Basic Business Checklist

So, you're looking to start a business? You are headed into the New Year and you finally want to take the leap. Good for you!

I'm here to help by providing a basic list of things you'll need to start your business. The list below includes foundational items and they can apply to any business; not just photography. Also, this list may not be the typical business list you're thinking of, so keep an open mind.

1. Decide on your product or service: I know this sounds simple and basic, but you might be surprised how many people aren't clear on what exactly they will be offering to their potential clients. What will be your flagship offer or product? This steps also includes doing research of your potential market.
2. Develop a message that will articulate the value of your product or service: People buy a product or service because of the why. This needs to be clearly articulated about your product or service. Without good messaging it can be hard to sell anything.
3. Develop a budget: This includes considering all overhead, what it will cost to operate your business behind the scenes. Will you need to consider a business loan or investment cost? Any programs you may use. Equipment needs. Inventory you have to account for etc. I would also recommend opening a business bank account to keep track of your funds. This should also include thinking about a marketing budget and setting goals of what you want to make monthly, quarterly and yearly. Having a budget will also help you develop pricing as well.
4. Determine your audience: Who will you be selling your product or service to? When you're thinking about your audience, think of a specific type of person/ niche and their lifestyles, their age, where they live etc. The more details you understand about your audience, the easier it will be to market to them, because you will understand what their pain points are and how your product or service can help add value to them.
5. Develop a Marketing Plan: Your marketing plan should encompass items 1-4. Your marketing plan is all about your messaging, articulating value and understanding who you're speaking to. once you have a solid message, then you can start to think about the actual implementation of the marketing plan. Will you be using Facebook ads, email campaigns, TV ads, social media and influencer marketing etc. These are things to think about. There are many ways to market yourself, but you have to determine which avenue works best for your business and your audience.
6. Register Your Business: This is all about filing to have an official LLC, Corporation, SCorp etc. to make your business legitimate. I realize not everyone does this right away, but as your business grows having this established will be of your best interest. Having this established is also very important for filing taxes.
7. Make it Easy for People to Contact You: Create a website or landing page so that people are able to find your product or service. Make it easy for people to contact you and see what you offer. Create a basic business card you can physically hand out to people. If you have booking services available online, have it available on your website. The same applies for payments. This also includes having a business email or a phone number for contacting purposes. I recommend keeping a separate business email and phone number so that things don't get lost in your personal emails. While having a social media profile to show off your products or service is nice, that shouldn't be all you have to offer. Having a website or landing page takes your clients beyond social media to give further details about what you're offering. It also helps you look more polished and professional to a potential client.
8. Collecting Payments: There are many programs and services available to help you create invoices and collect payments. Many of the programs help you keep track of your revenue and expenses throughout the year. Being able to send an invoice will help you look a lot more professional versus using Cash App as a business payment system. Keeping track through a system also helps when it comes to tracking your budget and tax filing purposes as well. Some systems I recommend: Honeybook, PayPal, QuickBooks, Stripe, Square.
9. Build a Team: While many entrepreneurs may start off solo, eventually it will become important to build your team. Having a team will help you get a lot more done and help your business run smooth even if you aren't there. Think about job descriptions and what the hiring process will look like. This is where having standard operating procedures will be helpful in bringing on new hires.
10. Location: Determine if you will have a physical place of business. Some businesses have an actual store front or physical shops where clients can come to purchase their product or service. Other businesses are online based and products can be shipped to clients. Some business owners may rent a small office space for in client meetings as needed. Location is also something that should be considered when creating your budget as well.

While there may be other things to consider depending on the type of business you plan to start, I believe my list helps to cover some of the basics things to consider when getting started. These were things I considered when starting my photography business and I hope they are helpful to you as well.