One aspect of running a small business that few people give a lot of thought to is the way they deal with professional vendors such as bankers, lawyers, accountants and so on. Most entrepreneurs just dive right into their businesses without giving a second thought to how these professionals should be treated, what they can do for you and what they in turn look for in clients. With a little thought and effort, you can ensure that you get the most from these relationships.
The main thing to remember is that you need a personal relationship with each of these people. They have the ability sometimes direct, sometimes indirect to drastically influence the success of your business. Your goal should be to develop a long-term, personal relationship with each of them. If you do that, when you hit a bump in the road, they'll be there to help you get over it.

Turning your special skills and abilities into a profitable business is a growing trend. Many are considering self-employment as a viable and rewarding life choice. Concerns unique to your particular situation need to be addressed, but issues you should definitely include in your decision making process are:
Assessing yourself and your skills
Determining market opportunities
Analyzing competitors
Regulations and laws affecting the business
Selecting professional advisors
Preparing your business plan
Setting fees or determining pricing
Keeping records
How to legally minimize paying tax
Preventing losses and wasting resources
Running a smooth operation

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