Photo: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels
Are you thinking of starting a business? There’s no time like the present. According to Apollo Technical, entrepreneurship is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing. Unfortunately, your current home might not be the best fit if you need more space for your new or developing company. Moving and starting a business are difficult tasks — taking them on simultaneously requires some finesse and a few important steps. Here, LA Loft Blog presents some tips for accomplishing both in style.
Find Your New House/Company Headquarters
Before you go house shopping, make a list of your must-have features. Your needs will vary according to the industry in which you work. An auto repair shop will have very different requirements than, say, a financial consulting business. Some things to consider include:
- Zoning laws in your city or county
- Noise ordinances
- A separate entry and parking spaces for clients
- Inventory storage space
- Adequate room for your company to grow
You should also evaluate your family’s requirements during your house hunt. Do you need fences, railings or locked doors to keep children safe? Will your video calls disturb a sleeping spouse working the third shift? Parents magazine suggests talking to your family about their must-have lists — it can help keep the peace if anyone has qualms about moving. Once you know what you really need, then it’s time to start looking!
If you’re looking for an LA loft for your business or home, check out the LA Loft Blog. It is filled with valuable loft-related information, from units for sale and lease to tours and tax benefits.
Move Into the New Place
Once you’ve discovered the perfect house to live and work, it’s time to get moving. You probably have limited time if you are already working in your new company, so it’s good to have some tips for moving in a hurry:
- Hiring movers is always your preferred option. Hiring professionals can make the relocation process much smoother and reduce stress on you and your family, as they will take care of the heavy lifting and transportation.
- Make a moving checklist. It will help you stay focused and organized during a crazy work day. Create a time frame for each item on your list.
- Remember to take care of tasks beyond packing: switching school districts, shutting off utilities, finding a new physician if you’re moving far away, etc.
- Pare down your possessions as much as possible. Moving is easier when you have less to pack.
- Get your family and friends to pitch in. Bribe them with food if necessary.
Create Your Business Plan
Do you know the first step to a successful business? It’s writing a business plan. A well-structured business plan improves your chances of succeeding. It includes the following:
- Company description
- Outline of how you sell your product or services
- Your chosen business structure
- Required funding
- Financial projections for your first year
A business plan is just one important step in launching your venture. But there is plenty more to do, including conducting market research and setting up a financial plan. Make sure you have everything in place before proceeding.
Form an LLC
Forming an LLC can provide a number of benefits, including limited personal liability, tax flexibility, and increased credibility with customers and vendors. Additionally, it’s often simpler to form and manage than other types of business entities. You can learn about the steps needed to form an LLC in California, or you can hire a formation service to handle registration.
Organize Your Office Space
Once you’ve written a business plan, it’s time to think about getting your new workspace organized. You must plan your home office, including equipment, furniture and lighting.
Your digital space needs organizing, too. You can use online tools to assist with this job. They can help you file, manage and store your critical business documents. Digitizing your records makes it easier to move and start a business simultaneously (less paperwork = fewer boxes to move).
Start Marketing Your Business
You have the hardest (and least fun) parts of the process completed. Now it’s time to draw in your customers! Make sure that you have a professional looking website that clearly conveys what products and services you provide. Incorporating infographics into your website can be a great way to break up long-form content and create visual interest. They are also an effective way to communicate complex ideas in a simple and easy-to-understand format. If you want to create an attractive infographic, you can use online tools that let you choose from a variety of customizable infographic templates.
Go Back to School
If entrepreneurship is new for you, consider taking some online classes to help you learn the ins and outs of the business aspect. This may help you to get your business off to a strong start. Online classes for an MBA will give you experience in marketing, finance, leadership, and data-driven decision making, to name just a few. And since classes are online, you can take them around your current schedule.
Address Your Plans One Step at a Time
When you have the drive to succeed, you should go for your goals, even if they involve moving while simultaneously starting a business. Start with two solid plans: your moving checklist and your business plan. Then, begin ticking items off of the list. Business formation? Check! Boxes packed? Check! Digital filing system created? Check! Eventually, you’ll have made great progress towards both of your big goals.
Get a free list of live/work lofts for sale or for lease. Fill out the online form:
LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN LA [MAP]
SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE Affordable | Popular | Luxury
Browse by Building | Neighborhood | Size | Bedrooms | Pets | Parking
Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker CalDRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.