Determine Policy for Late or Missed Appointments
• Establish Payment Policies
• Late Payment
• Credit Policy
• Decide How to Deal with Calls/Appointments that run over allotted time
• Determine Who calls Whom/Long Distance Charges (for coaches)
• Devise Structure for Complimentary Sessions
• Devise Structure for First Appointment
• Develop Completion Procedures (for coaches)

Office Forms

• Create Welcome Packet and/or Client/Patient Agreement
• Devise New Client/Patient Questionnaire or Intake Form
• Develop New Client/Patient Checklist /Things to Review
• Create Prep Form (for coaches)
• Determine Use of Assessments
• Obtain HIPAA Forms

Are You Ready for School?

Every fall ... clean notebooks ... new beginnings.  When the kids go back to school, we tend to go back to work.  The summer is over and it's time for the last burst of achievement before the holidays set in.

Isn't it time to spend some focused energy on your business, so you can be proud of what you accomplished in 2011?  It's not over yet!

Marketing is only one bullet on our checklist above, but it's probably the single most important element in whether you'll be successful or not.

The problem is, most people aren't very confident in their ability to market their business.

That's where we come in.  We're good at it.  It's what we do.

Listen to what folks are saying about our Group Marketing Mentorship Program ... and what it can do for someone trying to build a business.

"I've spent a lot of money on my business over the years and your Mentorship Program is, by far, the best money I've ever spent!   Now I know why you call it the BreakThrough Institute. I've been having breakthroughs one after another!  I feel like I was in a rut and now things are blooming!"

Vanessa Hogan,

Personal Organizer

Boston, MA

"My mind-set has changed about how to market my business and I'm much more energized! Working with Denise in the Mentorship Program has been a game-changer for me! She's provided exactly what I needed -- expertise about business and marketing, a plan for how to increase my client base, and the encouragement that I can do it. I have not only expanded my business, I feel much more confident about my ability to continue to build toward the future."

Mary Early-Zald,

Coach

Nashville, TN 

"I wanted to tell you that one tip you gave me about pricing in our complimentary session paid for the full cost of the Mentorship Program!  I can't wait for more!  Thank you."

Holly Johnson,

Mural Artist

Belmont, MA

Look, it's pretty simple.  If you're a "solopreneur," you can take your best guess at what kind of marketing plan will work for you and spend a lot of time, money, and effort doing what seems right, but come on.  If you're not an expert, that's like plunking your chips down on a spin of the roulette wheel and hoping to come up a winner. 

This is about making your business successful.  You can't afford to get it wrong.

What you need is expert help.  What you need is a time-tested method for getting results that'll rocket you ahead of the competition and tilt the odds of success massively in your favor.

That's what our BreakThrough Marketing Mentorship Program is all about.

You can check out the details here. 

But let's keep this simple.  Invest six months of your time, a modest amount of money, and your total dedication, and you'll transform yourself into a masterful marketer.  You'll see improved results and watch the clients and money start flowing in.

Our system is proven and time-tested.  If you follow it, you will grow your business!  Guaranteed.

And if, after 30 days of getting to know us and the world-class materials that support your learning, you decide it's not for you, no problem.  There's a 100% money back guarantee.

And you won't get some no-name, second-string instructors.  No, no.  Denise and Barbara are there every step of the way to act as your personal and very dedicated mentors and instructors.

We conduct the small group coaching by phone.

Right now, we have openings for exactly two more people who'd be a good match for our group starting September 21st.  Our group is from 12-2 pm Eastern, 9-11 Pacific on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.  The cost:  Just $395 a month.  Or a HUGE discount if you pay upfront.

Come on.  How many chances do you get to get this right?  One ... maybe two?  If you've been considering doing this program, it's time to get serious and start playing a bigger game.

Sure, you can call us at 1-800-941-1820 for more information.  Or you can visit the site and learn all about it, but here's the bottom line ...

We start September 21st.  You've gotta be there!

Barbara and Denise