Starting your own business may not be the easiest task, but its benefits and rewards can be well worth it once you are established. Let’s take a look at the first few steps to forming a business.
Step #1 – Have an Idea
The first step in any business plan is to define and establish your goals. Ask yourself: Why do I want to start a business? What do I want to accomplish with this business? Who are my potential customers and clients? Is my idea better for a small local business or a large company/firm? Make sure your idea is plausible, and that your business is likely to be a good investment of your time and money.
Step #2 – Choose your Team
Although many people have been successful in starting and running a business on their own, having a business partner or reliable team of associates can help increase both the productivity and the success of your business. Consider your weaker areas of expertise and consider bringing on a partner whose skills will complement yours.
Along these same lines, consider what resources you have for outsourcing. If you have an old friend who owns a marketing firm, or know of a local Maryland business lawyer, you should call upon these resources. Get their advice, but also see what type of fee they will charge you for their services across the life of your business.
Step #3 – Make a Business Plan
There are a few key components in any solid business plan:
- Cost of Operation – Determining the basic cost of operating your business will help you understand how much money is needed for you to produce the goods or services you intend to offer.
- Determine your Market – Think hard about how many people will realistically be interested in your goods or services. Determine how much people will pay for what you are offering, and compare it to the cost of operation.
- Plan for Difficulties – Understand things may not always go smoothly, especially if you are starting a business for the first time with very little experience. Become familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding local businesses. Be aware of your competition and come up with logical ways your business can be competitive as well.
Don’t be intimidated by the amount of work and expertise it takes to start and maintain a successful business and consider hiring a business formation lawyer. These professionals will help you through the start-up process by taking care of the legal aspects and operations, explaining regulations and tax information, and providing suggestions that will benefit and strengthen your business as a whole.
DK Rus Law is a business formation lawyer with offices in Parkton and Westminster, MD, dedicated to helping people in our community thrive in their new businesses. Contact us today for a free consultation!
