zone-alpha

STEP # 1 PART determine HOUSE TO USE

Choose one of the areas of family activity. Space that is perfect
separate room (or perhaps in the garage), but each area will be done, if
can hold all the business supplies and equipment, and
provide enough space for work bench, table or counter.

STEP # 2 determines the amount you can spend TIME TO BUSINESS

Many people start a business at home part-time basis while
raising children or working outside the home. Other start
full-time and allow the family finances. However, beginning,
May I know the hours per week, you can devote to the business
Make a weekly chart your activities, examine, and determine
business where appropriate. Do not assume that you have the time and know
You do not wait.

STEP # 3 decide on the type OF BUSINESS

Create a list of things you want done, your work and volunteer
experience, and items you own that can be used in the business.
Look over this line-up, and use the ideas from that, the list may
business to get started. Eliminate every business that is not interesting
or does not meet the needs of the community.

For ideas on different types of business, consult the end
this article. Other ideas can be found in the source material
listed at the end of this article.

STEP # 4 Choose LEGAL FORM

Three forms of the basic law is the only property, partnership,
and the corporation. The most common is the only property. As
the name, the only property owned by one
individuals. This is the oldest form of business, it's easy to
start, and the most complex to dissolve. Here are some
advantage of this form of business:

1. You have all the advantages
2. Your business is easier and cheaper to manage. You do not need to
any government approval, although you may be asked to bring
city, state or local license. Your only other obligation is
notify the Internal revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of
sales tax.
3. You're the boss
4. You enjoy certain tax savings.
You must pay regular individual taxes on income, wealth,
and salaries, but it does not apply as a special tax, such as the
corporation. You also have to pay sales tax you have
received from your customers.
5. Incentives and greater personal satisfaction. Because you have
You will lose your investment if your business does not succeed, you
should be more willing to put time, thought and energy into
business. And when your business is successful, you enjoy maximum
sense of accomplishment since you know that success depends
on your decision about your own management ability.

For more information about this and other forms of business, send
for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Publications
MP25. Law choose to structure your business (50 cents).
There is a note of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of law
structure. If after reading it you are still not clear what
form of business should take, consult an attorney.

STEP # 5 determine where THE MONEY WILL COME FROM

There are three ways to finance the start-up costs: use your own
money, obtain loans, or find investors. If possible, the
better to start small, using the savings, and does not need to worry
repaying debt. also note that since you are a
home-based, opportunity qualification for a loan or seek investors
gent to the success of your idea is proven.

STEP # 6 collects information
Spend some sunday investigate home-based business. A library or
bookstore can provide a lot of books about the basics of business, and the
specific types of businesses that interest you. Homemade Money
by Barbara Brabee (see sources) is a very good book to start
with.

If you are considering a computer business, get in touch with
Electronics association; Cottagers, P.O. Box 1738, Davis, CA
95617-1738. To have information about what is happening at home
business, contact the National Home Business report, PO Box
2137, Naperville, IL 60566, for subscription information and
Mother's Home Business Network, P.O. Box 423, East Meadow, NY
11554 (send SASE for free information).

STEP # 7 CHECK ON zoning limits

Knowing how you are zoned, the call City Hall and ask
regulations that apply to home businesses in the zone. Also, if
You rent or live in a condominium, or homeowner's rent check
association rules to be certain a home business is allowed.

In general, if you do not disturb the neighbors with excess noise,
odors, and traffic, you will not be deterred from running
business at home. The neighbors may not even be aware
business, but need to know exactly what you can and
can not be done before you start. This is an important problem that must be
or questions arise later.

STEP # 8 PICK A BUSINESS NAME AND REGISTER IT

If you select a business that is a different form of the name, a file
assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the area. You
notified if another business that already has a name, so you can
select a new one.

Do this before investing in expensive stationery and brochures.
The price is only a few dollars to file, and protect the business
from the name used by other people in the region.

STEP # 9 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN

Good business plan that explains your ideas and form a plan
action. A good business plan must include a description
what you sell, then the background and qualifications, who
potential customers and where they can be found, what
required to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how
money needed for start-up costs.

SBA Publication # M925, Business Plan for Home Based Business
($ 1) is useful.

STEP # 10 GET AN Identify NUMBER

If you are the sole owner of the business and does not have
employee, you can use the Social Security number or
Employee Identification Number (ein) as in the number
official form. If you have employees, or business that is set up
as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain ein. To do
this, complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Company
Identification Number) and file with the nearest IRS Center.

STEP # 11 Getting Permission SALES TAX

If the product or service you sell is a tax, you need a
sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of
business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to
collect sales tax. If you do, they will send the necessary
information and forms to complete. You can also use the tax
when you purchase items for resale.

STEP # 12 Getting LICENSES & Permits

This is very important not to overlook the necessary license or
permission. For example, some cities and states require public
business license, and most have special laws on
preparation and sale of food.

Call City Hall to find out what you need to
business. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce provides information about
city, state and local licenses and permits.

STEP # 13 SELECT BUSINESS CARDS, Stationery, brochures

Spend time on the color, design and paper for the item. They
certainly make an impression, good or bad-on the people who receive
them. If you are not sure what the most appropriate and effective,
consult with a creative graphic designer or a printer that you
like.

STEP # 14 OPEN A BUSINESS checking account

Call several banks to find out what services they offer, and what
minimum balance, if any, must be maintained in order not to pay
service charge. Also ask about credit card if you plan to offer
for the convenience of your customers. Bank fees can be quite large,
so shop around for the best deal.

If your personal checking account with the credit union, see if
it can also provide a separate business account. when you open
account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate
and business permits.

Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business
name. If this is not possible, set aside personal credit card
used for the costs of business.

STEP # 15 SET UP RECORD-Keeping SYSTEM

Collecting a simple and effective bookkeeping system with 8
1 / 2 x 11 "three-ring binder, sheet and pad column twelve
pocket dividers from the office supply store. For each month, set
column on the sheet to the income and expenditure. Use a pocket divider
for each month of the money, bank, deposit tickets and
canceled checks.

In addition, an entrance to the car business mileage, and filing
system correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client
notes, and others are two other tools are useful.

For more information about the record-keeping, see IRS publication # 583,
Information for Business taxpayers.

STEP # 16 CHECK IRS REQUIREMENTS

If you comply with basic IRS guidelines, you can take a
the percentage of normal household expenses (mortgage, interest,
taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, etc.) as business
cost. see the box with this article, and for more
detailed information, IRS publication # 587, Business Use of the
Home.

Also become familiar with the IRS forms: Schedule SE
(compensation of Social Security Self-Employment Tax) and
Schedule 1040 ES (estimated for the Individual Tax). Depending
situation, you may need to file them.

STEP # 17 Apparel THE BUSINESS

Make a list of all that is required to start a business, but
before you buy anything, look around your home for things
already own the useful.

When you're ready to start purchasing, check the classified ads
and garage sales. Both are good, inexpensive sources for office
furniture, typewriters, computers, machinery answerer, etc. However,
only what is absolutely necessary for start-up, and wait until
business is off to get additional land.

STEP # 18 decided PHONE TERMS

Phone calls for companies to know the cost of business
phone in your area. If you can not afford a separate business
line, investigate the telephone company regulations on the use
in your personal business phone. You may be able to do so
if you follow certain guidelines. Save the record distance
calls as their businesses have reduced the cost. Finally,
consider the benefits of a machine to catch calls when
You exit.

STEP # 19 CHECK OUT THE POST OFFICE & UPS

Using a post office box as the business address down plays
Even your home-based. This also prevents customers from dropping
in all day.

While to see in the box rental, ask for information on the various
postal rates, particularly bulk rate, if you plan to make a large or
special letter. If you mail many packages, check the United States
Parcel Service (UPS), because it is cheaper than the post
Office.

STEP # 20 which required the purchase of INSURANCE

Check with the dealer about Homeowners insurance rider for your
policies that have or need for a separate business policy. Also
make sure you have enough personal responsibility and product
coverage. Shop around, because every company has different rules
about home business

To save money on health insurance, join the association and
participate in group plans. One of the body of the National
association for the self-employed: they can be reached at
800-527-5504.

STEP # 21 set HOUSING & Yourself

To have more time for business, manage the household and to simplify the
routines. Start with the garage sale can be cured
property that is not necessary. Next, have a family conference and
divide the tasks of households, so that everyone does not believe it
section. The, make planning notebook to keep track
promise, it should be done, to make a call, to run errands,
shopping, etc. Finally, set the work schedule so that you will not get
sidetracked by TV, neighbor visits, snacking, and telephone
call.

Creating and operating a home business is a beautiful and
exciting challenge. Satisfaction is not only on the money
received, but in doing what makes you happy.