Start a satellite installation business to become self-employed.
Starting any business requires startup capital, a marketing and business plan, applying for and obtaining local or state-required business licenses, and insurance to protect you and your consumer. Some satellite companies offer rights of distributorships, affiliate relationships and marketing assistance to get your business off the ground. To the person that already has satellite installation experience and certification, creating your own satellite installation business puts you ahead of the pack.
Instructions
1. Obtain certification. To install satellite systems for the various satellite programs available to consumers requires certification to do such work. Contact the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association to find locations for local certification and testing.
2. Create a budget that includes the cost of startup equipment, insurance, salary support while the business is getting started, business license fees and a vehicle, if needed. Include the costs of an advertising plan and create a marketing plan that defines the local situation, the marketplace, the competition, goals and objectives as well as opportunities and threats.
3. Pick a company name and decide whether you want your company listed as a corporation or a limited liability corporation. Check with the secretary of state's office or website to file an application for the corporation. Both organization types provide protection to you as an individual by creating a new legal entity.
4. Apply for all required business licenses at the local, state and county level. Use your local mailing address, or better yet, obtain a post office box for all business mail.
5. Contact the satellite companies with whom you wish to work. Besides television satellite services, many satellite companies also offer Internet satellite services to consumers, all of whom need a private contracting business to complete the installations.
6. Reach out to the local satellite service providers and offer your satellite installation services to them. These companies usually hire independent contractors to complete the satellite installations.
7. Design and develop a website to create visibility for your business. Research local keyword terms used for finding local satellite business services and purchase a domain name with a chosen search term in the name. Obtain hosting services that offer free content management systems that allow you to easily install a website and get it up and running in a few hours. Establish satellite service affiliate relationships to earn passive income from your website as well.
8. Log into a desktop publishing program and create business cards, letterhead stationery, business flyers and brochure templates to promote your business.
9. Make an invoice template to provide professional looking invoices to clients for services rendered.
10. Join the local Chamber of Commerce to develop local business contacts and offer your services. The membership fee is a tax write-off and allows you to enhance your business.
11. Attend Chamber of Commerce mixers to meet and greet local businessmen and women in your community.
12. Keep accurate records of all business transactions for tax purposes.
