So many of us spend our lives building someone else’s dream for them. But why? We all have our own aspirations. One reason that many of us don’t dare to tread into the realms of independent business is fear. We are worried that it won’t work out. That we will fail. That we aren’t good enough. It’s time to stop doubting ourselves and taking the plunge. Though we aren’t suggesting that you hand in your notice of resignation immediately and tell your current boss exactly what you think about them, we do believe that it’s time to start carefully planning your next steps. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up a small business. For the moment, we’ll focus on America.
Why Set Up in America?
America is, unsurprisingly, home of the American dream. It is a land founded on the premise of anyone being able to work their way to the top and idealizes the notion of being your own boss. So what better place to start? America is also a haven for business owners. It is one of the world’s largest consumer markets, gaining attention from not only its own citizens but a global audience too. Once you’ve made it in the USA, you can make it anywhere, easily jumping between alternate markets. Even if you only stay within this one country, there are 50 different states. Each has its own consumer market, with different demographics, interests, wants and needs within it.
What Documentation Will I Need?
Born in the USA? Well, you’re probably legally set to go. But if you aren’t an American citizen, you are likely to require the help of a full service Immigration Law Firm. Why? Well, there are all sorts of paperwork that will need to be submitted, filed and approved before you will be able to open up your company in any of the states. A professional attorney will have plenty of experience in this area and will help you to fill in any necessary documentation. Inquire about an EB-5 visa. This is probably the best option available for a potential business owner or investor, as it comes with a green card, which will allow you and qualified family members unlimited access and residency in the USA.
Where Should I Start?
First things first, you will need to work out where you want to set up your brick and mortar business. If you already have a location in mind, ensure that your product caters to individuals in this area. Consider it: an air conditioning business isn’t likely to get on too well in Alaska, while a heating firm isn’t likely to generate much profit in Las Vegas in the summer. If you have a product in mind already, but no area, do your research and work out where it could best prosper. There’s plenty of free information out there from market research projects that you can make use of to determine consumer demographics in various areas. Once you have decided on an area, start checking out the commercial property in the area. You will need something affordable but in a high footfall area that will maximize public exposure to your company.
Developing a Brand
Once you have your product and your location settled, it’s time to start developing your brand. There are three main aspects to get started with: your logo, your brand name and your brand font. This is what the public and potential customers will begin to associate with your business. So make it something memorable. Ensure that your brand name isn’t already taken and copyright it if is free. This will protect it and ensure you hold rights over it. When it comes to the logo, it’s always better to go with something minimal rather than a complex design. You don’t want to overwhelm your customers with visual information. Take a look at the simplicity of the logos of some of the biggest brands in the world: McDonald’s’ golden arches, Apple’s apple, and the Nike tick are all great examples. We’d recommend using a professional graphic designer for this for high-quality results. You can also trademark your logo and color schemes for further protection of your intellectual property.
Setting Up Online
Remember to set up online too. More people are online than ever and we’re spending longer surfing the web, with many people in the USA using the internet for at least two hours a day. Start out by creating a website with the help of a professional web designer. Then look into setting up social media feeds for your brand. This will allow more people to access information on your opening hours, products and special events like sales and discounts.
Mia Guerra
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