7 Steps To Start A Home Business And Be Successful (Continued)

Read previous part here. 

STEP #1 Write A Business plan
A good business plan clarifies your ideas and establishes a plan of action. A good business plan should include a description of what you are selling, your background and qualifications, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how much money is need for start-up costs.

STEP #2 Get An Identifying Or Registration Number
If you are the sole proprietor of the business and have no employees, you may either use your Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. If you have employees, or the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN. To do this, complete IRS Form (Application for Employer Identification Number) and file it with the nearest IRS  Office.

STEP #3 OBTAIN A SALES TAX PERMIT
If the product or service you sell is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to collect sales tax. If you do, they will send you the necessary information and forms to complete. You also use this tax number when your purchase items for resale.

STEP #4 Obtain Licenses And Permits
It's very important not to overlook any necessary license or permit. For example, some cities and counties require a general business license, and most have special laws regarding the preparation and sale of food. Find out what is needed for your particular business. In addition, Chamber of Commerce provide information on city, county and state licenses and permits in many countries.

STEP #5 Design Business Cards
Spend time on the color, design and paper for these items. They make a definite impression-good or bad- on the people who receive them. If you are not certain what is most suitable and effective, consult a graphics designer or a creative printer whose work you like.

STEP #6 Open A Business Check Or Current Bank Account
Find out what services the different Banks offer, and what minimum balance, if any, must be maintained to avoid paying a service charge. Also ask about credit card  if you plan to offer this convenience to your customers. Bank fees can be significant, so shop around for the best deal. If your personal checking account is with a credit card, some can also provide a separate business account. when you open your account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate and business license.
Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business's name. If this is not possible, set aside a personal credit card to use for business expenses.

STEP #7 Setup Record keeping And Accounting Systems
Put together a simple and effective bookkeeping  and Accounting system. For each month, set up columnar sheets for income and expenses. Use a pocket divider for each month's receipts, bank statement, deposit tickets, and canceled checks. In addition, an automobile log for business mileage, and filing system for correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client records, etc. are two other useful tools. For more information on record-keeping, see here, Information for Business taxpayers. Read more here.