Business Basics

Lesson 1

Starting And Running Your Independent Moving Labor Company

The brand new entrepreneur's 12 Steps to Success. We want you to succeed. So we lay it all out for you. Right here.

Lesson 2

Marketing 101: Naming Your Company

What's in a name? Plenty! Dig into the various implications of choosing the right name for your company.

Lesson 3

Marketing 101: Choosing A Logo

The right symbol for your company can do as much for you as your name. Put some thought into it – and create a visual stir.

Lesson 4

Business Structure

Forming an LLC takes a bit of time and paperwork, but going the simpler, easier Sole Proprietorship route might lead to bumps and pitfalls down the road.

Lesson 5

Business Licenses

Straight up, it's illegal to do business without a license. Besides, the cost and effort will come back to you many-fold as a credentialed HireAHelper mover.

Lesson 6

Opening A Business Bank Account

It would be nice to simply show your uniform shirt to the teller and get your business account set up, but there's a bit more to it. Here's everything you'll need.

Lesson 7

Employment And Labor Law: Contract Labor

Employees and contractors may do the same thing on the job site, but they differ in just about every other respect. For you, the business owner, choosing who to hire matters.

Lesson 8

Employment And Labor Law: Hiring Employees

There are a number of steps involved in hiring employees – many of them tax-related, few of them fun. We'll take you through the process.

Lesson 9

Employment And Labor Law: Workplace Safety

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, isn't just a bunch of rules. It's only mostly a bunch of rules; they do have additional resources for us to tap into simply because they care. As we all should.

Lesson 10

Marketing 101: Setting Prices

Low cost and good value are two different things. Take a look at how to use both of them to your advantage. Because money is a funny thing, but a lack of money is not.

Lesson 11

Marketing 101: Where To Advertise

We'll help you get your business ball rolling with a listing and a website page. But don't stop there! Check out some alternate avenues to revenue.

Lesson 12

Marketing And Advertising Law

It all boils down to being truthful. But just in case, we bring you the Advertising Gospel according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Lesson 13

Basic Business Plans: Company Description

Put together a company description that will sell your prospective clients, starting right here.

Lesson 14

Basic Business Plans: Your Marketing Plan

Take an in-depth look at your market – and how to make a successful approach.

Lesson 15

Basic Business Plans: Organization And Personnel

A quick extension of your earlier business structure and hiring decisions, based on your target budget.

Lesson 16

Basic Business Plans: Describe Your Service

An outgrowth of your company description that includes where your business is on a developmental scale.

Lesson 17

Basic Business Plans: Sales and Marketing

Strategizing to maximize your marketing and sales efforts.

Lesson 18

Basic Business Plans: Financial Projections

Laying out historical and projected financial data – otherwise known as Appeasing the Creditor Gods.

Lesson 19

Basic Business Plans: Executive Summary

Put together a thorough yet tight description of where your company is and, more importantly, where you expect to go.

Lesson 20

Calendar Sharing and Planning

Keeping your crew members on the same page. Because showing up short-handed is not a good way to greet your customer.

Lesson 21

Dealing With Complaints

If you are human, then this is something you'll need to do. Know how to do it well.

Lesson 22

Processing Claims

Another downside to being human. After you've done all you can to avoid a claim, there are a few things you can do to put it (more or less) painlessly behind you.

Lesson 23

Budgeting

Sage words on the why and how of budgeting, along with some tools to help keep you on track.

Lesson 24

Payroll

Steps and software options to setting up a finely-tuned payroll system – because no one wants an angry mob at the door. And we hear those IRS types aren't too amusing either.

Lesson 25

Taxes

More info on strategy and software to keep the taxman at bay.

Lesson 26

Pro Tips: Customer Service

Laying down the law on Attitude and Action, the twin pillars of strong customer service.

Lesson 27

Giving Back to the community

Because at the end of the day, serving people is what we are all about.

How to start and run a local business.

What's Inside