Most small freelance businesses start out with a business name. Before you “put your freelance name in stone” by putting it on business cards, on your website, and in a logo, make sure it will be a useable name for many years. Here are three topics for you to consider before you go “freelance”.

1

Choose an Address

Unless you are working out of your home, you’ll need a location for your business. It might be an office or a retail space. If you are working out of your home, consider getting a post office box near you so your home address is not the same as your company.

2

Get a Tax ID

One of the first steps in business start-up, after you have a name and a business address and you know your legal form, is to fill out a tax identification application (also known as an employer ID). This number is unique to your business and is an identifier on all types of documents and registration applications.

Many if not all banks want you to have this number before you can set up a checking account for your freelance work and/or apply for a loan. If the LLC or corporation will have employees or needs an Employer Identification Number for some other purpose, you may obtain an EIN. See http://www.limitedliabilitycompanycenter.com/singlememberllcemployees.html

3

Create a Business and Marketing Plan

Before you start selling your freelance services, you’ll need to put together a plan. Your plan should detail exactly what you are, who you are selling to, defines your competition, and defines exactly how you will advertise and promote your company during your first year of business and beyond.

Having thought through your business and marketing plan will help a potential customer see that you are serious about selling freelance and it will give you a plan of action to work from as you get started.

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Alan Brinkmeier was recently named a Leading Lawyer again (consecutive years from 2004) in 2010 as one of the top lawyers in Illinois in his practice area; a distinction recognized by fewer than 5% of all Illinois lawyers throughout the state.  He was also just recognized as a SuperLawyer 2010 in Chicago Magazine and became one of a select group of a few attorneys in Illinois who hold both these designations.  Mr. Brinkmeier an AV peer-review rated lawyer* – the highest rating available nationwide for legal ability and professional ethics.