Entrepreneurial Essentials
LLC set up, EIN acquired, business account opened, credit card secured, and a responsive website launched? Check, check, check, check, and check! You're on fire! Now, let’s explore what else you need to keep that energy going.
The Perfect Workspace: Home Office or Rental Space?
Whether you're working from home or renting an office space, setting up your office for maximum productivity is key. Because when your office is set up just right, you can't help but get shit done. Here are some essentials:
Ergonomic Chair: Your back will thank you. Amazon has so many to choose from, start there.
Standing Desk: Because who wants to sit all day? Wayfair, Progressive Desk and Stand Up Desk Store would be the 1st place to check.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: For when your neighbor decides to mow the lawn during your Zoom call. Check in on Bose, Sony and when all else fails, Amazon.
Payment Processing Platform
You don’t have time to chase anyone down for your money. Find a great platform to process your payments, one that sends out invoices, processes your client’s payment methods, and sends payment reminders. I recommend a service like SquareUp Dashboard. Its the only platform I’ve ever used and I‘ve enclosed a link for new customers, it does all the legwork so you can focus on growing your empire.
A Virtual Assistant
As an entrepreneur, it often makes sense to do things yourself to save money. But let's be honest, you can’t be productive when you're trying to complete tasks you can't do or can’t do very well. Enter the Virtual Assistant. They can handle everything from scheduling appointments to managing your email, freeing you up to do what you do best.
Must-Have Services and Products
Accounting Software: QuickBooks or FreshBooks can save you a lot of headaches when it comes to managing finances.
Project Management Tools: Trello or Asana can help keep your projects on track and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Social Media Management Tools: Hootsuite or Buffer can help you manage your social media posts, track engagement, and even schedule posts in advance.
The Essential Entrepreneurial Kit
Business Cards: Yes, even in the digital age, these are essential. Keep a few in your car or gym bag for those impromptu elevator pitches.
Branded Merchandise: A little swag can go a long way in promoting your business.
A Killer Website: Your website is often the first impression people have of your business. Make sure it's a good one. I can definitely help with that one!😉
Reality Check
Being an entrepreneur isn't all glitz and glam. There will be days when you’re doing all the things, and still feel like you’re getting nowhere. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your business. Keep pushing, stay organized, and don’t forget to laugh at the chaos every once in a while.
Final Thoughts
Once you have your business checklist together, you’ll be unstoppable. Remember, it’s about working smarter, not harder. Invest in the right tools and services to help you streamline your operations and keep your sanity intact. And most importantly, enjoy the ride. You're building your dream, one step at a time.