Ready to start a new business but don’t want a boring and lengthy starting a new business checklist? We get it. You just want to know what the real next crucial steps are. We have added some business tools and technology at the end.
This starting a new business checklist is not legal advice, nor is it a complete checklist. Think of it as a simple and compressed top 10 guidance points. Be sure to break down each item in detail.
New Business Checklist – Core Items
- You have focused on your big idea and narrowed down exactly what product or service you are offering.
- You have researched your product or service in terms of the marketplace and competition, as well as your intended demographics.
- You have calculated your startup costs and written a business plan.
- You have sourced your products, raw materials, resources needed, determined product or service pricing and understand your profit margins and more.
- You have developed the concept of your Brand, your Brand strategy, and your Brand identity.
- You have registered your business, confirmed that there are no infringement issues, and are ready to proceed “legally”.
- You understand how to manage your money or you have someone that does.
- You understand marketing or have someone who does.
- You have ideas on how to grow your business, or have someone who does.
- You understand the critical value of customer service and the customer experience.
The new business checklist above represents the minimal essential items. We estimate that certain items could require up to 100 hours or more on the topic. At a minimum, factor for at least 1000 hours combined total time.
If you’re going after investors, you may hear someone ask you if have you done your 1 thousand hours.
Below begins the discussion on some of the basic tools and technology needed to start your new business!
Revo DCS specializes in startup needs. One of our goals is to be your long term technology partner! Contact us to get started.
Starting a Business Checklist: Communications
When starting a new business, you have to consider the basics in terms of technology and communications. It’s the foundation of everything that you will later expand on.
For example, when implementing a business phone system solution, you need to consider your specific communication requirements beyond just the basics. You need to factor the size of your future workforce and the nature of your business operations.
Many businesses choose cloud-based solutions for their flexibility and ease of management.
Business Phone System
A modern solution is far beyond just a phone system. A business voice system typically enables voice and multi channel communications within a business or organization. Modern business voice systems are designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity. This is one of the most important items in a starting a business checklist.
Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS): UCaaS is a cloud based business voice system that often integrates with other communication channels (hence the name “unified”) such as video conferencing, instant messaging, SMS/MMS, website chat and more. UCaaS can streamline communication and collaboration.
UCaas Systems have all the features needed such as Auto-Attendant, Voicemail, Call Routing and Forwarding, mobile applications and so much more.
When implementing a Business Voice System, businesses need to consider their specific communication requirements beyond just the basics. They need to consider the size of their workforce and the nature of their business operations. Many businesses choose cloud-based solutions for their flexibility and ease of management.
If companies are expecting larger volumes of calls and need the ability to engage with customers on multiple platforms (“channels”), then Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) is the desired method.
We can discuss all of the features above as well as get you new phone numbers and more. For a smaller office a UCaaS solutions may be enough. For larger companies a CCaaS solution should be heavily considered.
Whole office UCaaS plans start a $99 per month. Full Contact Center CCaaS starts as low as $599 per month.
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Modern business voice solutions include Business SMS/MMS, Video Conferencing, Business Mobile Solutions, and so much more. Cloud based solutions are frankly the only way to go today. The days of maintaining a premise based phone system are long gone, so are the days of limited to no reporting.
Business Internet Access
Business internet access means internet access solutions specifically designed for the needs of business. Business internet services are distinct from residential internet services in terms of speed, reliability, features, and very importantly, support.
A lot of people work from home, and for most, residential internet can be sufficient. With a reliable internet connection at home, you can also connect to UCaaS and CCaas systems. With residential class internet access, there are some serious limitations in terms of reliability, security, scalability and symmetrical upload and download speeds. You can get business class internet access in residential environments.
Dedicated Internet Access
Dedicated internet access also known as “DIA”, “Private-Line Circuits” and more. Fiber internet is not shared by the provider with other customers and is exclusively for your use only.
Business-grade features and dedicated higher speeds can cost a bit more when compared to traditional shared-access internet access.
Reliable Internet Infrastructure
Fiber Optic Internet Access: A fiber optic internet connection is foundation of the digital revolution. Fiber optic internet access allows for the adoption of next generation services and solutions with enhanced features.
Fiber optic internet access utilizes tiny glass fibers bundled together, using pulses of light to transmit data at rapid speeds.
Welcome to the fiber optic internet revolution.
Your Internet Access Options Are Easy For Us To Confirm.
We don’t just call AT&T and Verizon like you would. Matter of fact, we don’t call anyone.
With your service address we research actual infrastructure information that is not available to the public. These systems are only available to licensed industry professionals.
Digital Transformation Requires Stability
Once you are sure that your network can keep up, network redundancy and failover should be considered. Plan for flexibility, agility and speed of service delivery.
Wireless (RF), 5G, 6G, IoT (Internet of Things) and Cloud Computing network technologies are changing the business landscape, including making it more accessible for everyone.
Peace Of Mind Is Priceless
Feel safe and protected knowing that you have prepared for the worst possible scenario. It’s often the lack of readiness that gets us into trouble. Cost effective solutions are far more advantageous when considering the relative costs of negative outcomes such as data breaches and more.
How much would your business lose with just one hour of downtime?
Business SMS/MMS
Business SMS/MMS, or text messaging, refers to a “channel” of business communications. Short Message Service (SMS), and/or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is great for business communications and interactions with customers, clients, or employees.
Today, text messaging is one of the most critical channels of communication and is often preferred by most customers. Actually, it’s no longer just a preference, it’s expected.
Business Video Conferencing
In a post covid world, most people are very familiar with Video Conferencing. It’s another expected “channel” of communications for most customers. Here are some key aspects of business video conferencing:
- Scheduling Meetings and Events
- Customer/Staff Training and Support
- Conference Recording and Archiving
- Company Etiquette Training and Communication
- Integration with Other Tools
- Collaborative and Sharing Features
Business Mobile Solutions
Everyone business utilizes mobile phones in some way. However, a lot of business don’t yet understand a mobile phone can be a powerful extension of their business phone system.
As a business, mobile phones and devices should be a part of the “Unified Communications” plan. Use your cell phone, have separate personal and business numbers on a single device.
A Unified Communications plan involves integrating various communication tools and channels into a unified platform accessible via mobile devices.
- Mobile Accessibility of Cloud PBX
- Integration of Mobile Communication Channels
- Mobile Presence Management
- Collaboration Tools
- Video Conferencing
- Instant Messaging
- Unified Messaging
Implementing a mobile unified communications strategy can enhance communication and collaboration, especially in today’s dynamic and mobile work environments.
It allows a business and its employees to stay connected and productive regardless of their location.
