how to turn my "business" into a Business

[blakerugg]

I think it's time to quit doing small jobs and get some real contracts going now that I have a good idea about what this stuff is about and i enjoy doing it. Any advice on licensing or insurance will be appreciated as well as any other tips on this subject. If it helps, i'm in Rhode Island and plan on doing normal "weekly maintenace" (mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, small debris pick up) as well as mulching and small gardening jobs.

Thanks in advance!

[Two Seasons]

Make sure you register your business name with your state.

Make sure you have a federal EIN number.

Make sure you have at least a 1M liability insurance policy as well as theft insurance policy.

We use QuickBooks for accounting and tracking P&L. Makes tax time a breeze too.

You'd be wise to set up a portfolio of your work that you can carry with you and e-mail to potential customers when needed. Nothing like the personal touch first and foremost.

Get your hourly rate figured out and make adjustments in your quoting at least every 30 days until you get the right proposal/win ratio that you're comfortable with.

Above all, be consistant in every aspect of your business.

[blakerugg]

buummmpppp!!!!!