Building a small business is hard work and requires a lot of foresight. Before you can even think about starting your own company, you must first determine your motivations and priorities. What you want to achieve, how much you can afford to invest and what type of lifestyle you’d like to lead must be considered. Then, you need to figure out which business model is right for you — e.g., a traditional bricks and mortar operation or an Internet-based service.
A small business is defined by a wide variety of factors, including size, sales volume and organizational structure. In the United States, a small business is typically a privately owned corporation or partnership with fewer than 500 employees and annual sales in excess of $7 million (the standard for measuring a business’s size).
Using a small business model to build a successful e-commerce website should be on your list of priorities, along with a solid customer acquisition plan. For starters, you need a good name and a catchy logo.
There are many more considerations to make, such as locating a suitable office space and obtaining the proper licenses and permits to operate your new venture. It’s also a good idea to enlist the help of an experienced accountant who understands your unique financial and legal needs.