3/16/2009

Business Startup Made Simple

The thought of starting a business sounds harder than it actually is. Business startup isn't actually all that hard and you can even do the whole thing online. With some minimal research you can be in business within a few weeks.
 
You should already have a business idea in mind and hopefully have done your due diligence to make sure it a wise financial decision. Now that you have those two things complete, you're ready to get started! It's an exciting time, but how do you actually make your business legal? What is required of you throughout the business startup process?
 
The first thing you should do is decide on a business name. The business name should be something memorable and catchy. It also needs to pertain to your business. It doesn't have to be boring like Joe's Plumbing, but you to do something catchy an a little different like Two Plumbers and a Wrench. Something people will remember, but also lets them know what it is you do. Once you have a name planned you need to register your business name with your state. There is a fee which will vary by state, but you can do this online by visiting your state's website.
 
You will also need to decide if you want to conduct your business as a sole proprietor or a corporation. There are many benefits for doing business as a corporation, but you also may need and accountant to handle your taxes for you. That of course, will depend on how much you know about taxes. For some people it may be easier to conduct business as an individual. Doing this may be easier, but you are subject to more taxes and your assets aren't protected as well. You can also find plenty of information on the Small Business Associations website to help you make this decision.
 
The business startup process won't be complete until you have officially registered your business and receive your Employer Identification Number. After you decide how to register, it's time to actually do it. You can register your business online via your state's website. The website will tell you what forms need filled out and how to complete them. Once you fill them out you simply submit them online. Once the papers are filed you will receive your Employer ID number in the mail and then you're in business!

3/12/2009

Five Home Business Ideas for Animal Lovers

Everyone has heard someone say your career should be something you love. We spend the majority of our time at work, so why shouldn't you do something that you love? What if you are an animal lover looking to start a business? There are plenty of business ideas out there, but why not try something geared around the animals you love?
 
1. Start a dog walking business. A dog walking business is best for people who live in the city. Dogs in the city don't usually have a lot of room to run and play. With their owners at work all day, they usually hire someone to walk their dogs. This can be a very profitable business for any animal lover. It would also be a simple business idea to start up. Simply print flyers and go door to door to pass them out to gain clients.
 
2. Start a doggy daycare. Some pet owners have a very busy schedule and don't want to leave their dog home alone all the time. This is where a doggy daycare comes in handy. Whether they bring the dog for one day or a week, babysitting the dog makes you money and leaves the owner with a piece of mind.
 
3. Another great business idea for an animal lover is a pet resort. When people have to travel, they don't want to leave their pet in a kennel. Instead they look for a plush pet resort that is somewhat like a luxury hotel for pets. This is definitely a unique business, but fun and profitable.
 
4. Are you not really a dog or cat person, but still love animals? A good business idea for you may be to own horse stables. Equestrians are always looking for good stables to keep their horses at.
 
5. No space for animals, but you'd still like a good business idea centered around animals? How about making clothes for dogs? You can sell them online and on Ebay and make a good profit. It seems everyone dresses their pets these days, why not profit from it?
 
If you are an animal lover, then you could turn anything pertaining to animals into a business. There are business ideas all around you, all you have to do is think outside the box!