Starting a Service Business

Make starting a service business a successful endeavor by following the right steps

Starting your own service operation can be a very exciting endeavor, but one that requires all your professional expertise, and your careful commitment to the success of your clients. Many people consider the entrepreneurial route, but it is a risky road to take, especially if you don't set yourself up for success. You don't have to offer a unique product, but you should offer a one-of-a-kind service.

Whether you want to teach, broker, or perform administrative duties, anyone can open a services business with the right attitude and financial backing. Competition will be fierce. You can't just put your feet up because it's your own business. On the contrary, you should expect to work very hard in the beginning. Before quitting your full time job to set up a services company, ask yourself the following:

1. Are you committed? It takes more than just a good idea to open a service operation. It takes time, money and hard work.

2. If applicable, do you have the right partners? Friends are sometimes best at being just that: they are not always good business partners. Vet potential collaborators as objectively as possible.

3. Have you done your research to make sure there's demand for your service? You may have a great idea, but how many others have the same idea?

 

Start your own service small business with credibility and get licensed

Businesses are legally required to obtain certain government licenses. Your state may regulate services businesses via zoning and land use permits, federal and state employer tax ID numbers, and a business name certificate. Regulations vary from state to state, as do state agencies that do the regulating. There are online resources that can help you file these documents.
Try: Business Licenses is a fee-based online resource that provides you with access to permit information, including home occupation permits for owners who wish to launch a services business from home. Business.gov can help you obtain the necessary federal, state and local permits, licenses, and registrations for starting your business successfully. Use its “Permit Me” tool for efficiency.

Join an association and build credibility when you launch your own service biz operation

As a new business owner, you don't have to go it completely alone. Consider joining an association for support. Organizations bring together professionals with the same goals and challenges. As a member you have access to certification and educational opportunities, in addition to networking events, so you can meet industry peers, vendors and suppliers.
Try: The Professional Service Association and the Service & Support Professional Association both organize events for educational and networking opportunities. They also offer access to publications and other tools to assist you toward business success.

Consider enhancing your customer service skills when you launch a service operation.

Customer service is a very significant aspect of any service industry business. There are many training organizations and courses available that offer a diverse range of customer service training options. Consider training organizations that feature courses on a variety of customer service skills such as communication, writing, negotiation, self-management and business etiquette.
Try: In addition to diverse courses that include in-house training, workshops and seminars, Business Training Works offers free resources like icebreakers for teachers, trainers and facilitators. Baker Communications offers an extensive list of training in areas that include sales, project management, finance and energy.

 

• Consider advertising your service biz operations in trade magazines and newspapers for enhanced exposure, and think about publishing a website.

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