by Susan Peterson
Starting a business can seem daunting, but you might find it helpful to visualize it as one full day of work. How, you might ask, can you set up a business in one day? Well, having a solid plan is half the battle. Take a look at these suggestions to help you make the most of your time.
9 AM-10 AM – Find a Business Idea That Works
Make a list of all the different types of business ideas that resonate with what you would like to do. If you are looking for ideas that are low-cost with little to no overhead, you could consider businesses that focus on writing, content creation, web development, tutoring, event planning, or even resume writing business. The important thing is to find something that will work for you.
10 AM-11 AM – Research What’s Needed
Sit down and figure out what types of tools you will need to help your business thrive. Perhaps you’ll need certification, or maybe you’ll need equipment in order to work. Finding the right resources can help you in your quest. If your business has a project that will involve several people or teams, make sure you can control the overflow of documents. For example, if you’re looking to merge PDF files, you can use a PDF merging tool to keep everything in one file. This ensures you don’t lose anything and even allows you to combine files.
11 AM-12 PM – Select a Business Structure
A business structure is how your business is set up. An LLC is often the most ideal setup for many small businesses since you’ll gain tax advantages and have less paperwork, along with other benefits. You can use a formation service, which is much cheaper than a lawyer. Before picking a service to help you, make sure you read reviews to learn about the 7 best LLC services available.
1 PM-2 PM – Get the Tools You’ll Need
Figure out what equipment you’ll need to get your new company up and running. This could be computers, a T-shirt press, a printer, or something else altogether. If you do not have a business bank account, this would be a good time to set one up. You can easily track all of your business expenses this way and ensure nothing goes missing.
2 PM-3 PM – Create a Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is essential if you are going to reach your prospective customers. If funds are tight, make sure you look at free and low-cost ways to market your company. You don’t even have to have a huge variety when you first start up. Instead, consider something simple like using social media or networking at trade shows. You can move on to other methods as you gain more capital.
3 PM-4 PM – Hire Freelancers To Help You Out
According to ThinkMarketing, using freelance workers has become more popular than ever, and the trend is still going strong. Upwork and PeoplePerHour are two of the top freelancing sites you can use in your quest to find other professionals who can help. If you find yourself busy with work and clients, consider creating a freelancing team and giving some of the work to them. This can lighten your load, making it easier for you to run your business.
Get Started and Keep Revising
It may seem like a lot, but putting together a business can be accomplished in a day. Keep in mind you will change your business plan as your company expands, but this is normal and a sign of a company that is prospering. Continue to think critically about your business and how it’s structured, and gather free and inexpensive tools, like a PDF merger and marketing apps, to help you do your work efficiently, and you will be on the right track to a successful business!
Join the Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce for assistance with marketing and advertising, advocacy, and opportunities to network with other business owners!