Do you have a great idea for a new business or does your existing business need a new beginning? Growing a business requires a great amount of planning, organization and energy. TechGro.com has many resources to help your business open smoothly so you can focus on more important things like operating the business and generating revenue. We can help just about any small business get up and running quickly. We have summarized below what we feel are some of the important things to consider when starting a business as well as how we can help.

STEP 1- Do Your Research and Plan Your Business.

Determine if your potential business is viable in the current economic climate. Is there a demonstrated consumer need for your product or service? Are you filling a market gap? Has the industry suffered or boomed recently? These facts are essential to know before launching a business. Investors, partners, employees and customers alike will want to see that you’ve done your homework. You convey your homework in a business plan.

A business plan is an opportunity for you to put all your ideas for business success into a formal plan. It is important for a start-up business to analyze the viability of their success. It’s a good time to write a mission and to articulate your vision. Identify achievable goals and strategies for your business. Your plan needs to address everything from capital needed and the source of funds to sales to marketing to training to accounting to what makes you unique, etc. Consider the pros and cons of starting this company, as well as the challenges you’ll encounter. Sound difficult? It doesn’t have to be. Here's where we can help:

We have a great software that will walk you through the business planning process. With over 500 sample plans, plus instructions and examples at every step, you never need to worry about writer's block. Your plan will easily export to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF and includes a built-in plan review. More Info...

Step 2- Develop your Identity.

A name can make or break your business. Consider what you want the name to communicate about your company — should it be casual and fun or serious and sophisticated? Either way, it should aim to attract the type of customers you’re looking for and should be relevant to the product or service you plan to offer.

Be sure you register your domain (CLICK HERE).

After determining your name, it’s time to establish your brand. What colors best reflect your business? What look do you want to be remembered by? Will someone recognize your logo? We can help, check out our logo design services.

Step 3- Determine a business structure and make it official.

Even if you are just going to be working alone, you must legally set up a business structure. You need to get a Tax ID and register for state and local taxes. There are a number of different ways to set up a business…LLC, S-Corporation, C-Corporporation, General Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, Non-profit, and Professional Corporation. You should be familiar with each one so you can determine which will best support your business goals. Need help figuring out the best option for you? Let us help you do it quickly and conveniently, visit our Business Filing page.

From there, be sure to check into licensing and permit requirements for your specific industry and state.

Step 4- Set up business relationships.

Depending on the nature of your business, you might need support from talented individuals to help propel your vision into a profitable enterprise. Network with like-minded professionals — either online through social network marketing sites or through trade shows and industry events — to find partners that will get on board with your start up. This is also a good time to identify future employee needs and plan when you should hire more staff.

Establish strong banking relationships and open up a business checking account. If you need to borrow money for your business, we recommend a peer-to-peer lending group. Click Here for more info.

Be sure to establish professional companies that you can consult on an as-needed basis. Unfortunately, many of these type of companies are expensive. We can help.

Every business needs a good attorney for legal forms and contracts but also in case a legal issue arises. Check out our Legal Services page.

In addition, don't forget to set up proper bookkeeping software. Visit our Bookkeeping page for more information on our recommendation.

And be sure to have a good Information Technology company on hand...you can check out our choice on our Tech Support page.

We have been fortunate to have operated small businesses for over 15 years. We feel blessed to have owned and operated a successful multi-million dollar business with over 150 employees. One of the best lessons we have learned in business is that no matter how much revenue you have coming in, it is always smart to review cost-saving options. Why? Because the time to mend the roof is when the sun is shining. You never know when the market will tighten up and you never know when business will slowdown unexpectedly. In order to survive the lean times you must put away extra in the good times. Unfortunately, with payroll, taxes, expenses, etc...this is easier said than done. It helps when you keep costs low. Sometimes you have to think outside the box and implement cost-saving ideas that are different than typical operating procedures. And of course it is essential that these cost-saving measures don't negatively impact the bottom line or productivity.

Below, we discuss several cost-saving initiatives that are aimed at using technology to accelerate goals. These accelerators can be implemented into a business relatively easily.

Traditionally, businesses with a physical location have operated with significant costs. Overhead includes office space, phone systems, supplies, networks, furniture, utilities, etc. In a nutshell, business locations are expensive to run and present more risk for the business. We're not saying a physical location is a bad thing, as many times it's a necessity. But is it possible to have less space or no space at all? Is it possible for an associate to work from home or the road?

With the tremendous advancement in technology over the last 10 years, we can now realize a work environment that is pc-based, that can be replicated anywhere with an internet connection. What needs to happen to have a mobile workforce? Well first, we highly recommend paying for performance and clearly defining responsibilities and tasks to ensure you are getting desired results. Depending on the job responsibility, you may be able to hire contractors. Conversely, when you have an associate that works in your office, you have increased wage pay (minimum wage applies), increased furniture, office supplies and toner, phone bill usage, and square footage that must be paid no matter if the associate produces or not.

So, is it a good idea to have associates work from home? In order to answer that question, one must ask, what is the purpose of an office? Let us sum it up...an office is a physical location where associates go to be managed, get assignments, collaborate with co-workers, use equipment, sit at desks and hold meetings. Sound about right? So if you aren't providing these services, is it the associates responsibility to cover the items? Well, that is up to you. We recommend providing an environment where you consistently retain talent. The great news is you can have a remote employee with unlimited phone calls and long distance, unlimited meetings with automatic meeting notes and minimal office supplies and equipment for less than $100 per month per associate. Chances are, your expense of having them in your office would be at least 10 times that amount.

Here's some other things to think about...

How will you conduct meetings?

Did you know you can conduct online conferencing and meetings for less than it costs to provide a small group donuts and coffee? Plus, you make it more convenient for all parties with the ability to log your meeting minutes, record your session, view participants, etc. Share video, audio, desktop, pictures, etc. Best of all, IT'S EASY! Click Here for more info.

How will you handle faxes and incoming phone calls?

With today's mobile lifestyle and burgeoning technology, it is possible to have a state-of-the-art phone system for just pennies per day. Don't spend thousands on a phone system that will be obsolete in a few years...utilize today's technology and get ahead of the curve. Keep organized and efficient by having all your faxes and voice mail in your email. Get call logs, text alerts and tons more. Best of all, IT'S NOT COMPLICATED! Click Here for more info.

How will you handle outgoing phone calls?

With mobile associates, a simple installation on their computer allows them to communicate with other users for free, while allowing them to call unlimited long distance, worldwide for pennies a day. Click Here for more info.

There is a simple solution that enables users to create online workspaces, to share files and documents, manage task lists and engage in group discussions. A feature that yields quick adoption is its ability to tie email and project management together. This eliminates a ton of headaches for team projects. Best of all, you can get this for less than a dollar per day. Click Here for more info.

How will you get marketing materials and business cards to your staff?

Have you been going to a local printer that delivers your cards to you in about a week? Are you paying more than $40 for 500 business cards? It's possible to save hundreds in print costs and have them drop-shipped to your associates. Click Here for more info.

Why shop for a computer at one of those expensive retail outlets?

It's possible to get great deals on new and closeout computers. Stay on top of the latest technology whether you are a PC or MAC fan. Click Here for more info.

Why waste gas and time driving to the local store for inflated prices on office supplies, equipment and furniture?

Convenience, great prices and selection are available online with great product details and fast delivery. Save time and money. Click Here for more info.

Ever wish you had a stamp and that you didn't have to drive to the post office to get one?

Print postage right from your PC! That’s right, all it takes is a PC and a Printer to print USPS-approved postage for envelopes, packages, and even Priority Mail right from home or office. Plus save 80% over postage meters. Click Here for more info.

How do I ensure that my data and computer files are safe?

Unfortunately, hard drive failure is a common problem.  Protect yourself and your business by having a remote data-backup solution that is easy to use! Click Here for more info.

The challenges of running a business in today's day and age are not overcome by just having money and workers. The technology culture has created a demand on businesses to provide products and services with 3 key principals in mind. Consumers expect to get things that are of good value, exactly when they want it, at cheap prices. Good, Fast and Cheap.

Hey, we know that running a business is no easy task and we all have areas where we can be more organized, more efficient and/or more productive. We have utilized several great tools that have helped us become a better company. We wanted to discuss some items that have helped either us or another business be more efficient, more credible, more educated and more organized. Whether you need help writing productive content, sales process help or videos to show off your business, we offer several business enhancement services aimed at helping grow your business.