I spent this one basically talking myself through the real first steps of turning a maker idea into a business. Not the shiny version, just the part where you sit down, make a checklist, and figure out what has to happen before you can actually sell anything.
The biggest thing I kept coming back to was this: the order matters. Name first, legal setup next, then socials, domain, products, and only then do I start worrying about selling. If you are trying to build a woodworking or maker business on the side, this is me working through that process out loud.
Coming up with the business name first, because that drives everything elseGetting the EIN set up for taxes and the legal side of thingsChoosing the business entity, like sole proprietor, partnership, or LLCChecking name availability through the Florida business records site, which is http://sunbiz.orgSetting up company socials early so the handles do not get grabbed firstSecuring the domain name at the same time as the socialsThinking through business email addresses like personal, office, and admin accountsUsing a mailbox or separate business address instead of a home address for privacyKeeping personal and business life separate, especially if filing an LLCNarrowing down the first product lineup instead of trying to launch with 40 productsDoing market research on demand before spending time and money on inventoryLooking at craft fairs, farmers markets, and other local sales optionsPlanning around seasonality, weather, and travel costs before committing to eventsSetting rough timeframes for each checklist item, especially the business name and product research00:00 Business Startup Checklist
02:09 Name, EIN & Business Structure
04:49 Check Business Name Availability
05:25 Secure Socials & Your Domain
09:57 Choose a Business Address
13:28 Define Your Product Lineup
15:04 Research Product Demand
16:56 Research Craft Fairs & Markets
20:47 Set Your Business Timeline
23:56 Closing & Community
I talked through a lot of this from my own list, so yours might look different. That is fine. The point is to get moving and make it fit your life, not force some perfect version that does not exist.
You can catch the episode on YouTube and in the community forum if you want to follow along with the rest of the build.
Website: https://themakerdad.com
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vvoiC3ccHFG7HWt3mWxUH
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