I love April. Baseball season starts and I am hopeful about my two favorite teams and looking forward to many hours of baseball in person, on TV and, yes, radio. Spring in the valley is always a great time for us photographers and even weather in the 90’s is welcomed because it is still a treat to have sunshine and warmth. Holy days bring family together. This year my two sons came home for the holiday. We enjoyed sharing our tradition with Muslim family friends and a Christian friend at our Passover table. Our holiday service is a very old one passed on for many generations since at least (as far as we know) the 15th century! It was incumbent for me to pass on the tradition to my sons (promised grandpa on his deathbed that I would) and my obligation was fulfilled this year when they both showed their ability to conduct the service in the ‘old way’. I feel like a weight has been taken off my back.
Consistent with the theme of the hope that spring brings, I am beginning to see some people getting up off the deck and moving in a positive direction during this economic maelstrom. People who have lost their jobs or had their income cut are thinking about starting their own business. Cottage industries are coming back to supplement people’s incomes. It is nice to be assisting in a positive move forward. Here are some thoughts on starting a business.
- Consider forming a corporation or limited liability company to insulate against most personal liability. Don’t bet the family’s assets on a new venture. Partnership considerations should be addressed in the formation stage.
- Create a written business plan. There are many good software programs to do so and some free help online. There are also advisors who are experienced in helping create a plan. It is easier to get where you are going if you have a guide. Make sure all partners buy into it.
- Along with your business plan which should have realistic goals. Write down your personal, financial and other goals as well as business goals. Make sure the goals are measurable. Goal setting is a struggle at times. I have been doing so pretty faithfully for the last 6 years but it took me 4 months recently to re-address my goals. It is a challenge to challenge oneself to really decide what you want and how to get it.
- Do background and business checks on partners as to character and experience.
- Consider hiring a good accountant and one who will help you learn the financial aspects of your business. A good small business bank is also useful in this regard.
- Have enough money set aside to keep you in operation during the ramp up period. Do not, unless you have a sure thing, (and even then reconsider) use your protected funds e.g. retirement funds. Do not rely on credit cards and do not offer personal guarantees. These last two items have caused grief to all of the people with whom I am counseling on financial matters.
- Don’t let the nay sayers get to you. When I started my law firm over 20 years ago in another recession, many discouraged me from doing so for lots of ‘good’ reasons. Fortunately, my faith in myself was stronger than my faith in others, no matter how well meaning.
- Test the waters before going ‘whole hog.’
- Consider hiring a business coach.
- Learn something about marketing. Seek advice from people who know how to do it.
- Get a good insurance adviser and, lest I forget to mention it, lawyer.
If you need referrals to any of the above, don’t hesitate to ask me. I believe in referrals.
Sincerely,
