For many people, their professional dream is to be their own boss. Do you also have the plan to become an entrepreneur and do you already have a brilliant idea for starting a business? This guide will provide you with valuable support. From financing and funding to taxes and invoices, this overview summarizes the most important things for you. To ensure that your idea develops into a great start-up, we recommend the following ten steps:
1. The idea
What exactly are the products or services that your future company offers? The be-all and end-all in this context is the so-called Unique Selling Proposition - also under the abbreviation USP known. The USP is what makes your start-up unique in its idea and therefore particularly inviting for your potential customers: What do you have in your program that the others - i.e. your competition - don’t have?
2. The financing
Finances are the solid foundation for every company and are therefore also the subject of this guide. If you as an entrepreneur don’t have all the equity to start a business, you should look for funding or a loan. For example, there are regional funding for medium-sized businesses or funding from the employment agency, which offers qualified unemployed people a start-up grant for a start-up.
3. The business plan
In the business plan, all important topics relating to the start-up are fixed by you as a future entrepreneur. On the one hand, it serves as a solid guide for you. On the other hand, it is often an essential element that you have to submit to the bank for a loan or to apply for a claim. Contents for the business plan relating to the founding include, for example, the legal form, the object of the company, the capital, the financing and also the sales that are to be achieved in the first few years. Business plan models are available on the Internet.
4. The legal form
Every start-up has a legal form that you can choose. For example, there is the sole proprietor and the freelancer. There are a whole range of companies for this purpose. They are roughly divided into partnerships (e.g. OHG and KG) and corporations (AG and GmbH). The choice of legal form has a whole range of consequences - for example for the investment of a minimum capital in your company, for the right of any shareholders to have a say and for liability. Advice on this important topic is available from the IHK and in special start-up seminars, which will provide you with a good basis for starting a business.
5. The company headquarters
It is relevant to you for two reasons. On the one hand, because you have to register in the relevant commercial register (exception: freelancers), and on the other hand, because it is closely linked to your start-up. Are you a web designer and work within your own four walls? Are you a dealer and need a store? Are you planning an online business? Do you need an office where you can also receive business visitors? All of these are elements that play an important role when founding a business, as they pave the structure for your start-up.
6. The staff
One of the fundamental decisions for your start-up is whether you will manage all activities as an entrepreneur or whether you plan to hire staff. This is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it is of course possible for your start-up to receive optimal support, especially in the all-important phase after its founding, thanks to competent and committed staff. On the other hand, employees are of course also a cost factor that you should calculate carefully - especially if there is little sales at the beginning. As an entrepreneur, you have to be clear about one thing: in a start-up, as an entrepreneur, you are yourself and constantly, i.e. self-employed.
7. The marketing
Even before your start-up opens, clever and strategic marketing is the be-all and end-all for curious prospects who, ideally, will become your first customers. This means that you know your target group exactly and tailor the advertising to them precisely. Keyword advertising: In the era of digitalization, it is of course mandatory that you use the reach of the modern Internet for your idea and your start-up. The basis in this context is an attractive website. This must be online when the company is founded and should ideally be designed by an expert who is familiar with the function and idea, SEO and SEA offers optimal competence. You can also apply for funding to cover the costs of the website.
8. The organization
Everything about everyday work in your start-up should be designed efficiently. You can do a few test runs so that everything works when you open. You can carry out some activities in the company particularly well with modern IT - especially software that is selected according to your needs. We make a valuable contribution for you: With our invoice management software, we at GetMyInvoices can support you in setting up a company with a high level of practical relevance. This makes dealing with invoices easier and allows you to focus on your core business.
9. The tax office
For many, tax law is a closed book. But it is your duty to pay taxes - unless you are a small business owner. You will receive your tax number from the tax office, under which you pay your taxes. If you are unsure about taxes, use the expertise of a tax advisor. It can be a real support to you with its special regulations, especially in the year of your founding. This particularly applies to the area of sales tax, which can be a complex area for you as an entrepreneur with a start-up after you have founded it.
10. The opening day
Today you start your business! Of course you have prepared this day precisely and are well prepared. With a few great promotions you are sure to have your first customers soon. The best way to present the opening of your start-up is on social media and on your website.
We hope you have benefited from our little guide. We would be happy to explain it to you in one personal conversation How you can make your invoice management even more efficient with our GetMyInvoices software. We appreciate your interest and keep our fingers crossed for your success as an entrepreneur.
