Another Free Small Business Guide You Can Read Online Now
From A Touch of Business
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Starting a Business But Were Afraid To Ask
Simple, No Nonsense Steps For Getting Your Small Business Off The Ground
steps to starting a small business
By Teri B Clark
Chapter 1 : Steps To Starting A Small Business
7 Entrepreneurial Traits You Need To Have
So you think you might be the next Bill Gates but those around you are telling you that you just don't have what it takes?
Well, people have studied entrepreneurs for years, trying to determine what makes them successful at starting a business.
The Pros And Cons For Going Into Business For Yourself
You've determined that you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur and you're itching to get started. But are you really aware of what you are getting yourself into?
Choose Between an Online or Brick and Mortar Business
A great idea is brewing and you want to turn the idea into a business reality.
You want to set up shop. But what kind of shop? Is it better to head downtown and find a great store location or is it better to open an online store?
The Advantages of Buying A Business
For many people, starting a new business poses too many obstacles.
Creating a business plan, finding investors, and dealing with legal issues cause many would-be business owners to become frustrated and walk away.
The Advantages of Buying a Franchise
Buying a franchise is like buying any other kind of business - It's important that you investigate the franchise fully.
However, if you have what it takes to be in business and pick a franchise that is right for you, owning a franchise can be a fast track to success.
Business Services - Professionals To Help You With Your Business
You Don't have to do everything in your business alone in fact there are many tasks that require professional care.
Here are some of the business professionals you'll need when starting and operating your business.
Chapter 2 : Finding the Business and Products That Suit You AND Your Customer
Finding A Business To Start - Tips To Help You Find the Right One
Surveys show that 67% of Americans want to start a business. Determining the best business for you, however, will take thought. If you don't choose wisely, you will lose time, effort and money.
Business Trends - To Help you Find Setup A Niche Business
Businesses built around specific themes with a specific group of customers. As wise businessmen and women know, if you’re trying to sell to everyone, you will sell to no one.
Products To Sell - The Key Lies In What The Consumer Wants
People never change. They will always have the same basic desires. Products to sell are only products and services people want. If you're trying to market something people don't want you will fail.
Business Competition -
What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You!
Finding out what your business competition does right, as well as what it does wrong, what they charge, and what they feel is the next big trend in the business will give your business a significant boost.
Chapter 3: Four Ways To Form Your Company
Forming a Sole Proprietorship -
An Easy Way to Get Your Business Organized
There are many different forms your business can take. The sole proprietorship is one of the most common forms. As with any business decision, being a sole proprietor has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
How To Form a Business Partnership - And Avoid What Destroys Them
A partnership is one of the four general ways you can choose to organize your business. As John D. Rockefeller once said, "It's better to have a friendship based on a business partnership than a business partnership based on a friendship."
Forming a Corporation - Preferred Choice for Liability and Taxes
A corporation is a separate legal entity that acts as a single person and is created under statutory law.
The corporation owns the business and, in turn, the corporation issues shares of stock to individuals investing in the corporation.
Limited Liability Company - The Benefits of Forming An LLC
The final form of business is the Limited Liability Company or LLC. An LLC is a relatively new business form available in the United States, though not in other countries.
Chapter 4: Failing to Plan Is Planning To Fail
Why Your Business Needs A Business Plan
Getting your business thoughts down on paper is key to your success. This plan - this business plan - will help keep your goals in focus, and guide you as your business grows.
Three Main Reasons For Having a Business Plan
It may seem that a business plan is a lot of work. You may even be wondering why one is necessary. It is because a business plan is essential to your business a success.
Making Business Goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely
As you write your business goals, you need to have a way to evaluate those goals. A good way to evaluate your business goals is to determine if they are SMART goals.
Chapter 5: Financing Your Business
Figuring Out Your Business Start up Costs
Estimating business startup cost for your business is important estimate to high and you might not get the money estimate to low and you'll run dry soon.
Business Start Up Funding
If you are starting a business, you will most certainly need money. Believe it or not, most new businesses do not start with a bank loan.
Chapter 6: Making Your Business Legitimate
Six Tips for Determining a Good Business Name
Choosing the name of your business wisely will help you succeed since potential customers will often base their decisions to buy simply on your business name within the first seven seconds.
Business Name Registration - A Must for a Serious Entity
The main reason to register your business name is to tell the public and other businesses that you are in business under that name.
Opening a Business Bank Account
Every small business, no matter the size needs a business bank account. Although many small business owners think it is fine to mix personal and business accounts, nothing is further from the truth.
Creating a Business Logo That Grabs Attention
Think of the McDonald’s arch. Having this kind of visual recognition can really boost your company’s overall success, so it is very important to spend time developing one that identifies your business in the best possible light.
Creating Business Cards That Are Effective
Business cards are the cheapest and most under-used marketing tool in business. If you are not making them work for you, you may be missing an excellent opportunity.
Federal, State, and Local Rules and Business Regulations
Every business in the United States, no matter how big or small, must follow governmental rules and regulations on the state and local level.
15 Simple Steps To Establishing a Federal Tax ID Number
As a business entity, you will need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). To do so, you need to prepare and submit an IRS form called the SS-4.
Small Business Taxes You Will Need To Be Aware Of
As a business, there are several different small business taxes you will need to be aware of. Failure to pay and collect appropriate taxes can cause a lot of trouble with the IRS.
Tax Tips For Small Businesses
In order to take the tax write-offs available to a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, you will need to keep your business files and home files completely separate.
Chapter 7: Business Insurance
Five Types of Business Insurance Every Manager Needs
You've started your new business and all is going along smoothly until the unexpected happens. A fire breaks out in your building and you lose all your inventory. Or perhaps your business is burglarized. What now?
The Ins and Outs of Casualty Insurance
Many insurance packages will put casualty and property insurance together and these packages often offer the best deal. Nonetheless, it is good to know what casualty insurance includes.
You Need Business Liability Insurance
Liability insurance insures against negligence of your business or employees. In other words, it protects your business when it is sued for neglect. There are two types of liability policies:
Commercial Auto Insurance And Your Business
Commercial auto insurance helps protect your business from unexpected medical costs and auto repair costs caused by a collision.
The Laws Concerning Workman's Comp
Since it is required by law in most states and for most employees, as a business owner, you will need to understand what it is and how to get it.
What You Need to Know About Unemployment Insurance
In addition to helping workers and their families, the Unemployment Insurance programs play a key role in helping businesses, communities, and the nation's economy.
Chapter 8: Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses
Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses
In the simplest of terms, marketing is everything you do to get your business noticed by your customers and gets your customers buying your product or using your service.
Side Note: See also our Marketing Strategies Section of A Touch of Business
Business Websites Do Wonders For Small Businesses
You may think that since your business is new and small that this is something you can put off for now. The truth is, having a website will be one of the best marketing tools you have.Even My Small Business?
Five Top Marketing Tips to Help Your Business Succeed
Marketing is important but can be costly if not done correctly. The following five tips will get you headed in the right direction.
Chapter 9: Business Location
Choosing A Business Location - A Good One Is Crucial
Depending upon your type of business, it can be where your customers come in to speak to you, where they shop, where they dine – ultimately, it is where your customer receives your product or service.
What to Consider When Leasing Office Space
Due to the size or needs of your business, you may decide to rent office and/or warehouse space rather than have a home or own a building.
Chapter 10: Technology And your Small Business
What Type of Computer You Need To Start A Business
The Brains Of Your Business: What You Need From Your Computer and Internet Provider
To begin a business, you will need to consider what equipment you will need.
Finding the Right Computer Peripherals for Your Company
Add Ons Your Small Business Can Use: Finding the Right for Your Company. In addition to the computer and monitor, you will need to think about peripherals.
Small Business Software You'll Probably Need
Without software, your computer won’t do anything. There are two main types of software; systems software and applications software.
Shopping Cart Software Helps You Sell Your Products Online
The shopping cart is one of the most important parts to having a smooth e-commerce transition since it is how your customers will ultimately purchase your products.
Chapter 11: Your Business And Employees
Finding the Right Employees For Your Business
Overwhelmed and All Alone?
Determining If It Time to Hire Employees for Your Small Business. Previous business experience is always a big plus when starting your own business.
Small Business Employee Options
If you are lacking certain skills needed to run a business but do not feel you can afford a full-time employee, you have several other options.
Using the Job Interview to Find the Right Employee for Your Business
Applied But Qualified? Finding an employee that suits your business is very important. With statistics that show 3 out of 4 sales people and 1 out of 4 administrative employees don’t work out, understanding the hiring process will help you retain good people.
Employee Contracts A win, Win Situation
Hiring an employee can often help your business, but you should consider making an employee contract to keep you and your employee protected.
Summary:
Business Success Checklist: An Over View Of Items To Remember
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