You have a great idea, a perfect plan, and the money to make it all happen. What’s the next step? Get set for business with Part 4, “Prepare.” First, we’ll show you how to get what you want out of every deal, with negotiating tips that will put you in the driver’s seat in any situation. Learn how to select a prime location that will get customers to come in and come back. We’ll show you retail operating options, such as kiosks and carts, plus how to negotiate the lease you want.
Or maybe your plan is to start your business from home. If so, you’ll learn the steps to setting up a home office. Or perhaps you’re looking for a flexible, shared space to call home. You’ll learn about the options—and support—available in your own backyard. Whether it’s at home or away, once you’ve found the right site, we share secrets for giving your business a professional image with furniture, business cards, and stationery that all spell success. Next, stock your shelves—virtual and otherwise—with inventory: You’ll learn how to choose, track, and maintain your product supply and discover the best sources for getting what you need.
Once you have the inventory, you have to sell it. That’s why in the next section, we discuss setting up mailing systems and credit, including the most important part of business ownership—getting paid. We’ll reveal how to give your customers credit without getting taken, plus tips for accepting credit cards, debit cards, and checks and collecting on slow-paying accounts. Discover how to choose the right mailing equipment as well as the most efficient, convenient, and economical ways to send mail.
Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to start by checking out our chapter on insurance. We show you the basic insurance no business owner should be without, plus how to put together the perfect insurance package for your needs. Finally, if employees are part of your game plan, you’ll find all the information you need to hire smart. Learn the secrets of a good job interview, low-cost hiring options, and the laws you must know to stay out of hot water.
Next, we’ll walk you through the basics of what you need to know about ramping up your office both at your physical location and online. Whether you sell widgets or promote services, you will need some office equipment. And while we know you have the skills to walk down to the local office supply store and do some comparison shopping, we want to let you know about all of the options at your disposal for outfitting your outfit. We’ll help you maximize your equipment investment while showing you how to find the bells and whistles that you need the most.
Aside from the hardware you need to go legit, there is also the topic of software or, in your case, your technology in general. The final chapters in this part will provide you with best practices for using tech to your advantage with a killer website and smart use of tech tools like SEO and targeted searching. Then, you’ll get a quick primer on how to boost your business signal out there in the ether by staying connected even when you’re enjoying that first post-startup vacation away from the office.
So, let’s dig in. This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s time to suit up, stock up, and take your startup to the next level in both your physical office and your virtual one.