It’s true that running your own business can be a very fulfilling way to earn a living. It’s also true that it’s one of the most difficult ways to earn a living. However, if you take the time to prepare before launching your new business, the entire process can feel less overwhelming and result in greater success. Here are some tips and resources that can help you get started off on the right foot:

 

DETERMINE A BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Choosing a business structure is one of the first things you should do, as it will affect things like your taxes and personal liability.

 

• One of the most common business structures is a sole proprietorship, which is a good way to go if you are working for yourself and are not quite ready to go with a more formal structure.

• Unlike a sole proprietorship, forming an LLC separates your personal assets from your business assets, which will help protect you from personal liability.

• If you are starting a business with another person, forming an LLP will provide you with similar protection and benefits as an LLC.

• One of the most formal business structures is a corporation. Choosing a C Corp or an S Corp will provide you with the strongest personal liability protection, but you will also have to meet stricter guidelines, and you can be held legally liable in certain instances.

 

EXPLORE FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Becoming a freelancer can serve as a great entry point to business ownership. However, even if you don’t want freelancing to be your primary career, it can help supplement your income as you get your business up and running.

 

• Look at online job boards for ideas of freelance jobs you could do.

• When researching freelance jobs, consider the hard and soft job skills you have acquired over time.

• Also, factor in your personality, which can have practical implications for any job.

• And learn how to market yourself so that you can land the types and number of projects that you want. This is when hiring a web design and marketing firm like ATX Designer can prove invaluable. 

 

SET UP YOUR HOME

If you are planning to work from home as your business gets off the ground, it’s essential to ensure that it accommodates your needs.

​

• Make sure you have a workspace or home office that allows you to focus and be productive.

• Equip your workspace with a high-quality desk, ergonomic chair, computer, and any other equipment necessary for your day-to-day operations.

• Also, be sure to invest in any tools, software, and apps that will help you accomplish your goals.

• Furthermore, be sure to establish boundaries with your family (and yourself) so that you can work efficiently when you need to.

• And once you find a routine that works for you, be consistent while also remaining flexible in ways that you need to modify it.

​

If you’re looking for a rewarding career path, starting a business in your city is definitely worth considering. However, in order to be successful, it’s essential to choose the right business structure, look into freelance opportunities, and turn your home into a comfortable place to work. There are many other aspects to starting a business, but getting these tips and resources down will get you off to a great start.

​

PUBLISHED: August 24, 2020