Starting a business: If you’ll be going national, you should probably do a national name search. You’d hate to pick a name that is original in Oregon, but is already taken in Arkansas. How much do you have to get in place before you open your doors? What is the best way to protect yourself and your personal assets in case your business gets sued?
Running a business: I remember back when I used to work for someone else. I spent a lot of time trying to look busy. There seemed to be plenty of spare time. I thought to myself, “when I run my own business, if there’s nothing to do, I’ll just go to the movies, I won’t have to sit around trying to look busy for the boss.” Then I started my own business. And of course, came to realize the same thing you already know: there is always more to do. It never ends. You can always be doing more marketing, better employee development, cutting costs, making your product better. You’re never choosing between doing something or doing nothing. You’re choosing among a hundred competing options, and you only have time to do a few of them. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some help along the way from someone who’s been there? I’ve started and run three successful businesses. I understand numbers, accounting, finance, and the importance of satisfied customers. I understand the pride in a job well-done, and the shame of having to cut corners because the money is too tight. Let me help you run your business more efficiently. Let me help you push your business closer to the business you dreamed it would be. (too much?)
Choosing an entity: LLC? S Corporation? C Corporation? Disregarded Entity? Each of these has pros and cons, and it’s important you understand them. For some businesses, this will be an easy choice. For most, it will require some thought and analysis. There are tax consequences to each choice. If you’re planning on taking your business public, a C corporation may be the best choice not because it’s actually the best choice, but because it’s traditional, and your buyers may want to see it. If you have a solo business, an LLC will usually protect your personal assets at the cheapest price, both in terms of money and effort. But an S Corporation can have tax advantages that may save you a few thousand dollars per year.