Secretarial Services - Start-Up Checklist

by Leva Duell

Published on this site: August 20th, 2005 - See more articles from this month

Below are some of the tasks involved in starting a secretarial business.

• Write a business plan.
  
  
• Determine what services you want to offer.
  
  
• Determine what kind of clients you want to target.
  
  
• Determine a space where you will set up your home office or select a business location.
  
  
• Choose a business name.
  
  
  • Verify that the name is not used by someone else.
    
    
  • Register your Fictitious Business Name (D.B.A.) if you will operate your business under a name other than your personal name.
    
    
  • Check if the business name is available as a domain name (e.g. yourname.com) and register the domain name.
    
    
• Get a separate email address for you business.
  
  
• Get a separate phone line. If you plan on advertising in the Yellow Pages, you may need a business line.
  
  
• Purchase equipment and office supplies: computer, software, printer, desk, and computer chair, pens, paper, paper clips, and stapler.
  
  
• Create sales/promotional materials.
  
  
  • Design a logo.
    
    
  • Design and print business cards.
    
    
  • Design postcards or flyers.
    
    
  • Design letterhead (print it from your computer).
    
    
  • Design a fax cover sheet.
    
    
  • Design invoices/sales receipts.
    
    
  • Write sales letters.
    
    
  • Design a web site or have one designed. Select a domain name and hosting company.
  
  
• Get a business license. (check with your city and state)
  
  
• Get a sales tax number if you're selling products. (check with your city and state)
  
  
• Order Yellow Pages advertising and other advertising.
  
  
• Call everyone you know and introduce your business.
  
  
• Open a business bank account.

You will need to take additional steps if you'll have employees, a business partner, or will incorporate. Procedures vary from state to state. Check with your city and county to find out what legal requirements you'll have to comply with.

Refer to this checklist often when starting your business to check what steps you need to take next

Leva Duell, Looking for typing work at home? Start a secretarial business. The Secretarial-Business-in-a-Box provides instant tools you need to start and run a successful secretarial service. Free articles and business start-up newsletter at http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com