THE BASICS of BUSINESS

• GETTING DOWN TO BRASS TACKS

• Make sure your traditional or home business is legal.
  • Comply with all federal, state and local regulations and requirements.
  • Get a Federal Employer Identification Number, if needed.
  • Register with your state for a seller's permit or Resale Tax Certificate.
  • Obtain any other state licenses that apply.
  • Visit your city clerk's office for information on local regulations.
  • Obtain a business license from your city.
  • File a fictitious name certificate at the county clerk's office.
  • Check local zoning laws.
• Obtain all of your necessary office tools.
  • Telephone - business phone number and separate line
  • Cellular phone
  • Fax machine
  • Filing system
  • Accounting and bookkeeping system (i.e. QuickBooks)
  • Phone directory
  • Other things you may need
  • Purchase Commercial Liability Insurance coverage.
    
• Professional appearance
  • Read "Dress for Success"
  • Read "How to Dress Casually for Success"
• Knowledge is Power
  • Know your products and services
  • Price your products and services competitively and know your profit margins
  • Decide what you need to earn to make a profit.
  • Set margins for end user sales.
  • Set margins for wholesale sales.
  • Establish price lists.
    
• Consider your marketing needs.
  • Business cards and letterhead
  • Yellow Page advertisement
  • Color brochure or other promotional literature
  • Internet web site development and maintenance
    
• Track your finances using P & L, or a comparable log.
  
• Personal Improvement the key that brings it all together!