8 Hours to Go: Get Your Montgomery, TX Business Off the Ground
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit, but don't know where to start? Maybe you've been toying with the idea of starting your own business for a while, but the thought of all the work that goes into it is intimidating. Or maybe you just don't have the time to start a traditional brick-and-mortar business.
Whatever your reasons may be, there's no need to put off your business dreams any longer. Keep reading for tips from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce to find out how you can launch your own business in as few as 8 hours.
Morning:
8:00 AM - What's Your Business Idea?
The first step to starting your own business is coming up with a great idea. What are your passions? What are your skills? What does your community need? Answering these questions can help you narrow down what type of business would be best for you. If you're having trouble coming up with an idea, try brainstorming with friends or family, looking online for inspiration, or attending local entrepreneur meetups.
9:00 AM - Define Your Business Goals
Once you have an idea for your business, it's time to start setting some goals. What do you want your business to achieve in the short-term? The long-term? Having specific, measurable goals will help you stay on track as you get started and continue to grow your business. Trying writing down your goals or creating a vision board to visualize what you want your business to achieve.
10:00 AM - Select a Business Structure
Now that you have an idea and some goals, it's time to choose a business structure. There are popular types of businesses: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that makes the most sense for your particular business. You can learn more about each type of business structure by doing some research online or speaking with an attorney or accountant.
11:00 AM - Open a Business Bank Account
After you choose a business structure, then you should open up a bank account for your new venture. This step is important for tracking your expenses and income and making filing taxes easier come tax season. When choosing a bank, be sure to compare fees and services so that you can find the one that best meets your needs. You'll also need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which you can do online or by mail.
Mid-Day Break for Lunch
12:00 PM - Set a Positive Habit
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about taking care of yourself. However, it's important to remember that self-care is essential for both your physical and mental health. One way to prioritize self-care is by taking a regular lunch break. Not only will this give you a chance to refuel your body, but it also gives you a much-needed break from work. Even if you only have 30 minutes for lunch, using this time to step away from your desk and clear your mind can make a world of difference.
Afternoon
1:00 PM - Decide on a Marketing Plan
Marketing is essential for any business's success, so it's necessary to spend some time crafting a marketing plan before getting started. First, identify your target market—who are the people most likely to use your product or service? Then, decide what methods of marketing will reach them most effectively—are they active on social media? Do they read certain publications? Once you know how best to reach them, create some engaging content and get started!
2:00 PM - Know Where to Find Customers
While marketing will help bring customers through the door (or visit your website), it's important that you also know where else to find them should marketing efforts fall flat. Networking is key in any business. Attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings or other networking events can help introduce you to potential customers in your area who may need what you're selling.
3:00 PM - Hire Freelancers As Needed
Many small businesses don't have the budget to hire full-time employees right away, which is where freelancers come in handy! When first starting out, only hire freelancers as needed so that you don't overspend on overhead costs. You can freelancers for a variety of roles, from marketing to branding to web development to virtual assistant.
4:00 PM - Create a System That Works for You
Finally, once everything is up and running smoothly, you must create a system that works for YOU! This may mean setting regular office hours or investing in project management software so that deadlines are always met. It’s also important to keep your files digitized so you can access them at any time. A great way to condense files to make them more manageable is to try out a PDF combiner tool. This enables you to more carefully catalog files and helps you access them whenever and wherever.
Start Your Day!
There's no need to put off starting your own business any longer—with careful planning and execution, you can be up and running in just 8 hours! Start with your passion and get things written into a plan you can follow. Then engage in marketing materials to start drumming up interest in your new venture. Finally, use freelancers and online tools to manage important tasks and digital organization so that you can focus on moving your new business forward. By following these simple steps and using available resources wisely, you'll be well on your way to achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
Connect with and learn from other local business leaders by joining the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
