Professional Services Needed
As a free lance web designer and entrepreneur, I would recommend a couple of professional service providers. I would strongly recommend a certified public accountant (C.P.A). Also I would recommend hiring an contract lawyer. I would also recommend an insurance agent. I will explain in a few minutes, why these are some good partnerships to have.
Certified Public Accountant
You will need to register your business as a business entity. There are some pros and cons with being a limited liability corporation or LLC. There are some pros and cons with being a solo entrepreneur. There are some pros and cons with being an Incorporated business. These pros and cons are know by an experience CPA. You can get recommendations from your local chamber of commerce. You can get recommendations from fellow free lancer.
CPA can also assist you with helping you register your organization with local, state and federal government. While there are many resources on line to assist you, if you have a professional who can help you. Just pay the money, develop a relationship and begin your journey on the correct foot.
Attorney
A contract attorney is needed. Your attorney can assist you with helping to construct your basic contract. Your attorney can review any contract, which you need to sign or execute. Your attorney has answer basic questions, and you will be meet with many questions early in your journey. Attorney can be very expensive. I would recommend sending in a retainer, and when you need your attorney services. Their bill will be deducted from the retainer.
Insurance Agent
If you presently have an insurance agent, then secure information about business liability insurance. If you have a remote office, then you might need property and liability coverage. It is always a good ideal to talk to a professional to see what is needed. As you grow your business, you might need to provide an insurance binder to a larger client. Do not be surprise that companies investing five figures in your services, might ask for an insurance binder.
Image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema.