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Starting a Business in Virginia

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How To Start a Business in Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a great place to do business because it’s a fairly easy state to operate in with fair tax rates. Some states make it more difficult, a few may make it easier, but very few states offer the diverse demographics and geographical beauty, options and cultural diversity that Virginia does, making it an ideal grounds for clientele for any business. Whether you’re thinking of starting a new business in Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fairfax, Roanoke, Danville or Abington, it’s all basically the same. The following is a helpful list of things that you’ll need to do in order to succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavor.

1. Write a business plan.
2. Know your competition.
3. Develop a Marketing plan.
4. Identify what “kind” of business license you should have.
5. Come up with a budget.
6. Market your business.

1. Write a Business Plan

Why are you going into business? What will you sell? How will you sell it? What makes you different? Why are you special? How do you want to be seen in the marketplace? From whom will you get your supplies? What will you offer that will make people come back for more? What is your budget? (see budget below, later). Write out about a 3 pages business plan. Identify the basics and what’s important, but don’t get too in depth with it, spending weeks and months formulating it. The reason why you shouldn’t is because your business Read More »Starting a Business in Virginia

Sum-sum-summertime…

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Sum-sum-summertime…

How does summer treat your business?

I am told by many of our clients that they track several changes to their receivables, contracts, etc. during the summer months.  That is not unexpected.  A HVAC client has had a really rough winter with it being so mild, so he is delighted with the idea of a hot sticky summer and lots of AC calls, repairs, and installations…not to mention the generators that sell like hotcakes during hurricane season.  small business marketing, seasonal marketing

Realtors, for whom we handle many sites, also tend to see a sharp spike in business during the summer month, for obvious reasons.   And since we live in a tourist town, the local restaurants also usually see increased business as well.

But what if your business does not have a natural uptick in the summertime?  How should you be using your most precious resources, your time and money?Read More »Sum-sum-summertime…

Why You Should Know Your Competition

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Why You Should Know Your Competition

Over the years, I have heard many different comments from business owners about their competition.  Most of it is not positive and personal.   Very rarely do I hear an executive talk of their competitors in a positive light, for instance, “ABC Company really knows how to provide customer service and get great reviews”.  When I do, it is refreshing!  Here are a few lessons I have learned from these open-minded entrepreneurs.

1- Be a firm believer that competition is a good thing.  It keeps capitalism alive and thriving.  It also should keep you on top of your game.  Your competition can make you and your business look better! Your business marketing plan should incorporate a bird’s eye view of your industry.  If you don’t know what is going on around you, you are dead in the water.Read More »Why You Should Know Your Competition