A Beginner’s Guide To Starting Your Own Business From Scratch

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This is a guest post from Chelsea Lamb from BusinessPop.net.

Are you just getting started on your journey to self-employment? If so, you’re not alone. Each year, untold masses of people just like yourself make the life-changing leap into entrepreneurship. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can make your business a success. Below, we’ve put together some quick tips to get you up and running fast.

Brand early, and brand well.

Branding your business is simply the process of creating an image that’s memorable. McDonald’s, Target, and Amazon are all great examples of businesses that have mastered the branding process. Your brand covers everything from logo design to the tone of the writing on your website. Before you launch, contact Heads & Tails Photography for information on headshot or commercial photo shoots to help brand your team. You’ll also want a graphic designer, web developer, and content writer to help develop and showcase your image.

Find a good consultant with experience in your industry.

A business consultant is an expense that can easily pay for itself in knowledge and guidance. Whether you need someone to help you build your business from the ground up or want marketing guidance, human resources, cybersecurity, or accounting help, you can find a business consultant online to work with you as you learn to master your new responsibilities as a business owner.

Create a business structure that fits your needs.

While starting a new business is certainly exciting, there are also plenty of boring tasks that you have to handle. One of these, according to Oracle Netsuite business and finance reporter Megan O’Brien, is establishing your business structure. The most common types of businesses are sole proprietorship (which you are likely operating as now), partnership, and LLC. Each offers different business protections and comes with tax and financial benefits and implications, so research these early so that you can establish your entity legally and professionally.

Outsource the hiring process.

There are many reasons that large companies use employment agencies to bring in new employees. Having someone vet potential candidates for you lowers your overhead costs and can help you fill short-term staffing needs. Your staffing specialist can weed out applicants based on your specifications so that you are not wasting time reading through resumes.

Set up your space right the first time.

Do you plan to work from home? That’s one of the most common places to operate these days, so it should come as no surprise that there are many resources available to help you set up your home office. RoomSketcher explains that your location and furniture, along with storage and a great meeting space, are all essential. If possible, you also need an office with plenty of natural light. Access to the internet, a great computer, and a bathroom are also necessary.

Know what you can afford, and scale responsibly.

Finally, avoid the temptation to grow too quickly. One way to do this, which also goes along with branding early, is to build your reputation before you build your business. Having yourself established as an industry leader makes it easier for you to acquire a stable customer base and the income that comes along with it. Before you start branching out, know what your customers want and look for products or services you can cut to make room for more profitable ventures. 

Starting a business is a hands-on and continual process. The above tips can help you get started. However, remember that trial, error, and experience are the best teachers. You will make mistakes along the way. What’s important is that you don’t give up and keep your eyes on the endgame, which is entrepreneurial success.

When you’re ready to take professional photos for your business, give Heads & Tails Photography a call. Reach us today at 509-703-7239 and schedule a free consultation.