How to Start Your Own Business in 5 Days or Less
If you have grown weary of sitting in a cubicle every day, you may dream of starting your own business. However, if you are like most people, you might believe that starting a business is a long, expensive process. Fortunately, you don't have to form a complex corporation or spend months on a business plan to strike out on your own. Simple strategies can help you launch your own business in five days or less.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of business you want to start. Several types of businesses, such as service or online businesses, require little setup beyond advertising and gathering inventory or equipment.
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Choose a memorable name for your business. As a sole proprietor, you do not need to obtain an employer identification number under your business name unless you plan to pay employees or file pension or excise tax returns.
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Hire a graphic designer to create a logo for your business. You can find graphic designers on freelance websites such as iFreelance, Elance and Freelancer. Freelance designers can provide a finished logo in as little as 24 hours.
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Launch a website for your business. Website hosting companies commonly provide domain purchase services and provide design templates, so you can create a functional website in as little as a single evening. Include information about your products or services, as well as your contact information.
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Supply your finished logo image to a printer and have business cards and fliers printed for your business. Your business cards and fliers should contain your contact information, including your website address.
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Distribute fliers and business cards to potential customers. For example, if you plan to start a landscaping business, tape fliers to the doors of homes in your neighborhood. If you want to start a meal delivery service, leave stacks of fliers and business cards at area restaurants so customers will see them.
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Hang fliers on bulletin boards in local businesses, such as convenience stores, bookstores and coffee shops to help build visibility for your business.
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Take calls and answer emails promptly to secure your first customers.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask customers for referrals to help build your customer base quickly. You can motivate customers to provide referrals by offering a discount on future purchases of your products or services.
Obtain a magnetic sign with your company name, logo, telephone number and website address. Affix the sign to your car or truck so people will see it while driving.
Check with your county's small business office if your business will involve serving food or beverages. You may need to purchase a food service license.
Contact your auto insurance agent or company if you will use your vehicle as part of your business. Your personal auto policy may not cover business activities -- you may need to purchase a business or commercial auto policy.
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