40 Things to Do During Your First Two Months in Business

If you've just started your own web development business, and you're thinking that you're going to have lots of time on your hands until you sign on some clients, think again - there's a lot you can do to make your business take off.

During my first two months, I kept a list of what I accomplished, wanting to be sure that I didn't just sit around waiting for the phone to ring. The following is taken directly from that list. I'm convinced that the fact that my business did take off is a direct result of my having prepared well. Of course you may not want to do all of these things, but it should give you some good ideas.

Setup

1. Read books on self-employment
2. Choose a business name
3. Create a graphic logo for your business
4. Register a domain name
5. Set up web hosting for your business web site
6. Open business checking account
7. Have business phone installed
8. Assess computer hardware and upgrade if necessary
9. Purchase necessary software for web development work
10. Purchase and set up peripherals as needed
11. Set up office space
12. Set up paper filing system
13. Set up digital filing system
14. Choose, purchase and set up accounting software

Marketing/Advertising

15. Read books on marketing
16. Write advertising copy of various lengths for various uses
17. Create initial marketing plan
18. Design company web site
19. Purchase software for print design
20. Have business cards designed and printed
21. Have stationery printed (or print your own)
22. Create a flyer or brochure and distribute
23. Send out a snail-mail letter to personal contacts announcing your new business
24. Find out about local "Leads" or "Business Networking" groups
25. Research and consider Yellow Pages advertising
26. Research and consider newspaper advertising
27. Have professional "head shot" photo taken

Learning

28. Study web design software
29. Study graphics software
30. Learn accounting program
31. Study search-engine optimization
32. Choose several areas related to web design (HTML, CSS, server-side coding) and study in depth
33. Participate in online web design newsgroups

Organization/Administration

34. Obtain a town business license
35. Register business name with county
36. Write a formal Business Plan
37. Set up accounting system on new software and begin making entries
38. Contact colleagues/potential collaborators
39. Obtain IRS publications for small businesses
40. Contact local Chamber of Commerce and find out about membership.