Starting Out
Starting out with Fleming Systems (Got too busy to keep it going)
I had never really considered starting a business of my own… granted this is a company of me, myself, and I. But I have learned quite a bit since I first started two weeks ago, to include legally and technically.
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Legally, there are a few things I had to do.
- I learned how to form my own LLC and register it with the state of Washington. WA CCFS. There are fees to do this, not sure if they are always the same but I had to pay ~$200.
- Get an EIN from the feds EIN Registration, this only took about five minutes. You will need this for tax purposes and to open a business bank account.
- Still in the process of trying to open a true business bank account with a bank. Still undetermined on which bank to use… I blame COVID. :weary:
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Technical/Fun
- In order to host the website you are currently reading this on (for free I might add!), I learned how to use Hugo + Github + Netlify. I love the functionality this gives me and for the cost of free 99 I can’t complain! Being able to write the code on my machine, push to my git repo, then netlify updates the live site within seconds is truly amazing.
- Using VS Code as IDE
- Setting up my Phone System using 3CX; also free.
- Setting up my SIP provider, small monthly fee for the phone number.
- Utilizing third party solutions for booking appointments and contact form on the website.
- Free stock photos for various pictures through the site from Pexel
- Creating my company logo with Inkscape
- I’m not much of an accountant… but I am trying to track all my expenses and what not in Gnu Cash, a free accounting software.
- In order to host the website you are currently reading this on (for free I might add!), I learned how to use Hugo + Github + Netlify. I love the functionality this gives me and for the cost of free 99 I can’t complain! Being able to write the code on my machine, push to my git repo, then netlify updates the live site within seconds is truly amazing.
Of course all the technical services I have listed have much larger paid services for use, however for a small business I have effectively cost all my maintenance costs to under $10 a month.
There is a lot going on and a lot of things I have had setup previously, like my Office 365 tenant and email. I am enjoying myself so far and now I have to figurue out how to market myself a bit more. Business Cards are being printed now!