Guide to the Basics of Starting Your Business

You have a passion, a skill, or a talent and you want to turn that idea into a profitable business. What do you do first? Where do you start? What are the most important things to begin? Take a look at the first 5 steps you can take to ensure a successful start of your business.

Action Steps:

1. Name of Company
- Don’t let it prohibit your growth, expansion, or diversification.
- Check to see if the name is available and legal.
- The shorter the name, the larger you can make it in marketing materials.

I recommend www.businessnameusa.com for extensive information and assistance in business names, licenses, and registration information.

2. Mission and Vision
-Become your customer. Ask yourself, “Why should I do what you are asking me?”
- Your message needs to create a specific, favorable impression.

I recommend www.gmarketing.com for a wealth of information and articles that will get you thinking about your business and help you with creating your mission and vision.

3. Logo and UPS- Unique Positioning Statement
- Logo should communicate an idea.
- What’s the first thing you want to enter the minds of your prospective customers?
- Use wherever you can-advertising, website, email signature, business cards
- Say something good about your business in only a few words.

I recommend looking into www.sheandidesigns.com for affordable logo design.

4. Website
- You need a website!
- Keep web address short and easy to remember and type.

5. Business Card
- Business cards are serious marketing opportunities, if you use them!
- Give as much information as possible.
- Use both sides of your business card.
I recommend www.vistaprint.com for incredible deals on printing business cards.