After 6 Months of Running A Business, I Needed To Help
In the world of technology, launching a business has become something that anyone can do as long as you have a computer. If you are like me, you were able to file for your corporation online, buy your domain, create your website, start your social media accounts, and in the world of Covid-19, even open your business bank account using technology. I took all these steps to “officially” launch my business and got right to work. (TLDR; VBA has existed for a while but I had a consistent fear of going all in). I offered resume revision services at a low-rate due to the unemployment many people were experiencing due to Covid-19 and worked with many clients right away.
As months went on, I found myself still working with new clients and returning clients on the full suite of my business offerings from websites, email account management, and system streamlining. During the holidays, business slowed down a little and I was able to conduct a review of my own business to see what I need to improve as we entered the new year. I realized that while I was working with others on their businesses and brand, I had yet to work with people that can help my own business and brand work efficiently. Here are the services I needed to seek for my business to go from good to great.
Financial Services
Since launching my business, I had not yet paid myself for any of the work I had completed. I know NOTHING (NATHAN-IEL) about business taxes so I decided not to pay myself anything until I knew how much taxes I owed for my year in business. Additionally, I needed to hire someone to make sure that I had enough funds to work with the other people I decided I needed to hire.
My consultant is working with me to make sure that I am paying taxes quarterly. Additionally, I was able to add myself as my first employee and begin to pay myself on a bi-weekly/monthly basis.
Bonus: I was also able to add on personal budgeting and personal taxes on to my services so I can ensure my business and personal funds are straight. I’ve been broke before, I ain’t going back.
Copywriter
When I launched my website, I quickly added descriptions of my services, who I am, and the mission of the business to the website. Now that I had the time (and funds) to invest back into myself, I wanted to hire a copywriter. Copywriter’s compose text with the purpose of keeping the key audience in mind for marketing and advertising. Their expertise with websites help make sure that your site language is engaging, positioned appropriately based on your site, and convinces customers to seal the deal. Through my work with the copywriter, I was able to find my ideal tagline for my business, “Every Dreamer Needs a Doer,” and ensure the language of my site really captures who and what The VBA Group represents.
Photographer
When I first launched my business, I had a friend in town who is a photographer so I was able to take pictures with them. That was six months and two hairstyles ago, so now it is time for me to take more photos. If you are like me, you are not a huge fan of photoshoots. I am pretty shy and have always seen myself as a behind the scenes person but professional photography is key to a business. Even if the photos you take are not of yourself, maybe of your product, it is still key to have professional photos to use on your website, social media accounts, and branding.
It is not always possible to invest in your business in the beginning due to lack of funds or time but it is important that once those things are no longer barriers, you invest in working with people that will make sure your business can continue to flourish.