There is some paperwork involved in this step of the process, and it needs to be done right. This is one of those times when you want to double-check you work.



First, make sure you have what you need to sign up your business name. Here's a quick checklist to make sure you look like a real business:

* Phone Number ? Your business should have it's own phone number. This is not to be your home phone number, because you want the state to see you as a professional business, not a person who is calling about the kids soccer practice on the same line they are doing business transactions. While many people prefer to use cell phones as their main communication method these days, banks do frown upon the use of a cell phone as your primary business phone line and think that you are a 'hobby business' rather than the real thing. You should have a landline as your main business line and use your cell phone as the backup.

* Address ? Your business needs an address. This can be your home address, but it needs to be a physical address that can accept mail for your company. A P.O. Box is not acceptable for this job.

Think ahead

The same information you are filling out in this form is the information that will be used in the 411 directories for your company. If you don't want your home address published, you need to get an office address at another location as your primary business location.

Pull Out a Pen

Now that you have that all sorted out, it's time to get down to paperwork. The pieces of paperwork you are going to need to deal with are Articles of Incorporation and the Articles of Organization. Neither of these forms is too hard to fill out. They will take the general information above as well as knowledge for what type of business you are creating. If you want to assure you are doing them right, talk to a business attorney or tax professional. A tax professional offers the benefit of being able to help you sort out which business structure is in your best fiscal interest.

Pat Gage, The Opportunity Creator, and a leading expert in the field of business credit has helped a number of clients target his specialty - starting, expanding, and growing their businesses through his trademarked 10 Steps to Money System. The Opportunity Creator is not only a sought after business credit coach, but also a national speaker. For more information visit http://10steps2cash.infusionsoft.com/go/0/rightnow/