- This is one of the first things your
attorney will help you with. Generally, in construction you want to be
incorporated so that you can protect your family assets, but that’s a
discussion for your attorney.
- Get federal and state Tax
Identification Numbers (not your Social Security Number). Start at
www.irs.gov
for the SS4 form.
- Get a local business license. Start
in the City where your business is based. Expect to have to obtain
additional business licenses in each city in which you do work for
clients.
- Get a business address, even if it’s
just a local UPS Store mailbox – note: a street address is preferable
to a PO Box, since often people feel more comfortable knowing they can
“find” you, even if it’s only staking out the UPS Store.
-
Avoid unnecessary expenses for an actual rented office until you
need one – some people “play” at business and waste all their
working capital just getting ready – there is no shame in working
out of your own home at first (zoning and neighbors permitting).
- Get a business phone (not your
family home phone the kids might answer) with an answering machine or
service. NOTE: always return all calls within 24 hours, without fail.
-
Strongly consider getting a digital cell phone. (Nextel is most
popular in construction because it also has a low-cost wide-area
walkie-talkie.) If you’re a one-person shop for a while, call
forward everything from your business number to your cell phone and
keep up with calls.
- Get an email address: they’re free
at
www.yahoo.com
or
www.hotmail.com
– try to make it sound business-like and uncomplicated – then check it
every day.
- Print professional-looking business
cards – inexpensive but very good-looking business cards are available
at local merchants or on the internet (Google: “business cards”).
Start small with 250 for $10. Avoid “flashy” pink or yellow
backgrounds.
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