Stop working for someone else!  Start your own business and start working for you!

Starting your own small business is no easy feat.  Especially, if you are going to do it the right way.  By right way, I mean legally and effectively.  I am going to actually track and give you insight on how hard (but hopefully rewarding) my venture into the small business ownership world has been, is, and will continue to be.   It is extensive.  It is time consuming.  I have not been able to find any magical list that just has the step-by-step instructions.  You can hire someone to do just about all the things for you that I am going to outline, but that would also start your business in a pretty thick amount of debt.   For those DIYers, hold on!   It’s about to get complicated.

 1. What kind of business do you want to start?  You must decide on a legal structure.  Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Partnerships, etc?

Click the link to get more information to help guide you -> https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

I’m assuming since you’re here, you already have an idea of a business idea that you want to execute.  What kind of business do you want to operate?

And most importantly WHY.  Write down all the whys!  This will help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed and about ready to give up.

Get started on that list.

Next up: Creating your Business Plan

Your homework: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

Check out this website, it’s really simple and to the point.

I would also search for some business plan examples related to your business idea.

For me, “portrait photographer business plan”

The more specific you can be in this plan, the better.

Do the research!  This is time consuming.  I mean weeks of work.  If you think you can just google some information and be up and running in a day, you’d be delusional.   To be successful, you need to put in the effort.  Study your current market and figure out how you can emerge and satisfy the market’s needs in a unique way.  Hopefully, with my help, you will get all of this done faster and be up and running sooner than you anticipate.

Today’s Tips:

Starting thinking about your company’s branding.  As you are doing your research, notice how similar photography businesses brand themselves and what you like and don’t like.  Take notes, you’ll need them later.  YOU'RE GOING TO NEED A GOOD NAME!

Check out this blog for help ->  https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/branding

Stay organized.   I have 3 different notebooks I use and a planner.   I make a today, tomorrow, week, and month list of to-dos. 

I also have a system of writing down ideas as I have them, that way, I do not get too distracted going off in another direction, but also, do not lose that thought!

Please subscribe to stay updated and to keep working towards owning your own photography business!

A little about the author:

Hi!  I am Tiffany!  I have been working in the photography industry for over 15 years.   I have managed multiple different studios for other companies and I am ready to start my own business venture!  I have a degree in business management and have learned through experience and mentors how to make a business successful!  Now, I have to get all the information together to start one of my own!  I am sharing the experience to hopefully encourage others to do the same.  I reside near Chicago, IL.  I will be sharing general information about what to look up for any business to open, but I will be specifically sharing the situation of opening a business in Illinois.  Most states have different laws.

#BeYourOwnBoss

#WorkForYou