So you have thought about starting your own startup home care business? Well, you have come to the right place. Here are 7 of the most basic steps to keep in mind when starting your home care business. There are, of course, many other steps between these steps, but these are the bare bones basics to getting a startup home care business on the street and rolling:

1) Determine the business model you want to utilize: Consultant, Membership Organization, Franchise, or Do It Yourself.

2) Determine your business name, website domain, and create a logo.

3) Determine your legal entity. The most commonly used legal entities are S-Corps and LLCs.

4) Get through the process of getting a Home Care Agency License in your state (if applicable). The average amount of time is 3 months for such.

5) Create your marketing materials: Website, brochures, business cards, flyers, presentation folders, table cloth, 8′ pop-up banner, etc. so you look professional from the start.

6) Get your business location organized and office setup. Start interviewing personal care attendants.

7) Develop and implement your marketing plan to beat out your local embedded competitors and find clients.

It goes without saying that first impressions count. The first 60 seconds on the phone with a potential client or a potential referral source are critical to keeping their interest or having them write you off as an “amateur.” What you say and what you give these individuals counts. Be sure you are on your “A” Game when you go out to market – you wouldn’t want people writing you off as an amateur before you even get chance to prove yourself. Good luck!