Get Legit… start up your photography business and don’t hold back!
Through my years of business, I’m frequently asked
“How did you start up your business?“
(business’ by this time!)
And the first thing that comes to my mind is
DON’T HOLD BACK, DON’T MAKE EXCUSES, JUMP ON IT!
What is holding you back?
Starting your own business is a wonderful thing, and a step in your life that you’ll never forget and always look back on with pride. So… I’ve put together a few simple steps, to get you started, and chime in on how I’ve become “Tracy Joy”.
First of all… don’t let your fears take you over. JUMP IN FEET FIRST! The most important part for an entrepreneur to have is NOT HOLDING BACK… believe in yourself, your idea, and YOU in general. You’re an amazing person, and no one can take that away from you 
Have faith in yourself, and you’ll succeed.
Now, on to the business side of things….
1 ) I grabbed this from EHow, but it’s a great explanation that I think should be shared!:
A sole proprietorship is the easiest business structure to form. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual. As owner of a sole proprietorship, you are legally liable for everything that happens in your business.
Features: For tax purposes, your business is automatically classified as a sole proprietorship if you don’t have partners, aren’t incorporated, and your business isn’t a limited liability company.
2) Pick a Company name... something that is easy for your clients to remember, but is specifically “you”.
3) Check with the Trademark & Patent Offices to assure the name is not already taken Click here for the Trademark Office of the US *trademarking your name is always a great idea as well.. though it can be pricey
4) Register your company with your County, State and any Federal. You may need to do a DBA (doing business as), but it varies on states. I’m in Illinois and we must file a DBA if doing business under a name other than our “real name”. CLICK HERE for information on State-State business Tax information
5) Get a FEIN number. Getting FEIN number gives your company it’s own sort of “social security number”… so you don’t have to use YOURS when filing paper work on the company. CLICK HERE, to register for a FEIN. Quick, easy…
6) Check into local licenses’ and other paperwork that might need to be filed
7) START SHOOTING, YOU’RE IN BUSINESS BABY!!!!
Now you can feel legit, and look a touch more “professional” to your own clients by bragging about your newly formed BUSINESS!!!!
~Tracy Joy
My Companies
The Jag Bag is an S-Corporation
Pink Heels Boudoir is an Illinois Partnership
Prop Insanity is a Partnership
Tracy Joy Photography is a Corporation
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