Starting a New Business
There are many things to think about when starting a new business. Everything from what do I call my business, to legal, accounting and website issues. There's a lot to keep track of, and quite a long list of things to do. Having formed two businesses and supported the formation of dozens of businesses, I have a lot of experience to support you in developing your business.
I often see people most flummoxed by the technical aspects of starting a business: the legal formation of the business, the business licenses and getting a business bank account. These are all very important steps that every business must take, and they are not what will make or break your business. The deciding factor of if a business will succeed or fail is if enough clients come through the door in a timely fashion.
A well thought out name for your business and good website are important tools for bringing in clients. This day in age a website is an absolute must in order to look like a reputable business. And strong website content can help convert lookie-loos into actual customers. I support my clients in writing robust website copy. I can accommodate a wide variety of writing styles, ensuring that the writing task gets done while still being authentic to your voice.
However a website alone will not ensure that clients will show up. In order to thrive a new business needs to be reaching out to customers in a variety of ways. A new business wants a marketing strategy that incorporates some online and some off-line methods. Face to face interaction is still the most compelling so it's imperative to utilize a marketing strategy that reaches out to real people in the real world.
It's helpful to build good accounting habits from the beginning. Thanks to modern technology, it's cheap or free to track income, expenses, receipts and accept credit card payments. I know what records you need to be keeping in order to keep the tax-man happy. I also have experience working with a variety of tracking solutions, so I can help you develop a system that works best for you, while also meeting your tax filing obligation.
No matter where you are in the starting a business process, I'm here to help. I'm happy to jump in just as you're forming the idea for your business, or putting the final polish on your website, or seeking out your first (or fifth, or fiftieth) client. I've got a lot of tools available to help you launch a successful business. Join me for ongoing coaching for custom support.
Receiving Unemployment?
If you are receiving unemployment through Washington State, you may qualify to participate in coaching in place of the required job searching. Learn more about the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) on the WA ESD website. Learn more about my SEAP approved Star Program and my SEAP Solo Program.
This article is for the cautious first-time business owners who don't want to "risk it all" in launching their business. You're struggling with a fear of risk, especially in the case of litigation. You want to move forward and put protections in place confidently. I'll enlighten you regarding the risks you're exposed to. Then I'll further soothe your fears by describing the many methods you can use to protect yourself and your business. By the end of this article, you'll know risk-reducing actions and be able to move forward with confidence!