So, you found something you’re good at or passionate about and want to start a business? Perfect.

Haven’t found your calling? Check out my killer business ideas post.

Now for the Simple Start A Business Guide. I would recommend printing this out or copy and pasting so that you can take notes, scribble ideas, and brainstorm.

1. Determine what service or product you will be offering.

2. Determine what geography you will be offering this to.

3. Pick a name. Yikes, this step can be a challenge, but you can do it.

Name tips: Make it short, memorable, unique, easy to spell, legal and available.

You can’t choose a brand name that is already in use or you risk losing it. This is not just an “oh well” situation. This is a situation that if you build a successful business and lose your brand name, you lose everything that goes with it. Just think for a moment if Nike or Under Armor could no longer sell products under their name. Yeah, it’s a big deal. Plus, you’ll want to make sure that a domain name is available that fits your name.

• First, make a list of your business/brand name ideas.
• Second, search the good old internet to make sure that these names are not already in use for any confusingly similar products or services. Remove any names from your list that are taken.
• Third, search the Federal database of Trademarks, search your Secretary of State business directory, and check for domain name availability. Again, remove any names from your list that are taken.
• Last, when you find a name that meets the name tips and legal criteria, then you are ready to roll!
• Not comfortable doing this? No worries, we can do the hard work for you and complete a Business Name Research & Report so that you know if you should move forward or not in your business launch.

4. Determine your business type.

Will you be the sole owner? Have a partner? Form a Limited Liability Company? Or Corporation? I would recommend contacting an attorney and/or business tax professional to help steer you in the right direction as they do have implications regarding liability and taxes. Read this great business structure article by Entreprenuer.com.

5. Determine who will be involved in your business.

Will you have a partner or partners? If so, determine the percent of ownership of each up front to avoid issues down the road.

6. Determine your business address.

The address will need to be a legitimate physical address in the state in which you intend to conduct business. If it’s a home-based business you can certainly use your home address.

7. Create and file your articles of organization with your Secretary of State.

For this, you’ll need your business name, your business type, your business address, and who will be involved in your business.

Done! You are literally now in business.

Ready for some amazing and cheap business cards? Head to VistaPrint. I personally use vistaprint for my own business cards and for all my clients. They have consistently done an excellent job for an unbeatable price.

Need a great logo designed for way cheaper than you can find elsewhere? Go to 99 Designs. I use 99 Designs when I’m lacking logo design inspiration. Being able to connect with tons of freelance designers allows for lots of creativity and different perspectives resulting in a logo you can be excited about.

Want to know how to create a website for your business? Read my Start A Blog guide which applies to businesses too.