{"id":5519,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-do-s-and-don-ts.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T01:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:20:00","slug":"starting-a-business-do-s-and-don-ts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-do-s-and-don-ts.html","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Business: Do’s and Don’ts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Starting a Business: Do's and Don'ts<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Starting a business requires a solid business plan, a formal legal structure like a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), and startup funding to ensure stability. Entrepreneurs should conduct market research and know the laws and regulations for their own business.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Navigating the\u00a0initial stages<\/a>\u00a0of launching your own small business<\/span> can be exciting and overwhelming. There is no shortage of information on how to start a business. It can be confusing to know where to start.<\/p>\n

FindLaw breaks down the basics of common actions for pitfalls and success when\u00a0starting a successful business<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Learn more about starting a business, including step-by-step<\/span> guides for various business types and industries, in FindLaw\u2019s\u00a0Starting a Business<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence.\u202fOur trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Embrace These Actions When Starting Your Business<\/h2>\n

Seek <\/strong>advice\u00a0and use the resources from organizations like the\u00a0Small Business<\/span> Administration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(SBA<\/span>) and your local\u00a0Small <\/span>Business<\/span> Development<\/span> Center<\/a>. Discuss your business idea<\/span> with a mentor from the\u00a0Senior Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)<\/a>. Some local governments also offer resources to entrepreneurs<\/span> opening a business in their city or county.<\/p>\n

Network\u00a0<\/strong>with successful entrepreneurs<\/span>. Seasoned business owners<\/span> often have a wealth of insight. They have created business plans<\/span> and launched new <\/span>business<\/span> ideas<\/span>. Networking allows you to learn from their successes and failures. Their practical advice may help you navigate your business challenges more effectively.<\/p>\n

Prepare\u00a0<\/strong>a detailed written\u00a0business plan<\/span><\/a>. The effort you put in at this early stage will pay off in many ways later on. You will also need a strong business plan<\/span> to secure funding for your business, either through\u00a0business loans<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or investors.<\/p>\n

Tap\u00a0<\/strong>into your community. Network with your local chamber of commerce, civic organizations, and trade groups. This allows you to find established companies that could be suppliers and business partners who can join your company board. You may even discover potential customers<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Use\u00a0<\/strong>market research<\/a>\u00a0to get to know your potential customer<\/span> base. The insights you gain from interaction with your\u00a0target market<\/span><\/a>\u00a0will prove invaluable. This research on your target audience<\/span> can help you:<\/p>\n