People start businesses for many reasons, including to have flexibility and engage with their community. However, a business ultimately has to turn a profit to make these goals a reality in the long term. The following information can help you keep your cash flowing toward its rightful location: your bank account.
Safeguard your intellectual property.
Intellectual property consists of products and ideas that you generate. Your business name and logo are considered intellectual property. It’s crucial to trademark these and other proprietary services and products to protect yourself from copycats capitalizing off of your good name and pulling profits in a different direction. An intellectual property lawyer (such as the experts at Trademark-Lawyers.org) can keep you safeguarded under the law and will ensure that you have a legal standing to enforce your intellectual property rights. Costs vary when hiring an intellectual property lawyer, but many offer payment plans and flat rates for certain services.
Establish your business entity before you get too big.
The ultimate goal in any business is growth. To perpetuate sustainable growth, establish your business structure early. While some single-person entities can operate as a sole proprietorship, forming a corporation will give you some cash benefits. To understand the difference between a C Corp vs LLC startup, you must first understand that a corporation, according to ZenBusiness, is a legal entity that will remove some liability from you, a stockholder. Corporate debts aren’t considered part of your personal debts. There are three primary types of corporations, including S Corp., C Corp., and nonprofit. An S Corp. avoids double taxation, while a C Corp. offers the highest level of legal protections. A nonprofit Corp. is exclusive to charitable organizations and, unlike other types of business, does not require taxes to be paid.
Eliminate profit-eating products.
If you’ve ever been to a restaurant with a lengthy menu, you’ve likely wondered how they can afford to maintain stock of every single ingredient needed. Apply the same thought process to your business. You do not have to have dozens of options, and a few quality products or services can sustain you, especially when business is down. To determine what products should stay, calculate your profits. Keep only those that offer the highest profit margin. Do keep in mind, however, that this does not necessarily apply to loss leaders, which Accounting Tools explains are products that you sell near cost to encourage your customers to spend money on higher profit pieces.
Spend money on good employees.
It might sound counterproductive, but to safeguard your profits and the best way, plan to pay your employees competitively or better. This will attract the best talent and, considering that money is a huge motivator, is just one of many ways you can encourage employee longevity. Remember that the employee acquisition and training process is an exponential expense, and it can take six months or better to break even on a single new hire. LinkedIn also points out that paying a low wage can damage your brand’s credibility while a generous paycheck will excite top performers. If you are not quite sure which roles you need to fill, consider hiring a freelancer in each area of your business first. This way, you can decide which position is most valuable. And, if your freelancer shows promise, they may be willing to take on a permanent, full-time job.
Everything you do when you run a business affects your bottom line. The above tips, including maintaining your intellectual property rights, forming your business entity, ditching those products that don’t turn a profit, and spending money on the right staff, are all excellent ways to ensure that your cash continues to flow in the right direction.
Wise Laws Trademark Lawyers and Legal Team is your affordable trademark attorney.
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