Starting a business takes careful planning. Unfortunately, there’s no income during this stage — which means getting started as soon as possible is key to your company’s success. Follow these five steps to get your business up and running quickly.
Find Online Platforms With Comprehensive Security
Your cloud infrastructure must be secure before you start using it for business. Whether you keep hardware in-house or only work with software, it’s vital that you follow security best practices to keep your data safe.
For example, if you need software as a service (SaaS) or infrastructure as a service (IaaS) for your enterprise, look for built-in security features and work with a provider that can walk you through setting up your system. This is much quicker than hosting software and building a secure computing infrastructure, so you’ll cut into the time it takes to start your business.
Use a Website Builder With an Online Shopping Cart
If there’s an online shopping component within your business, use a website builder with an online shopping cart feature to start your e-shop. E-commerce website builders are designed specifically for this purpose. Try one of these services to launch your digital store safely and quickly.
Use Online Banking and Payment Services
Setting up banking and payment services can be a huge drain on your time. To streamline this step, look for solutions like PayPal for banking and processing payments. Depending on your industry, technologies like Apple Pay may be worth adding as well. You may also use Square credit-card readers and tablets to take payments. These are easy to install and quick to start with than physical point of sale systems.
Hire Freelancers
You can optimize the hiring process by working with freelancers rather than full-time staff to get your business going. You can also keep minimal staff and hire freelancers whenever one is needed for a specific task or to help during a busy season. Plus, by hiring contract workers and temporary hires, you won’t have to worry about the legal obligations associated with keeping full-time workers.
Speak With Experts
Asking an expert for advice can help you set your business up as quickly as possible without making mistakes. Consultants can also bring you up to speed on specific areas of your business.
For example, if you’re starting a company for the first time, are on a tight deadline, and have never had to manage marketing before, you can speak with a small-business marketing consultant to determine which technologies or channels you should be using, learn about market opportunities, and identify areas where you could improve.
Similarly, a small-business attorney can help with the legal aspects of running your business. Consult with one of these professionals for help with securing necessary licenses, complying with state and federal laws, and getting your paperwork in order.
Launching a business is a huge milestone, and getting there can be difficult when you need to open ASAP and start generating income. When you’re on a tight deadline, remember to follow these tips to get your business started quickly.
