Below are some of the tasks involved in starting your secretarial business.

· Determine what services you want to offer and what kind of clients you want to target.

· Write a marketing plan or use the proven marketing strategies provided in the Secretarial-Business-In-A-Box.

· Determine a space where you will set up your home office. (Or select a business location).

· Choose a business name.
o Verify that the name is not used by someone else.
o Register the business name.
o If you’re planning on getting a web site, check if the business name is available as a domain name (e.g. hypertyper.com) and register the domain name.

· Get a separate phone line. If you plan on advertising in the Yellow Pages, you may need a business line.

· Purchase a computer, software, printer, desk, and computer chair.

· Purchase office supplies: pens, paper, paper clips, and stapler.

· Get a business license. Since laws vary by state, check with local authorities to determine if there are any additional legal steps you need to take.

· Create sales/promotional materials.
o Design a logo.
o Design and print business cards to hand to clients.
o Write sales letters (The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box includes ready-to-use sales letters).
o Design flyers or postcards (The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box includes ready-to-use ostcards).
o Design letterhead you can print yourself from your computer. (The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box includes a ready-to-use letterhead template).
o Design invoices/sales receipts. (The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box includes a ready-to-use invoice).

· Advertise your business (The Secretarial-Business-In-A-Box reveals what the most effective advertising is for secretarial businesses).

· Design a web site or have it designed.

· Get an email address.

· Open a business bank account.

· Call for information about Yellow Pages advertising.

· Consider insuring your business and business equipment.

· Call everyone you know and let them know you are in business.

· Other _________________________________.

Use this list when starting your secretarial service business. Refer to it often and check what steps you need to take next.