secretarial service

Business Start-Up Checklist For Secretarial Services

by Leva Duell

Below are some of the tasks involved in starting a secretarial business.

Write a marketing plan.
Determine what services you want to offer
Determine what kind of clients you want to target.
Determine a space where you will set up your home office or select a business location.
Purchase equipment and office supplies: computer, software, printer, desk, computer chair, pens, paper, paper clips, and stapler.
Choose a business name.

Verify that the name is not used by someone else.
Register your Fictitious Business Name (D.B.A.) if you will operate your business under a name other than your personal name.
Check if the business name is available as a domain name (e.g. yourname.com) and register the domain name.

Get a separate phone line. If you plan on advertising in the Yellow Pages, you may need a business line.
Create sales/promotional materials.

Design a logo.
Design and print business cards.
Design flyers or postcards.
Design letterhead (print it from your computer).
Design a fax cover sheet.
Design invoices/sales receipts.
Write sales letters.
Design a web site or have one designed.

Get an email address.
Get a business license. (check with your city and state)
Get a sales tax number if you're selling products. (check with your city and state)
Advertise your business.
Order Yellow Pages advertising and other advertising.
Call everyone you know and let them know you are in business
Open a business bank account.

You will need to take additional steps if you'll have employees, a business partner, or will incorporate. Since laws vary by state, check with your city and county to find out what legal requirements you'll have to comply with.

Refer to checklist often when starting your business to check what steps you need to take next.

Looking for an easy way to start a secretarial business? The Secretarial Business-in-a-Box provides marketing strategies and ready-to-use sales letters, postcards, forms, and templates. Visit www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.