Practical Steps to Start Your Business
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I’ve shared before why I started my business, but in this post I’m going to share more about the business side, the practical steps of starting a business. The stuff that we don’t always see on Instagram or YouTube.
I've seen a lot of content from other entrepreneurs who say they wish more conversations were happening about the non-glamourous side of business. Because at the end of the day, business is… boring.
That’s not to say many entrepreneurs don’t have long days, late nights, and fires to put out that you’ll never hear about, myself included. But operating a business isn’t glamorous most days. It’s a lot of work.
You spend time on things that don’t look exciting on social media. Things such as reviewing contracts, scheduling, accounting, and planning out systems.
As I write this, I’m actually taking steps to migrate from one email marketing platform to an alternative.
But these are the things that actually make your business run and give you the space to do the work you’re passionate about and make the impact you want to have on your community.
Creating an LLC
There was a time not too long ago when everyone online said we all need to create an LLC. And while I actually do agree with this, it’s also important to cross your ts and dot your is before forming one. Because creating an LLC is one thing. Maintaining it is another.
You’ll need to keep up with annual reports, filing fees, and state requirements, and those vary depending on where you live. Before you rush to file, take the time to:
Research your state’s requirements (not all states have the same fees or rules).
Check your business name availability (both for state registration and domain name).
Consider whether you want to be your own registered agent (more on that below).
How I established my business
Before starting my business, I took a little extra time to make sure I understood the process, checked that my business name was available, and thought through the structure that would work best for me. Small steps like these save headaches later and make sure your business is set up properly from the beginning.
Also, before I went too far with making plans, choosing brand colors, or building a website, I needed my business to exist, and I wanted it to be formed properly.
Bizee offers the lowest cost LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp and Non-Profit Incorporation Services available. I purchased the standard package and added expedited processing to form my LLC with no stress.
Choosing a Registered Agent
Every business needs a registered agent who is the legal point of contact in your state. This is the person or company who is available during standard business hours that will receive official government notices, legal documents, and compliance reminders on your behalf.
Technically, you can act as your own registered agent, but I chose not to for privacy. I didn’t want my home address on public business records.
I wanted a service that would reliably handle official notices so I could focus on building the business rather than worrying about missing something important. Using a registered agent service allowed me to separate my personal life from my business life, which is a boundary I highly recommend for anyone starting out.
Trademark search & registration
Before getting too attached to a name for your business or brand(s), you’ll want to make sure someone else doesn’t already own the trademark. Even if the name feels perfect, a quick search can save you from major headaches down the road. I’ve heard stories of entrepreneurs who invested in branding only to realize later that the name they loved wasn’t available. Taking a few extra minutes early on made all the difference.
Before you get attached to your business name, make sure it’s actually available. This means:
Searching your state’s business database.
Checking the USPTO’s trademark search for federal trademarks.
Doing a simple Google search and checking domain name availability.
Even if you’re not ready to trademark immediately, knowing your name is clear can save you future headaches.
If you do decide to trademark, it’s worth consulting with a trademark attorney or using a trusted trademark filing service. Mistakes in the application process can delay your approval or even cause your application to be rejected.
Building a values-driven business
While setting up the operational side of my company was crucial, I didn’t want to lose sight of why I was starting my business in the first place. For me, it wasn’t just about creating a legal entity — it was about building something that reflected my values and served the women I work with in a meaningful way.
I formed my company with a dual focus:
Shaping the big-picture vision — defining my mission, my audience, and how I wanted to make an impact.
Building the operational foundation — creating systems, processes, and structures that would make that vision sustainable.
That meant developing a service framework that could grow with me, building core systems for client onboarding and communication, and designing programs that help women navigate major transitions with clarity and confidence.
There have been moments when it would have been easier to compromise my values — to take on a client whose approach didn’t align with mine, or to rush a program launch just to hit a revenue goal. But every time I’ve chosen the slower, more intentional path, it’s paid off in trust, client loyalty, and personal satisfaction.
If you’re starting your own business, I can’t recommend enough that you define your values early. Write them down. Let them guide not only your branding and marketing, but also your day-to-day decisions.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business isn’t all vision boards and launch parties — it’s legal filings, system building, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work that no one sees. But those “boring” steps are what allow you to operate with confidence, serve your clients well, and create something that lasts.
