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Our Favorites First

There are too many sites and too many books out there trying to take advantage of the apparent complexity of business. Before we really get into it, we’d like to recommend our favorite digital source and our favorite analog source of information for this stuff.

The first comes from the Lords of Paperwork themselves, the IRS. Surprising, I know, but it’s in the IRS and the economy’s best interest to make this information easy to find and easy to use. Their Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource is unquestionably a perfect place to get started for the official word on all of these issues. It’s one of the best federal government web sites out there. It’s all very well organized and very easy to read. They even offer free broadband video streams for a number of their tax training courses.

The second is a guidebook for businesses dealing with creative and communication services titled The Business Side of Creativity by Cameron S. Foote.

The most comprehensive business companion available for those just starting out or expanding operations in the design field. This updated edition of an industry standard furnishes all freelance graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, copywriters, and design-shop principals with the tools needed to move ahead in the design business. From getting launched to running a multiperson shop to retiring comfortably, this book covers it all and includes sample business forms.

Amazon Book Description

This book is chock-full of some of the most practical and forward advice we’ve seen on all of the topics below and even includes additional material on pricing, customer relationships and time management. We can’t praise it enough around here, it’s just too good.

Business Genesis

After you know what you’re going to do and with whom, there are three important tasks to accomplish when creating a small business. 1) decide on a business structure, 2) determine if an EIN number is necessary and 3) open up a business bank account. After completing these tasks, the groundwork for your business is set and you’re on your way to becoming the next Steve Jobs.A sole proprietorship or partnership might be all you need

Choosing a Structure - Once you decide to go into business, you’ll have to choose a business structure to see what kind of paperwork you’ll have to fill out to make your business a legal entity. There’s a lot of variance among the structures in regards to their tax implications and personal liability. A sole proprietorship or partnership might be all you need to quickly and inexpensively start a business, but they leave you personally vulnerable. On the other hand, a corporation could provide you with less personal risk and liability, but cost more time and money than you’re willing to invest. Spend some time understanding the different types of structures since they all have their pros and cons. To learn more about the different business structures, check out entrepreneur.com, and the Small Business Administration.

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