In a recent Entrepreneur.com article, author David Port details “How to Start a Business in 10 Days.” While that may sound impossible, it’s more plausible than you might imagine, especially when it comes to freelance accounting. Here’s a sampling of some of the most important “days” to include in your launch agenda:
Day 1: Draw up a Business Plan. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It’s an old adage for a reason—it’s true. Taking the time to articulate your mission, goals, etc. will help you better define your business vision and approach.
Day 2: Study the Market. It’s important that you do a little market research before launching your business. Study the competition, discover how they’re marketing comparable services, see which accounting needs exist, and compare pricing.
Day 3: Build Your Brand. Your logo, promotional materials, website, and signage all must share a look and feel—your brand. As you strategize your business launch, consider how you want people to view your practice and ensure that all your materials represent!
Day 4: Incorporate the Business. Port explains, “The nature of the startup dictates the extent to which it would rely on an attorney to incorporate, trademark ideas/products, formalize partnership agreements, etc. While it’s best to let an attorney tackle any complex legal matters…numerous online tolls [are] available to help you handle simple undertakings yourself.”
Day 6: Start Selling. You should begin marketing your business right away. Get the word out, network, and schedule meetings with prospective clients. Craft an elevator speech that you can deliver on demand, ensuring that everyone you contact has a clear idea of how your services can benefit their businesses.
Day 9: Work in and on Your Business. As Port states, “For startup entrepreneurs, the fast route to profitability often means working in and on the business concurrently—at least in the first days and weeks. It’s a constant battle for time between hustling up new business and taking care of new customers with outstanding service.”
While you could definitely space out these activities to cover more time, the important thing to note is that it doesn’t have to take months to get your practice running. Commit to moving forward on your dream today!
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- Training in building and marketing your new practice
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Resource
Port, David. “How to Start a Business in 10 Days.” 15 October 2013 Entrepreneur.com
