August-November 2018-Generated at least 15 business name ideas. Kept a running list and finally landed on what I really loved "Collaborative Coaching." Commissioned an old friend, a professional graphic designer, to create a business logo. Went to a free workshop on how to start a small business. Decided I wanted to use the limited liability corporation or, LLC structure for my business.
December 2018-Decided on a platform to build a website and began building. Secured a domain name and paid for one year of web service. Began laying down ideas for marketing strategies and pricing options.
January 2019-Found out that my business name was not available in the Michigan Database of registered LLCs. (Tip-Do this search before you get connected with a business name!) Whined about it for a while, then went back to my list of 15 names and chose another one I liked: Cocreative Life Coaching. Deciding to change my name meant I had to have my logo design working out again. Additionally I chose a website domain name based on my first choice name, so I had to take steps to change that. Began using Quickbooks accounting software to track the few business expenses I had. Began getting creative with some marketing materials I would like to have printed.
February 2019-Applied for my LLC status through the state of Michigan. Filed out a form, paid a $50 fee, and popped it in the mail. I did some online research to find this information and to be sure I was doing it right, but overall found it to be a very easy process. Filed for my employer identification number (EIN). Wrote my business polices and client contract. Had it looked over by a lawyer
March 2019- I will open up my business checking account. I want to take a month to reflect on my six month training course, tie up loose ends with details of my business, and finalize my marketing materials.
April 2019-Want to be open for business and begin taking paid clients.
Even though I will be this business's only employee, this hasn't been a one-person effort thus far. I'd like to mention some people who have helped me along the way.
Sara Cash-for always being supportive of my ideas and also for suggesting a lawyer to me.
Greg Carter-for creating my logo.
Tom Cash-for being supportive and also helping me recreate my logo.
Dawn Cenowa, Halle Arehart, Alexa Markham, and Heidi Clark-for being my practice clients.
Rebecca McClusky-for looking over my contract for me.
Lynae Arehart-for looking over my marketing materials with a fine toothed comb.
March 2019- I will open up my business checking account. I want to take a month to reflect on my six month training course, tie up loose ends with details of my business, and finalize my marketing materials.
April 2019-Want to be open for business and begin taking paid clients.
Even though I will be this business's only employee, this hasn't been a one-person effort thus far. I'd like to mention some people who have helped me along the way.
Sara Cash-for always being supportive of my ideas and also for suggesting a lawyer to me.
Greg Carter-for creating my logo.
Tom Cash-for being supportive and also helping me recreate my logo.
Dawn Cenowa, Halle Arehart, Alexa Markham, and Heidi Clark-for being my practice clients.
Rebecca McClusky-for looking over my contract for me.
Lynae Arehart-for looking over my marketing materials with a fine toothed comb.