Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
When you start a new business there do not seem to be enough hours in the day. Your to-do list gets longer and longer. Starting a business is exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure and burn-out is a real danger. Tear up the to-do list and replace it with short, medium and long-term goals. These seven tasks are where you must start.
- Do your market research: Confirm that there is mileage in your idea! Is your business proposition viable? Look at what others in your niche are doing. This can be a tough process but it is vital. The truth is that if you don’t start doing brand competitive analysis now, you’ll regret it later so make it one of your first jobs
- Decide on the right business structure for you: There are many different legal structures for businesses and they all have their own administrative and financial advantages and disadvantages. It is important to read up on your options and decide which is best for you. Talk with a business lawyer and an accountant now so you have an established relationship down the road.
- Build up a team to help you: This does not have to be a team of your employees but if you are starting big then it could be. You need to recruit the right people who share your drive, enthusiasm and vision. You can build a team of support from freelancers that you know and trust. You also need financial and legal experts to advise you (see above).
- Choose a business name: This is the fun part! But before your imagination runs riot you need to remember some golden rules of choosing the right business name. It needs to be memorable and must not create confusion with competitors. Make sure that no-one has used the name already.
- Choose a stunning logo: A logo says so much about your business and is the first thing prospective customers see. (J & A Creative Group specializes in logo design!) There are so many options that it can be overwhelming so you may need to read up on what works best in your sector and look at what you can afford. The simpler the better. You can always have a go at designing one yourself using a free graphic design package such as Canva but you should consider enlisting an expert, logos are hard to change down the road.
- Choose a domain name: Before you can launch your website online you will need to choose a domain name. This requires a lot of thought. It is better if it is short and snappy and easy to type into search engines.
- Build a website: No business can survive without an online presence and there are two aspects to this. There are easy options for you to build a simple site yourself or you could use a web design service for a more professional look. They will also offer you a support package for when things go wrong (and they will go wrong at some stage).
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