Business Tips for Getting Started

Every new business owner needs some very specific small business tips for getting started.

Here’s something I hear frequently –

"I want to get started, but starting a small business is complicated. Those general tips are good, but where do I begin?"

There are several ways to approach starting a small business. I am going to assume that you have already done your homework, and you have already selected the business. If you’re not there yet, you need to back up and do that first.

For those of you who already know what business you want to pursue, here are some easy steps to follow to get you started:

1. Do some planning. Whether you are considering opening a brick-and-mortar retail establishment, a consulting firm, an online store, or stepping into an established network marketing business, you need to do some planning. Yes, this means writing a business plan. The bigger your initial investment, the more detailed your business plan should be, but do not (I repeat, do not) assume that you don’t need one because your business will be very small or because you are joining an established network marketing venture. If you are not going to be someone else’s employee, it’s your business. Treat it like a real business. If necessary, read more about business plans.

The next steps you’ll take vary depending on the type of business you are starting. First, let’s talk about the most simple type – a sole proprietorship. And let’s assume that the primary location of your business is your home town (or county or state). You may have a web presence, but your main customers are real people in your established territory. We’ll talk about web-based businesses later.

2. Get a business license. If you are going to be doing business in your community, you need to get a business license there. It’s inexpensive and easy. Not sure if you need a license? You can check with your city hall or go to the Small Business Administration website for links to licensing requirements for your state.

3. File your fictitious business name statement. This is also known as your "dba" (short for "doing business as"). Unless you are planning to do business only under your own name (and have all checks written to your name, advertise using your name, have a bank account with only your personal name on it), you’ll need to file a dba.

Most jurisdictions (cities, counties, etc.) require that you file a dba if you will be doing business under any fictitious name in their jurisdiction. The laws vary from place to place, so check the regulations for your state and city, but typically you have to run your fictitious name statement in a local paper for four weeks. Local papers aren’t the only way to go, but the point is that you are required to notify the folks who live in the area where you do business that you are doing business under a fictitious name. Most likely, if you go to your city hall and request a business license packet, it will explain the dba requirements.

4. Open a bank account for your business. With your dba (fictitious name) in hand, it’s time to go to the bank and open a business account. Put it in both your real name and your fictitious name. It is very important to keep your business finances and your personal finances separate. As long as you are a sole proprietor with no employees, your business ID number is your social security number. Click here to read more tips about business banking. of all the small business tips you'll read, many ignore this one and end up regretting it. Don't let that be you.

5. Establish your location. If you are opening a brick-and-mortar store, you need to find a location, and sign a lease (or buy the building). If you’re operating a home-based business, you need to set up your home office. Click here for some specific working from home business tips.

6. Develop a marketing plan. Your business plan should have included a marketing plan, but you may have skimped on that part because it’s hard to think about the nitty-gritty details of marketing until you are ready do to it. Also, this is the time to really flesh out your marketing plan and create an action plan. What are you going to do each and every day to spread the word about your business. There are lots of low-cost ways to get the word out. Just don’t get stuck with one method or approach. Also, remember that consistency is the key.

7. Get started! Get into action! Do what you do! Some people get stuck in the planning, trying to make it all perfect before they get started. Here’s a secret for you – it will never be perfect. You need to take action and stay in action. If you have no customers knocking at your door, calling you, or emailing, work on your marketing strategies. If you do have customers, focus on providing the best possible customer service. Differentiate yourself from all those others out there. Remember to follow-up with your customers. Reading all the business tips in the world is no substitute for taking action.

These aren't the only business tips. In fact, this whole site and all the linked pages are about small business tips. Keep reading. You'll find the information you need.

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