16 Steps to Establishing Your Own Business

There are many different business models and ideas and approaches to establishing your own business. Before establishing my company, I read many books and online articles. Afterward, I was ready to get started and, in the words of Nike, just do it! 

Here are 16 of the steps I followed to establish my own business: 

1. Discussed the idea with my husband
2. Determined how I would fund the start-up phase of the business (my husband and I agreed to use our personal funds and reimburse ourselves over a certain period of time)
3. Determined the name of the company
4. Decided the company would be a virtual one
5. Established the company as an LLC (limited liability company) through http://www.incfile.com/
6. Hired a graphic designer to develop the company logo and design the letterhead and envelopes
7. Hired a company to develop a website
8. Secured a toll-free number
9. Developed an online office (WebEx)
10. Hired associates
11. Hired an assistant
12. Hired an accountant
13. Purchased an online payroll system (QuickBooks)
14. Developed procedures, processes and checklists to help ensure our effectiveness and efficiency
15. Developed a marketing plan
16. Developed a business development plan

What are some steps you took (or are currently taking) to establish your business?