Is 2018 The Year You Launch Your SideHustle

Is 2018 The Year You Launch Your SideHustle Many of us aspire to having our own business, or at least a sidehustle that brings in some extra cash. So why havent you started working on it?   Fact is, years seem to fly by ever more quickly.   So December 31, 2018 is going to be here in eleven very quick months. Eleven months that youll look back on and ask, where did it go? Rather than find yourself at the end of 2018 and had yet another year of your life tick off with nothing to show but a pile of rent receipts and paystubs, maybe its time to act.   Now.   So take that budding business idea youve got and do something with it.   Heres how to start. Check Out Your Idea Its natural to think that your idea is the next big thing.   Or at least something that will be profitable. But is it, really?   Do some investigation by: Asking friends if theyd buy it. Checking to see if its been done, or is now being done. Do a cursory check on similar businesses to see if your idea has already been patented or theres someone else already doing it. Once youve done these preliminaries, its time to take the next step.   Picking a business or product name. Pick a Business Name If youre going to open a weekend shop at the local swap meet or craft market, this might be easy.   Ashley Smith dba My Creations might do.   If its a product or service thats going to be more widely sold and used, youll probably want to do a little homework on name selection. Check out what other similar businesses in other cities are named.   Remember, its generally okay to use a similar name as long as its slightly different.   So, for example, suppose youd like to use Widgets and Things but its already out there.   Instead, you might use Widgets, Wonders, And Things. Where ever youre located, the local city, county, or state will keep a registry of businesses.   Once you have a name selected, registering a limited company, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship is just a matter of filling out the forms.   Those can usually be found online. Get Necessary Licenses and Documents Depending on where you are, and the form of your business, youll need to get applicable licenses.   If youre anything   other than a sole proprietor, youll also need to decide on and often file with the government the document that legally create your business entity. Decide whether you want to set up your business as a sole proprietor, a partnership, or some other business form that is used where you reside. Each form has distinct liability and tax implications.   You may want to consult a lawyer and accountant if youre not sure whats best for your situation. Get A Web Presence In todays connected world of the internet and social media, theres virtually no business that cannot benefit from having a web presence.   That doesnt necessarily mean a website.   It might be as simple as a Facebook Business Page. If youve got a large or even a modest number of Facebook friends, letting them know what you do is a great way to begin promoting your business. And having a distinct online business identity makes you look more professional to would-be customers or clients. Do It Now. Of course, theres a lot more to starting and running a business, even if its just a sidehustle.   But these are the basics. Whats important is that you begin, today, to do whats necessary to make your ideas and dreams a reality. If not today, when?   Its up to you.   Do it now!