I’d just like to share some ideas with you… business ideas! It’s all about establishing your unique identity. If you want to learn how to build an Internet home business, you need to come to grips with the fact that this is a real business. This is really intended for those who are truly interested in starting and building their own small business.
The very first thing you may want to consider is establishing your entity. This is a rather easy process, but it does entail some work and expense. You need to judge what you are willing to do depending on how serious you are about your business. These are the things I recommend:
- A Business Name
- Business Website
- Business Cards
While these three things are not critical when you first get started, they will help you establish your credibility with a local small business owner. I would highly recommend that you carefully consider a business name, and that it encompasses the services that you will be providing. I recommend as well that you choose a business name that reflects and is included in the url of your business website…
Business Name: …therefore you want to pick a 3-4 word keyword string for your Business Name. Here are some examples that include a whole slew of business services you might provide:
- Business Marketing Services
- Internet Marketing for Business
- Internet Marketing for Small Business
- Small Business Internet Marketing
- Website Design Services for Small Business
- Online Marketing for Small Business
- Local Listing Services for Small Business
- Small Business Local Listing Services
- Small Business Online Marketing
Once you have selected your Business Name, you are ready to order your business cards. But, if you are going to build a Business Website, make sure that you can purchase the domain name for your business! Consider going directly to this step!
Note: There is one additional consideration that I would like to bring up at this time. Consider registering your business name with your state as a DBA (Doing Business As) or Business Alias. To do this, I believe that you first have to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). So, if you already have an established LLC, you can establish an DBA for your Internet marketing business.
If you do not have an LLC, you can establish one and just use this rather that register a DBA. The one advantage I see of first establishing an LLC, then registering a separate DBA is that you can change or add DBAs under a single LLC.
An LLC helps you separate and protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities. You’ll also enjoy the pass-through taxation and flexibility of ownership that make LLCs so popular among small business owners. Additionally, you will be able to establish a business checking account which will enhance the credibility of your business.
Please understand, I am not a lawyer and I am not recommending any legal action on your part. For further information on this topic, make sure you contact an attorney in your area.
You can set up an LLC at Rocket Lawyer for free. You just have to pay the state filing fees!
Business Website: This is your virtual business office! Is it critical to have a business website; probably not. However, I highly recommend you get one. I have one and I have claimed it on Google Places. I get phone calls all the time from local businesses desiring my services.
The first thing you need is a domain name. If you have picked one of the sample Business Names above or if you have chosen a different 3-4 keyword string, then you need to check to see if it’s available.
You should also do some keyword research on your keyword string to check it’s viability.
Business Cards. I prefer to use Overnight Prints. In fact, you can try them out before you buy anything. You can order your first 100 business cards frees. This great deal is only available to new users!
You can design your own business cards online. They have more than enough templates to get you started. Plus, you can upload your own logo. It’s fast! It’s easy? And, it’s fun!
Pass these cards out on a regular basis and start letting people know that you are now in the business of helping local businesses grow their business.
I truly believe that this is the foundation of a strong start to your business. Once you have established a solid foundation, you should have the confidence to move forward; start your business, and grow it!