For the most part, the second you decide to start a business, you’re immediately hit with a whirlwind of things you need to do. If you want to make smart decisions as a business owner, then you pretty much need to come to terms with the fact that there’s a lot to do and a lot to achieve. So, just think about it this way: as a new business owner, you’re likely focused on the core aspects of your business, such as product development, marketing strategies, hiring people, and customer acquisition.
However, there are many small but incredibly important elements that can easily be overlooked. While it’s not ideal, some of these things that go unnoticed can still make you look super unprofessional (especially by larger businesses or by customers who have worked with competitors who are big). For the most part, these often-overlooked necessities can significantly impact the efficiency, professionalism, and success of your business.
You want to make smarter decisions as a business owner, and this is honestly one of the best ways to go about it. So, with that said, here are some things you’ll definitely need to know and what to include as you’re starting out your business.
Virtual Business Address
If you don’t have a storefront, but instead, your business is strictly online, then this is something that you’re definitely going to need. So, a virtual business address can be a game-changer for home-based businesses or those without a physical office space. It provides a professional mailing address where you can receive business mail and packages, which are then forwarded to your home or accessed online.
Honestly, the last thing you want is for someone to look up your business, and find your house. It’s just not a comfortable thought, right? So, this setup not only enhances your business image by giving you a prestigious address but also keeps your home address private. For the most part, a lot of services even offer mail scanning and forwarding, so you can access your mail from anywhere.
When choosing a virtual address provider, consider one located in a reputable area that aligns with your brand’s image. But on top of that, some services also offer additional features like meeting room access or receptionist services, which can further bolster your professional presence.
Digital Business Card App
All right, so regardless if your business is online only or even offline (like a storefront), you’re absolutely going to need some business cards. This is something that you can’t skip out on, especially with this being one of the most affordable ways to do tangible marketing. Plus, this is super old-fashioned, too. But one thing that often new business owners overlook or just don’t know exists could be a digital business card.
For the most part, having a digital business card app is a modern and eco-friendly way to share your contact information. These apps allow you to create a digital version of your business card that can be easily shared via email, text, or QR code. Imagine being at a networking event and instantly sending your details to a potential client’s phone—it’s convenient and impressive. Not everyone uses this, and a lot of people prefer the old-fashioned way, but it looks good to you to have both.
Document Managament System
For the most part, no one uses those old fashion filing cabinets, but you’re still going to need a system to help manage documents (thankfully, nowadays, these are all online). Ideally, you’ll want to get a good document management system to help you out with organising, storing, and retrieving documents efficiently.
This not only saves time but also enhances security by ensuring that sensitive information is stored safely. It’s a really good idea to go ahead and adopt a DMS early on. You can streamline your operations and focus more on growing your business than sifting through piles of paperwork.
Professional Liability Insurance
It’s either overlooked or just completely ignored, but either way, you’re really hurting yourself if you don’t choose this! While you may have considered general liability insurance, professional liability insurance is another essential coverage that’s often overlooked.
But why this one? Well, this type of insurance protects your business from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the services you provide. It’s particularly important for service-based businesses, where even a small mistake can lead to significant financial repercussions.
As a business owner, you should never just make the assumption that everything will be fine because, most likely, it’s not! Just think about it this way: having professional liability insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if a client is unhappy with your work or if there’s a legal dispute. It’s an investment in your business’s long-term stability and reputation.
Legal and Complaince Rescources
In a way, this goes with what was being said above with the insurance. Some new business owners either don’t now it’s needed, or the ones who do might instead think that it’s far from even being needed. Now, you need to understand how incredibly important it is to have access to legal and compliance resources to ensure that your business operates within the law.
This includes understanding your obligations related to taxes, employment law, intellectual property, and industry-specific regulations. You’re better off just having a legal advisor or using online legal services, which can help you stay compliant and avoid potential legal issues.
Employee Handbook
Now, some people might believe this is outlandish and totally unnecessary. But ask yourself this: do you realistically see yourself having employees in the future? Yes, even if you’re hiring just one person, you’re going to have to have an employee handbook. If you plan to hire employees, having an employee handbook is essential.
This document outlines your company’s policies, procedures, and expectations, providing clear guidance for your team. While yes there is a bit of work that goes into this, it’s going to help you stay compliant, keep them educated, and help with the work process, too.
