Start Your Business Guide

Find the Right Idea
Start with the Right Foundation:
 

• Skills you already have

• Problems you understand

• Markets you can access

Skills + Demand + Access = Strong Business Idea

Validate Before You Build
Test Before You Invest:

• Talk to 5–10 potential customers

• Ask what they currently use (or don’t)

• Pre-sell or gauge willingness to pay​​

​Validation reduces risk more than any business plan.

Choose Your Business Model
Pick A Model That Matches Your Goals:

• Service-based — fastest to revenue

• Product-based — scalable, slower start

• Online/digital — low overhead, high leverage

Set Up the Basics
Make It Official (Without Overcomplicating It):

• Draft a business plan (Tip: Use ChatGPT)

• Choose a business name 

• Verify the name is available and register the name at the USPTO

• Create a domain (URL) and website (Tip: Use GoDaddy)

• Set up an EIN tax number (Tip: Use Northwest Registered Agent)

• Set up a business bank account

• Set up a payment method (See options)

Build Your First Offer
Create Something People Will Buy:

• Define the outcome (not just the service)

• Package it simply

• Set a clear price (Tip: compare against competitor pricing)

Get Your First Customers
Momentum Starts Here

• Create a promotional plan (Tip: use ChatGPT)

• Conduct personal network outreach

• Send LinkedIn posts

• Send direct messages / emails

• Post to freelance platforms (optional bridge)

Build Momentum
Consistency Creates Growth

• Conduct weekly outreach (offers, promotions, social media)

• Track what works

• Double down on successful traction

Cadenced Self-Promotion

• Weekly: Share an update or insight

• Bi-weekly: Reach out to 5 new contacts

• Monthly: Refresh your offer or messaging

• Quarterly: Reassess direction + pricing

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Early Pitfalls:

• Waiting too long to launch

• Overbuilding before validation

• Undervaluing your work

• Trying to do everything alone