Business Tips

Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning. Like a chess game, success in small business starts with decisive and correct opening moves. Although initial mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain the advantage.
To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well-thought-0ut business plan that will help you reach these goals.
The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.

Getting Started

Before starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of the most common reasons for starting a business are:

•You want to be your own boss
•You want financial independence
•You want to fully use your skills and knowledge

Next you need to determine what business is "right for you". Ask yourself these questions:

•What do I like to do with my time?
•What technical skills have I learned or developed?
•What do others say I am good at?
•How much time do I have to run a successful business?
•Do I have any hobbies or interests that are marketable?

Then you should identify the niche your business will fill. Conduct the necessary research to answer these questions:

•Is my idea practical and will it fill a need?
•What is my competition?
•What is my business advantage over existing firms?
•Can I deliver a better quality service?
•Can I create demand for my business?
•The final step before developing your plan is the pre-business checklist. You should answer these questions:
•What business am I interested in starting?
•What services or products will I sell?
•Where will I be located?
•What skills and experience do I bring to the business?
•What will be my legal structure? (see overview below)
•What will I name my business?
•What equipment or supplies will I need?
•What are my resources?
•How will I compensate myself?

Your answers will help your create a focused, well-researched business plan that should detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.

Choosing Your Business Structure

A business may be conducted through a variety of organizational structures. A specific business structure is generally chosen for liability and/or tax reasons. There are several types of business organizations:

Sole Proprietorship:

One person operating a business as an individual is a sole proprietorship. The sole proprietorship is the most common form of business organization. Profits are taxed as income to the owner personally. This rate is usually lower than the corporate tax rates would be. The owner has complete control of the business, but faces unlimited liability for its debts. Since this is a fairly simple type of legal structure, there is very little government regulation and reporting. A sole proprietorship applies for a business permit at the county clerk's office in the county (city/town clerk inside city limits) in which the business is located.

General Partnership:

A partnership exists when two or more persons join together in the operation and management of a business venture. Partnerships, like sole proprietorships, are subject to relatively little regulation and are fairly easy to establish. A formal partnership agreement is recommended in order to address potential conflicts before they arise; for example, who will be responsible for performing each task, what, if any consultation is needed between partners before major decisions are made, if a partner dies, and so on. Under a general partnership, each partner is liable for all debts of the business. All profits are taxed as income to the partners based on their percentage of ownership. A general partnership, like sole proprietorship, registers a business name with the county/city clerk's office in which the business is located.

Limited Partnership:

Like a general partnership, a limited partnership is established by an agreement between two or more individuals. In a limited, however, there are two types of partners. A general partner has greater control in some aspects of the partnership; for instance, only a general partner can decide to dissolve the partnership. General partners have no limitations on the dividends they can receive from profit and so incur unlimited liability. Limited partners can only receive a share of profits based on the prorated amount on their investment, and the liability is similarity limited in proportion to their investment.

"C" Corporation:

A "C" corporation is a legal entity made up of persons who have received a charter legally recognizing the corporation as a separate entity having its own rights, privileges and liabilities, apart from those of the individuals forming the corporation. It is the most complex form of business organization and is comprised of three groups of people: shareholders, directors, and officers. The corporation can own assets, borrow money and perform business functions without directly involving the owner (s) of the corporation. The corporation, therefore, is subject to more government regulation than proprietorships or partnerships. Corporate earnings are subject to "double taxation" when the corporation is taxed and when passed through as stockholder dividends. However, corporations have the advantage of limited liability, but not total protection from lawsuits.

Subchapter "S" Corporation:

A special section of the Internal Revenue Code permits a corporation to be taxed as a partnership or sole proprietorship, with the profits taxed at the individual rather than the corporate rate. To qualify as a Subchapter "S" corporation, a business must meet certain requirements for more information, contact the IRS and request IRS publication 589.

"LLCs" and LLPs":

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is rapidly becoming a very popular business form. An LLC combines selected corporate and partnership characteristics while still maintaining status as a legal entity distinct from its owners. As a separate entity, it can acquire assets, incur liabilities and conduct business. As the name implies, however, it provides limited liability for the owners. LLC owners risk only their investment. Personal assets are not at risk. The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is similar to the LLC with the exception that it is aimed at professional organizations.