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<span class="supporting_member_name">Twylia Westling</span>
Twylia Westling
Aspiring Coach/Ecopsychologist/Tree Hugger
Tacoma, Washington
Biztalk » Starting a business »
Posted by Twylia Westling, Tacoma, Washington | Sep 24, 2008

Subscribe to Starting a business Starting, organizing and prioritizing

I have started...what I call the pre-launch of my business. Part coaching practice, part peddler of organic products. I have named the business and sent out a call for clients (which is helping me clearly define my best coaching tools and practices). I have some 'material' which might be considered marketing material, but it's all very raw right now. As a side note, I'm also finishing up my bachelor's and have a full-time day job. Here is the list of priorities as I see it (recommendations of corrections are greatly appreciated):

Decide/define type of biz license (and then get it) Get an accountant Develop Logo / Tag line for marketing materials start looking for space

and that's about where I drop off..

Thanks for any feedback you might have...

8 Bizniks have posted replies

  • Debbie Lacy
    Posted by Debbie Lacy, Seattle, Washington | Sep 24, 2008

    Hi Twylia, Congratulations on starting your business! My, you're busy with a full-time job and school as well! I recommend that you check out Molly Gordon. If you don't already have her book "The Way of the Accidental Entrepreneur," I recommend getting it and perusing her online articles as well.

    Another item on your list might be "hire a business coach." Having a coach to sort through marketing issues and form my business identity certainly helped me in the early stages. This is not a shameless self-promotion since I don't do business coaching. ;-)

    Best of luck to you!

    The Inspired Life: You can get there from here.
  • Twylia Westling
    Posted by Twylia Westling, Tacoma, Washington | Sep 25, 2008

    Thanks so much for the tip and the encouragement. I'll definitely look into Molly Gordon's book. I had a coach, but she transitioned into a stellar new career. Good for her, not so good for me.

    Thanks again! Twylia

  • Kirsten Clark
    Posted by Kirsten Clark, Bellevue, Washington | Oct 01, 2008

    Hi Twylia, Before you put in any real money (especially if you are looking to rent space), I suggest that you put together a business plan. This plan will help you focus on what you want to achieve and will probably solidify that one business idea is better than the other. By drawing up your business plan you will answer the questions of what, when, why and how, as well as how much will it cost to get your business up and running. Some people can buy a book that will walk them through the questions on what to include in your business plan. Other people may need some directed help to go through the process. It's better to go into the new business with your eyes wide open and a plan.

  • John Huddleston
    Posted by John Huddleston, Seattle & Bellevue, Washington | Oct 01, 2008

    Hi Twylia, I think you are right with your 1st priority "Decide/define type of biz license." I hold workshops on this and I'll likely have one late October. In the mean time, I just wrote a Squidoo Lens on this subject: Saving Taxes with an S Corporation. Note that if you choose LLC, you can elect to be taxed as a sole proprietor (simple) or later elect to be taxed as an S Corporation (potential tax savings), without starting over.

    Huddleston Tax Accountants

    Tax Preparation & Accounting in Seattle Bellevue Tacoma
  • Twylia Westling
    Posted by Twylia Westling, Tacoma, Washington | Oct 01, 2008

    Thanks Kirstin. I have written business plans in the past but they were for businesses that were more traditional. I agree with you regarding their importance! It is on my list of things to do! Thanks for the reminder!

  • Twylia Westling
    Posted by Twylia Westling, Tacoma, Washington | Oct 01, 2008

    John, thanks for the input. I'll keep my eyes open for your workshop! I did read your article and it was very helpful in at least getting me thinking about my options! Thanks again! Twylia

  • Amy Woidtke (woid-key)
    Posted by Amy Woidtke (woid-key), Greater Seattle, Washington | Oct 09, 2008

    Congrats Twylia! I wanna know about those organic products!

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  • Jim Carney
    Posted by Jim Carney, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 13, 2008

    You are posting, too. Great way to advertise and get the word out is networking. Groups, Chamber of Commerce, and even find companies that mail out stuff from several businesses... see if you can include some of your items: Brochures and Business cards, promo products, and coupons.

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