New business has questions

[Steve]

Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ]I was wondering if you could help me figure out what exactly I need to go threw to get my business started for next spring. I no its early but i want to get this all figured out so i no when and where i need to go etc. I live in Granby Connecticut and for the first year or so will be running the business out of my fathers house. (if it matters he also owns a business servicing sprinklers and does it threw our home) What I need to know is what licenses do I need to start off? Besides insurance for my truck and liability insurance is there anything else threw insurance I should get. I also know ill need to get the sales tax all worked out. But for my business name what do I need to do so I wont have any problems with that. Any other information I should know would be great. Thankyou for your time and knowledge. Tim

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[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Tim, I will ask our business consultant, Joel LaRusic, to jump in here too, but here are some sites that will help. Pesticide Application Business Registration Welcome to Connecticut's Online Business Registration Application

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[mowboy]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]I was wondering if you could help me figure out what exactly I need to go threw to get my business started for next spring.

Hi Tim,

Congratulations on deciding to start your own business and well done for starting to think and plan now. If you continue planning and scheming you will be in good shape next spring!

Boy, your question is a tall order :-) There is so much to think about as you start your own LCO business. The first suggestion I will make is to buy my book entitled 'Start & Run a Landscape Business'. You can get it at My Website or at amazon.com or at your local bookstore. It's less than $20 and covers everything you need to start your company.

This is not a shameless plug of my book but there is a lot to consider as you start your business. Insurance and tax are two important ones, but you also need to think about writing a business plan, coming up with a some marketing ideas, buying equipment, setting up your office and shed, hiring and managing employees and more. You also need to think about systems, forms, worksheets, how to computerize, what kind of software to buy (Gopher!)... the list goes on. All of this and much more is covered in the book. We are happy to provide pointers and advice along the way, but it will help you greatly if you have a useful instruction guide along the way.

Here are some immediate pointers for you now...

Use experts - For example, speak to an insurance agent and get some prices for the different kinds of insurance there are. As you mentioned you have to insure your vehicle and you must have liability insurance. What about disability insurance, in case you are injured. What about insuring your equipment for theft and/or damage? These are not required but it is worth thinking about. Ask your agent for prices and details (including how much the deductable is).

Co-operative marketing - I see that your dad is in a related industry - that's great. Perhaps you could share marketing costs as you advertise for both services? You could share customer lists and stuff each others customer bills with advertising. In the beginning, since you are starting out, perhaps he will let you pitch your services to his existing clients.

If you have other specific questions, we are happy to help... just post back. Keep us posted anyway as to how you are doing. Good luck Tim!