Once you’ve decided to start your own business, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty: what do you need to start up?
Start-ups need to focus on the basics first, including a solid business plan, opening agreement, a great team, and enough capital to get the company off the ground. But these days, many start-ups also need to have an eye toward social media marketing and customer engagement.
Here’s a checklist of items that you need to set your own LLC:
Product or Service
The first thing every start-up needs is a product or service that people want to buy. This may seem obvious, but many start-ups fail because they don’t come up with a product or service that people want and need.
So if you’re starting a business, make sure you have something that people are willing to pay for and that meets some kind of need or desire on their part.
Operating Agreement
This document outlines how your LLC will be run. It’s important to have an operating agreement because it helps prevent disputes among members and can help avoid costly litigation if a member wants to leave the company or sell their share to another person or company.
For example, it can specify who makes decisions about important matters like hiring employees or selling assets.
Articles of Organization
Articles of organization or certificate of formation depending on the state. This document must be filed with the secretary of state where you want to register your business. It provides a public record of your company’s existence and is required before you can do anything else with an LLC.
This document contains the name and address of your company and its registered agent; the person responsible for receiving official documents from the state.
It also includes information about the number of members in your LLC, how many votes each member has, and whether they’re active or passive.
A business plan
A business plan is essential for any new business venture. It outlines your goals and objectives, explains how you will reach them, and provides a blueprint for your future success.
It should include an overview of your company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as its financial projections for at least the next two years.
Funding
Start-ups usually require some kind of funding to get off the ground; this could mean an angel investor or venture capitalist who believes in your project enough to provide some capital upfront.
If you can’t secure funding from these sources, consider applying for a small business loan through your local bank or credit union, or both. But before doing any of this, make sure that you have a business plan.
Business Cards
These are an essential part of networking with other professionals in your industry, so make sure you have plenty on hand at all times. Your business card should include your name, title, and company name.
Include Contact Information
It should have contact information like phone number and email address; URL for your website; logo; and slogan if applicable.
You can order them online or by visiting your local print shop if you want something more customized with special colors or fonts that match your brand identity better than what’s available online.
A Great Team
If you’re starting a new venture, make sure you surround yourself with people who’ve done it before especially if they’ve done it successfully. Look for people who have experience managing staff.
You’ll also want people who understand how technology can help your company grow faster than ever before and how it can give you an edge over competitors who haven’t yet caught up with tech trends like cloud computing or social media marketing platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Computer
A computer is an essential tool for running your business. You’ll use it to create your services, market them online and track business finances. Depending on the size of your company and its needs, you may need more than one computer.
For example, if you’re running a manufacturing company with multiple employees and multiple locations, you’ll likely need at least one desktop computer for each employee.
You might also want additional equipment such as printers or scanners. If you’re going to work from home, you’ll also need phone service and Internet access.
Furthermore, to maximize the use of your computer and enhance productivity, consider investing in small business ERP systems to manage your business and streamline operations effectively.
Phone
A phone is another essential business tool. You can use it for voice calls and texts between employees who are remote from each other or for making calls to customers who need assistance with your products or services.
It’s also beneficial to have a phone that allows people to email or text directly from the device without having to install additional software on their computers first.
Office Equipment
This includes any supplies needed for running your business, such as pens, paper clips, and file folders; not just for storage but for taking notes during meetings and other events related to your company.
You’ll also need furniture such as desks, chairs, and filing cabinets for storing documents related to the business as well as those used in day-to-day operations.
Office Space
The other thing you might need is your office space. If you’re working from home, try to find a separate room or area that can be dedicated to the business. If you don’t have that option, find a quiet place in your house where you won’t be interrupted by family members or pets.
