| Author | Sharon Hill |
| Title | Become a Top Wedding Planner: 5 People You Must Speak to Before You Start Your Wedding Planning Business |
| Category | Starting a Wedding Planning Business |
| Article |
Don’t start your wedding planning business without first taking the steps necessary to run it legally. Here are five important people to speak with before you meet with your first client. #1. Attorney You should consult an attorney whose practice is focused on business. Your attorney can explain the different types of business entities, sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company and corporation, and advise you on what is best for you. He or she can also help you file any necessary paperwork. #2. Accountant An accountant can help you set up your bookkeeping system and teach you how to do your own regular bookkeeping or do it for you. He or she can offer advice on selecting your business entity, suggest how to get financing for your business and, of course, prepare taxes for your business. #3. City Clerk You will need to get a business license in order to legally do business in your city or county. You may also need to get a special license or permit to be able to run a home based business. #4. County Clerk If you are a sole proprietor or if your business is a general partnership, you will need to go to the county clerk’s office to register a “DBA”, also known as a Fictitious Business Name. This is the legal name that you give your business. Once you register your DBA, you can open a business checking account and accept checks made out to your business name. If your business entity is a Limited Liability Company or a corporation, your business name will be registered in documents that you, or your attorney, file with the state government. #5. Insurance Agent You should, of course, be carrying health, disability, and life insurance for yourself. If you are working out of a home office, make sure that your homeowner’s or renter’s property insurance policy covers your office equipment. If you are planning to lease space in a commercial building, check with your insurance agent for the proper policy for your office equipment and supplies. Also, make sure that your automobile is properly insured for your business usage. You’ll need to get commercial general liability insurance, which protects your business against financial loss resulting from claims of bodily injury or property damage caused to others by you or your staff. And, you’ll need errors omissions insurance or professional liability insurance, which protects your business from claims if a client holds you responsible for errors or says that you did not complete your work as you promised to do in your contract. Finding and meeting these professionals is not as daunting as it sounds. You can get references for an attorney, accountant or insurance agent from other entrepreneurs. You may be able to file for a business license or register for a DBA online. Check your local government websites to find out if this is possible. And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to my Special Report on “7 Steps to Becoming a Top Wedding Planner” when you visit http://www.HowToBecomeaTopWeddingPlanner.com |
| About the Author | Sharon Hill - The Wedding Planner Mentor |
