A quick guide about how to plan for the success of your business and avoid common mistakes, includes an easy to use checklist.
Thinking about starting a business? Make planning for the success of your business a priority to avoid common mistakes small business owners historically make. What does planning for the success of your business mean? It means taking the time to research and plan every aspect of your business.
Who is your market? What type of business structure will best meet your needs, short- and long-term? Do you have enough start-up money or require funding? What equipment do you need to start your business? Are there any licenses or permits required to start your business? Are you prepared to perform all of the functions of your business or will you need to outsource services? The list of questions is endless.
Create a check list for the set up your business or use the one included here as a quick guide to plan your small business. Revise and expand it as needed. Develop a relationship with local, state and federal entities such as the State Comptroller’s office and the Internal Revenue Service. It is your responsibility to know and follow all governing rules, regulations and tax laws pertaining to your business. These agencies can provide valuable information and resources to help your business succeed.
Seek local area professionals for guidance and services in areas such as taxes, bookkeeping, contracts, employment law, business development, marketing, and so on. Develop a core group of “go-to” advisors and resources to help you take care of the details of your small business and plan for success.
Easy to Use Checklist
Business Set-up
• Identify your market
• Identify and list your core products or services
• Contact local, state and federal agencies for regulations, tax and permit requirements
• Select a business location (address and contact information)
• Name your business, select a business structure and file appropriate forms
• Create a business plan
• Procure funding (if needed) for business start-up
Business Operations
• Open a business bank account
• Set up and furnish your business office
• Set up bookkeeping or outsource
• Set up processes and procedures
• Create business forms and invoices
• Establish vendor accounts for services, products and inventory
• Establish a business schedule and hours of operation
• Identify and list all functions required to run your business
• Hire staff or outsource functions as needed
Business Marketing
• Create a business identity
• Develop a marketing plan
• Create marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, etc.
• Market, advertise and promote your business
© 2007 Gabrielle Melisende. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint rights: You may reprint this article as long as any links remain active, you do not edit the article in any way, give author credit and follow all of the publisher's terms of service.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Obtain Liquor license
By: andiamomarco | 05-07-2008
I am interested in obtaing a liquor license in Ellijay ga. What do I have to do re: filings, county or state? Can liquor be serve/sold in resturants on Sunday?
Real 10k gold beads ai wholesale in SC
By: pebba33 | 28-06-2008
Where can I find real 10k gold at wholesale in SC for my home based business?
How to get a small business loan. We only need $5 ...
By: mommapatpat | 26-06-2008
How to get a small business loan. We only need $5,000 and we do not have any collateral. The business is already established. We just need the start up investment. We have $1000. We need more to get started with rent, utilities, etc.
Women's Networking Groups
By: Janine | 26-06-2008
WomenIIWomen
Joining a women's networking group, what are your main reasons to join and what benefits are you looking for as a member?
I want to start my on activity curriculum business ...
By: Tangie's Learning Center | 20-06-2008
i want to start my on activity curriculum business for preschools daaycares etc how do i get started
What to look for in an IT firm?
By: cr7 | 18-06-2008
I need to hire a local IT firm in Maryland because I don't want to have to keep fixing my own PC's. What should I look for when hiring an IT company?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Business Articles
The Basics of Creating a Filing System That You Can Benefit From Starting Today
By: Tracey Lawton | 19/07/2008
In my brand-new article, I'm going to share with you 7 easy steps for getting your filing system in place. The summertime is generally a quieter time with a more slower pace of business, so use this time to get one of your core office systems in place.
The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters
By: Katrina Sawa | 19/07/2008
You probably get numerous newsletters across your desk each month. How many of those do you really read? I am sure that you scan certain newsletters for valuable information, while you just toss others. Then, of course, there those like mine (chuckle), which you read every last word of.
CEO Tips for Getting Staff to Understand You
By: Pamela Scott | 19/07/2008
This article is directed to the CEO, but it can help anyone in a management position communicate more clearly with staff.
Protect Your Internet Home Business
By: John McRae | 18/07/2008
Running an internet home business or any small business for that matter involves some degree of risk. The business could fail and if you are not protected creditors will be coming after you. There is also the very real possibility that your business could be a success and give you the financial freedom every person dreams of. With that new found freedom brings another creditor, the IRS.
How to Promote an Office Cleaning Business
By: Brent Wale | 18/07/2008
If you are either thinking about start your own janitorial/ office cleaning business, or if you already own and operate a cleaning business..Here are some tips on how to promote and market your cleaning company.
How to Establish yourself as an Expert
By: Katrina Sawa | 18/07/2008
Establishing yourself as an Expert in your field is a great way to get added exposure, publicity and credibility for you and your business which will ultimately bring you more sales and more money!!
Are Your Prices High Enough?
By: Stephen Oliver | 18/07/2008
Conventional wisdom dictates that you should discount to get the business at any cost. This article suggests that you in fact should be raising your prices instead and focussing on your most valuable customers instead.
Women Owning the Workplace: Tips to Guide Female Entrepreneurs
By: Melissa Mashtonio | 18/07/2008
Women are taking the business world by storm, and it doesn't look like they're backing down. According the Womenentrepreneur.com, women-owned firms are the fastest growing in the country. Women are looking beyond the traditional roles and moving ahead to a new role: entrepreneur. This does not necessarily mean women are...
More from Gabrielle Melisende
The Holiday Season, a Ripe Time to Market
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 31/10/2007 | Small Business
Marketing does not take a holiday. Learn how you can use the holiday season to cash in on one of the best times to market your business.
Web Site Design: How to Plan for Success
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 16/07/2007 | Internet
Want your web site to be successful? Read the #1 Web Design Tip.
Scrapbooking, the New Secret to Success
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 24/05/2007 | Small Business
Scrapbooking is breaking down barriers and crossing boundaries into Corporate America. Discover how scrapbooking can help you grow your business and more.
How to Create a Niche Market for your Business
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 11/03/2007 | Marketing
Every business has a niche market. Some have multiple niches. Identify your niche market and increase your market share and solidify your foundation for success when competition heats up.
Minding your Business From the Inside
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 16/02/2007 | Business
The importance of taking care of your business from the inside, regardless of the size of your business, cannot be overstated. Running a clean business, adopting good accounting and business practices, and more will help you build a solid foundation for success.
How to Find a Legitimate Work-from-home Business Opportunity
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 14/01/2007 | Home Business
Legitimate work-from-home businesses do exist. Many people in your local area are successfully working from home with reputable companies. Know what you want first, then where to look for the right work-at-home opportunity for you.
A Road Map to the World Wide Web: Web Site Planning and Preparation
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 05/01/2007 | Internet
At some point your business will be ready to enter the World Wide Web. When it does, your web site will be a living, breathing entity. A little research, planning and preparation will save you from making costly mistakes or ending up with a dead web site.
Prospecting: the Search for Customers
By: Gabrielle Melisende | 05/01/2007 | Marketing
Prospecting is all about finding customers. Learn ways to include prospecting in your overall marketing plan to grow your business, customer base and more. Traditionally used in sales-driven industries, prospecting can benefit any business.
Business 
