Small Business Checklist - To Do List for Small Business

Make sure you know what it takes

Why do you choose self-employment? Are you entrepreneurial person? What knowledge, skills and experience do you have for starting and running a business? Have you chosen the right small business for you?

Define your internal and external intent

What is your goal? What is the main objective your business should accomplish in your life? How will your business benefit others? What is the problem your product or service will solve?

Check your business idea

Does it satisfy or create a market need? Can you create a demand for your business? Who are your competitors? Can you provide a better quality service? Have you evaluated your chances for success?

Write your business plan

What should be included into business plan? Are there any business owners you can get advice from? What are the growth possibilities?

Create your financial plan

What are common start-up expenses? Do you have enough money to survive for six months while your business gets off the ground? Do you need start-up funding? How can you raise money to start your business? Is it possible to get a bank loan, find an investor or receive grants?

Create your marketing plan

Have you analyzed the market environment and done marketing research? Have you defined your customer? What is the unique benefit you offer? Have you priced your product competitively? Have you chosen distribution methods?

Choose your business name

Is it easily understood and pronounced? Did you make sure the name is available? Have you started your trademark search? Have you registered your trademark?

Choose your business structure

Which business structure would you like to have: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability partnership, limited liability company? Do you plan to hire employees? Did you find an attorney who specializes in small businesses?

Get your business license

Choose your office place

Are there easily accessible phone and electrical outlets? Will your current desk or table fit in the location? Is lighting and ventilation adequate? What is the noise factor?

Are your assets protected? Safety in Is your workplace safe? Is there adequate lighting, ventilation and space for you to easily access your inventory? Is your office climate-controlled? Will you need climate control? Will you need to construct special shelving or add other storage space?

Obtain vehicles for your office

What vehicles do you need? How will your employees use vehicles while working? Have you obtained adequate insurance to protect yourself and your business against legal liabilities?

Recruit your employees

What will you pay your employees? What are the benefits for your employees? What are the rules for your employees?

Motivate your employees

What do your employees want? Are you going to reward employees and recognize their achievements and contributions? How?

Discipline your employees

Have you developed and set up discipline program? Are you ready to deal with employees' complaints? Do you document disciplinary actions?

Manage your cash flow

What are your major purchases and projects? How much do they cost? Have you analyzed your financial position?

Control your taxes

What are your payroll tax obligations, federal income tax obligations, sales tax obligations, state tax obligations?

Create your wealth-building plan

Have you taken inventory of your current assets, budget, and other arrangements? Have you set realistic goals? Do you plan investing outside the business, retirement, insurance, credit and borrowing, etc?