Business Bestie Ebook

MEET ME…

Hey Business Bestiee! Nice to meet you, My name is Ariyann and I am 21 years old. I’ll be your instructor for this course! I’ve been a entrepreneur since 2019. I started selling lashes back in 2019! Fast forward to 2020 captured MULTIPLE streams of income! This is where I got my experience of being a real BOSS! Now I am the owner of 5 businesses and MULTIPLE side hustles! It’s safe to say that I’m a serial entrepreneur! I’m excited to teach you everything that I know.. (KEEP READING)

CHAPTER ONE Establish Your Business

FIRST THINGS FIRST! Choose a business name make sure no one has the business name in your state.

States do require that every incorporated business has a unique name that’s not used by any other formal business in the state.

You will need to check if your business name is available by searching the company name database for your state. Also search on IG to double check the availability for your business name.

Create social media accounts(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Reddit, or other social media platforms depending on your business) page

1.

Get a website/domain name and email, Most businesses need a website, even if they’re not selling online. Even if you don’t have a website, it’s still worth securing your domain name so no one else can use it.

You can search for and register your domain name through various domain services like Google Domains, Web.com, GoDaddy or another domain service. At the same time, you can set up your email account.

Services like GSuite from Google or your web hosting provider will often allow you to use your domain name as part of your email address. page 2.

Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Tax ID Number Whether you intend to employ people or not, I recommend getting a Federal Employment Number (EIN) from the IRS. This unique number allows LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietors to identify themselves for tax purposes. Think of your EIN as a social security number for your business. You use it when paying wages, filing taxes and paying any money you owe to the IRS. Your state government may also use an EIN for certain tax-related administration or payment.

You can get a FREE EIN number directly from the irs.gov site Trademark Your Business Name Incorporating your business means that other businesses can’t incorporate with the same name in your state. If you want more protection than that, you can register your business name as an official trademark. The company you choose to trademark your business should provide a complete trademark search and registration service — they’ll check if your name is already registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and then register it on your behalf if it’s available.

Understand How to Track Expenses and What’s Deductible! Every business has to spend money to operate. These payments for the necessary goods and services to run your business are “expenses.” Expenses are typically deducted from your business revenue when working out your profit, and you won’t typically need to pay taxes on your expenses.

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Expenses can be complex, but here’s some of

the more common ones you can claim: • Product costs: (Raw materials, manufacturing, shipping, etc.)

• Office costs: (Rent, insurance, repairs, utilities, etc.)

• Operational costs: (Software, hardware, furniture, accounting, hosting, miscellaneous, etc.)

• Customer service costs: (Returns, repairs, refunds, customer service systems, etc.)

• Marketing and sales costs: (Marketing, advertising, branding, etc.)

Transaction costs: Fees from processing payments via PayPal, Stripe or debit/credit cards page 4.

Understand Taxes There are plenty of taxes you will need to pay as a business owner. If you’re set up as an LLC, your business profits will flow through to your personal tax return, which is where you will pay taxes. The types of tax you will need to pay include: • Federal income tax: You will need to pay income tax on any profits or earnings you take from your business.

• Self-employment tax: Unlike employees, the earnings from your business will be taxed under a self-employment tax (FICA and Medicaid). This is just over 15 percent of your profits.

• State tax: Most states do have a state income tax.

If yours does, you will be taxed on your earnings as normal. To register for state tax, see your secretary of state’s website. page 5.

• Payroll tax: If you pay employees, you will be liable for payroll tax.

• Corporation tax: If you incorporate as a C Corporation, you will also need to pay corporation tax; you will be taxed both on your profits as a business and when you extract earnings from your company. This “double taxation” is one of the reasons we normally recommend LLCs as a good business structure, since they avoid this.

• Other taxes: In certain circumstances you may need to pay some other types of taxes. Talk to an accountant to find out what else you may be liable for. Once you know what taxes you are likely to pay, you will need to pay estimated taxes to the federal and state government four times a year. page 6.

Understand Sales Tax If your business sells physical products or certain types of services, you may need to collect sales tax and pay it to your state’s department of revenue.

Sales tax is typically collected at the point of purchase when you sell the product or service to your customer. Sales tax rates do vary slightly depending on the region, county or city your business is located in.

The types of offerings you need to collect sales tax on typically include: • Goods you sell like books, cars, electronics, furniture, appliances, raw materials, etc.

• Some services that you provide.

Most states do not levy sales tax on goods that are considered necessities, like food, medications, clothing or gas. page 7.

Business licenses.

Another essential to being a business owner. It’s best to start out the right & LEGAL way! If you’ve already started & skipped these steps, it’s never too late to get your business together!

Here’s 10 types of business licenses and permits you should know about: KNOWLEDGE IS KEY (Important read) 1.Business Operating License Business operating licenses are state- and city-issued licenses that grant you legal permission to operate your business within your city and state. You may need to apply for these separately at the state and city levels, as each jurisdiction has its own requirements and regulations. page 8.

2.DBA (doing business as) license or permit If you operate your business under a different name from the one you are legally registered as, you may be obligated get a DBA name – also known as a trade name, fictitious name or assumed name. DBA requirements vary by location.

3.Planning and zoning permits Each municipality has regulations for which business types can operate (and where), so you need to verify that the city you are operating within is zoned for your specific type of business. If it isn't, you will need to apply for a zoning variance and prove that your business will not significantly disrupt the community.

4.Building and home occupation permits A building permit verifies that the building you operate out of is up to code, which is a necessary component of applying for business insurance. Similarly, a home occupation permit allows you to conduct your business out of your home.

If you run and operate your business from home, you must obtain a home occupation permit. This ensures your neighborhood is zoned for home business activity. That is to say, the business conducted from your home does not add additional traffic or noise to the community. page 9.

5.Fire department permits A fire inspection and safety permit from your local fire department verifies that your business will be operating safely and does not violate any fire codes, which is especially important for companies that operate with flammable materials. Some jurisdictions require every business to receive a fire department permit before operating, whereas others simply require recurring inspections. Check with your local government to see what level of fire inspection regulations apply to your business.

6.Tax regulations An essential (and sometimes confusing) element of running a business is ensuring you meet all the required tax regulations, and a small business owner needs to acquire multiple licenses for tax purposes. For example, nearly every business needs to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which enables you to hire employees and collect payroll taxes. Businesses that sell goods (and sometimes even those that sell services) are often required to obtain a seller's permit, also known as a sales tax license or permit. page 10.

7. Health licenses and permits Depending on your industry and location, you may need to receive specific health permits to operate your business. For example, businesses in the food and beverage industry will need to be assessed to verify that they are up to health code standards. Unless you are one of the few exempt organizations, you will also have to comply with safety regulations 8. Environmental licenses Companies in certain locations and industries must acquire one of the many government-regulated environmental licenses. These typically protect environmental factors like air and water quality.

For example, most counties in California require businesses that produce water waste (e.g., car washes, outdoor cleaning companies) to complete an urban runoff section of their business license, projecting their possible water runoff that could cause pollution in local waterways. These companies must fill out additional information in their business license application to determine if they are compliant.

9. Sign permits Although it may seem harmless, putting up a business sign before you obtain the proper sign permits can lead to some heavy fines. Many local governments regulate business sign requirements, like how big it is and where it's located. To avoid wasting money on a sign that isn't up to code, check with your local government to see if you need to follow any guidelines or obtain a sign permit beforehand. page 11.

10.Industry-specific licenses In addition to the standard business licenses that most businesses need to obtain, you will likely need licenses and permits specific to your industry.

Common industries that often require specific licenses and permits include architecture, beauty salons and spas, child care, cleaning and janitorial services, construction, electrical, engineering, food and alcohol, general contracting, healthcare, insurance, landscaping, pest control, pharmaceuticals, plumbing, temporary events, and tobacco. Some examples of permits these industries need are reseller's permits and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses. page 12.

Get a DUNS # The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that identifies business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the D-U-N-S Number is widely used as a standard business identifier.

Steps on how to get your DUNS number: Visit the D&B Website. https://www.dnb.com/dunsnumber/get-a-duns.html Click on “ Primary reason for DUNS number” then choose “I have a US based business” Next, D&B will ask for your business name, business phone number, and address input that information then Request a DUNS Number. Lastly, Choose Your Delivery & you’re done!

Business phone number.

If you don’t have a business number already you can download apps to get one.

Business address.

You’ll need a business address for operating. A P.O. Box &

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CHAPTER TWO Building Business Credit

BUSINESS CREDIT TIP: You only need a score of 80+ to be in good standing for your business!

Business credit is important for small businesses because it creates a good reputation with the banks. Having a good relationship with banks is important when owning and operating a business because when you want to apply for a loan or a credit card you will need to have business credit.

Many people wonder what business credit is, knowing what it means is just as important as knowing what it is good for.

Accessing your credit reports for your business and building a good reputation is crucial in running a successful organization. Obtaining all of this information is not as hard as it sounds, by following the guidelines and advice given in this chapter, you will find yourself with more knowledge and a clearer, more positive vision of the future regarding business credit. page 14.

Business Credit Step by Step Guide!

TIP: Make sure your personal credit is in good standing before you begin process.

Name your business Get a business address Apply for LLC Apply for a EIN number Apply for DUNS # Get a logo Get a business phone # List business phone # with 411 Get a website made for your business Get your domain name/ business email (make sure it’s a professional email like infoyourbusinessname@yourdomain.com, yourbusinessname@yourdomain.com) Find your naics code, you’ll need this when opening a business bank account (www.naics.com/search) Open a business bank account Freeze your personal credit Add business to Google, Yelp, & Bing Make social media accounts for your business (Facebook, IG, Twitter etc.)

Open 4 Net30 accounts, this will generate your PayDex score. page 15.

CHAPTER THREE Business Etiquette/Dos & Donts

Professionalism goes a longggg way in the entrepreneur game whether you sell clothes, do hair, flip houses, or even a graphic designer.. YOU MUST ALWAYS REMAIN PROFESSIONAL, THATS THE #1 RULE! You know how you would have to be on your A game being professional at a corporate job? Its the same with your business treat your business with the UPMOST RESPECT. (the fake smile & fake voice) lol I know it’s hard for some of us but fake it til you make it.

After a while it becomes natural when dealing with customers/clients. An important factor - running a business requires you to interact with people on a day to day basis & for that reason you HAVE to be a peoples person or work towards becoming one. It’s the only way you’ll stay in business for a long period of time. Longevity is very important unless you’re in it for the wrong reasons! page 16.

Important Motto: The customer is always right (EVEN WHEN THEY’RE NOT) Live by it, install it!

Customers will try to bash you with the quickness & bad reviews travel fast just like bad news do. page 17.

Mannerism.

ALWAYS USE MANNERS when you’re holding a conversation with customers/clients. Even if it’s not a in person interaction or transaction be sure to make your customers feel comfortable, welcomed, important etc. Greet them & thank them at all times! Especially if it’s an in person transaction. Leave a good impression.

Here’s some examples of how to interact with customers/clients on a daily basis that leaves a huge mark: “ OF COURSE I CAN, OF COURSE I DO, THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING, THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS, THANK YOU FOR INQUIRING, YOU’RE SO WELCOME, HI HOW ARE YOU, HOW MAY I HELP YOU etc.” you can even throw in some enthusiasm for a razzle dazzle..

If you’re dealing with a troubled customer or client, FIRST you should apologize on your behalf. Acknowledge the issue, and try to work towards a solution with them. For your sanity and peace of mind, sometimes it results with a refund or a free item/service.. anything to make them happy and the situation better so if it boils down to it and you feel the best option is to refund then refund them and go be GREAT. Do not argue with them or be rude at all! I repeat, do not argue with them or be rude to them under no circumstances. Remember, Someone is always watching!

Don’t get me wrong, you can RESPECTFULLY clear someone when they’re trying to come for your brand. By all means necessary PROTECT THE BRAND but do it in a professional way! Come with those receipts ready if it is a public confrontation. In the future, just decline doing business with them or block them it makes it way easier and less stressful. After you’ve resolved the issue of course, then block them. It’s ok to protect your peace! page 18.

Content.

Let’s get into content! What does content mean? Social media content means any materials, documents, images, videos, recordings or other information that is posted, distributed, created, shared, or transmitted using social media sites!

Creating good content can be a hassle at times because it requires a lot of work and editing.

TikToks & reels are popping right now. From Facebook, to Instagram, to TikTok! It’s so easy to go viral now you can even get paid for it. It’s called a content creator, you’re making money by making relatable content that other people enjoy watching! When creating content you want to first make sure it’s something interesting that catches the attention or something that’s trendy. Just ask yourself what do I stop and engage with on social media and what do I scroll pass? That will help you get creative for content.

Next, you want to make sure it’s good lightning in your pictures and videos! Invest in a good ring light and tripod. Amazon & Walmart have the best ones.. I recommend the ring lights that come with the Bluetooth clickers! I have the 10'' Ring Light with 50'' Extendable Tripod Stand (versatile) it was ordered off Amazon. Super convenient and a great investment!

Also, keep a clean & clear background for things like lashes, lipgloss, clothes etc. some entrepreneurs use the sunlight and a good bush outside or just a good scenery it brings out the best when creating content. Weigh out your options and do whatever fits your brand best.

If you are not good at creating content.. hire a content creator, get a professional photographer to help your brand. Whatever it takes.

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Content Ideas.

Beauty / hair /makeup brands -get ready with me -take down, take off makeup etc.

-transformation videos -products you use / best products to use Fitness / weight loss / weight gain brands -at home workouts -in gym workouts -before and after transformation videos -meal preps -diet ideas -bbl marketing Lifestyle / content creators -mini vlogs -try nice brunch spots & restaurants -food reviews -vacation vlogs -skincare routines -clean and unwind with me Fashion / boutique brands -best stores to shop -fashion hauls -outfit inspo -ootd (outfit of the day) -fashion do’s and donts Clean Background: White, Grey, Marble Best places to create content: Hotel lobbies, expensive outlet malls, beach/tropics, rooftops & top of parking garages, museums etc.

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CHAPTER FIVE Business Tips Branding.

Your branding should always be on point. Consumers shop with their eyes. Your brand and products have to be eye catching. (Logos, brand name, packaging, labels, business cards, thank you cards etc.)

First let’s start with the logo. Logos should not have too much going on with them, meaning glitter, cartoons etc. A SLEEK LOGO IS TOP TIER & MORE PROFESSIONAL! I cannot stress that enough. Please let go of the “make it pop” mindsets for logos it’s played out honestly. Think about all the big businesses.. you don’t see their logo being someone that’s a cartoon character holding a gun in one hand and a spatula in the other, kitchen tools, and all that other extra stuff combined in their logo. It’s a clean, simple, sleek logo right? Less is always better!

Pick a good color scheme and you’re in the door.

Also you should have 3 logos for your brand. Primary, secondary, and a sub-mark logo. Graphic designers can explain the difference and importance of each one, if you want to start out with one logo that’s completely fine and up to you, as your business expands that should be a necessity to upgrade to all three logos. Don’t have a clean logo for your brand? It’s time to revamp and rebrand sis!

Brand name- pick a brand name that’s catchy but not too long, long brand names are harder to remember & the same with domain names. Your brand name should match your target audience Example: The Dollhouse would reach ages 14-18, vz.

Dollhouse Wear that will reach 18+ page 21.

Packaging.

Your packaging is what separates you from the others, good packaging leaves a impression on customers/clients. People will literally shop or book with you again just for having cute packaging (I’m one of those) logos play a huge part in cute packaging so make sure it’s a hit with your logo. When packaging orders a custom handwritten note will make your customer’s day, it also builds a business bond they like to see that extra effort! STICKERMULE IS THE GOAT! Highly recommend them for your packaging & branding needs.

Labels define the identity of your brand. If you sell skin care, feminine products etc. then your labels should always include the name of the product, ingredients, disclaimer etc.

Business cards & thank you cards play a important role in packaging + marketing.

Your business and thank you cards should include all your contact information, social media handles, and what it is that you sell or do! Throw in a discount code for thank you cards to attract loyal customers. Everyone loves a discount to save some coins.

TIP: If you have a clothing boutique put at least 2 cards of each (business & thank you card) inside the pack with the outfit and not on the outside in the bag or mailer - that way in order to get to the outfit they’ll have to take out the cards, 9 times out of 10 they will read it & not throw it away. Especially if it’s cute cards so keep that in mind! Many consumers who support small businesses keep all business cards (myself included)

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Pricing & Profits.

Pricing a certain product or service depends on how much you purchase it wholesale (shipping included) or how much you spent on supplies for the service you’re offering. Always charge your worth, never sell yourself short to satisfy anyone that’s not benefiting your business & by benefiting I mean making a good profit back!!!

Example: Product based- You purchase a $6.00 top from a vendor, the quantity 10 = $60.00 with taxes and shipping fee $95.00 so that equals up to about $155.00 so now you need to double or triple that in order to make profit. Price the shirt starting at $15-$25 - 15 x 10 = $150 that’s less than what you paid wholesale so you need to up the score! 20 x 10 = $200 that’s somewhat a profit but the numbers are kind of low. If the quality of the shirt is top tier then price it at $25 per shirt, 25 x 10 = $250 BINGO! Good amount of profit! & you charged what the shirt was worth.

Service based- You do nails & you purchased a nail kit for $200, if you’re charging $25 per set then you would need to do 8 clients in order to make your exact profit back that was spent on supplies which is no profit tbh. If your set price is $45 for all sets and you do 8 clients that’s a $160 profit that you made! Service based businesses should go against your competitors prices. Charge less or the same price to bring in clientele, once you’ve built your clientele and mastered your craft UP YOUR PRICES!

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Additional Income / Email + Text Marketing Additional income being added to a business can bring you in alottt of money, it can even make you RICH! Mainly if you are a service based business, if not this still can apply to your brand if you are creative.

Example: If you’re a hairstylist - not only can you make money from doing installs etc. you can add on services & physical products -selling extensions (bundles + wigs) -doing 1 on 1’s or group classes about hair installs etc.

-creating a ebook for hair / dos and donts / how to manage hair Example #2: If you own a boutique - don’t limit yourself to just selling clothes you can add on services & physical products -offer styling services -sell accessories + shoes -become a US vendor Email & text marketing - the best and effective way to market, wanna know what they mean about work smart not hard? It’s email and text marketing lol.

This is the main reason you need a website! Automations are literally doing the work for you.

Those annoying emails and text messages you receive from fashion nova all the time? THEY DEFINITELY WORK & CONVERT TO SALES! Be consistent and use great content for email and text marketing. Subject headers that grab’s people attention, a good way to get subscribers for your marketing is by offering them a welcome gift like free shipping, 15% off etc.

Make sure you send emails + texts enough that consumers remember your brand but don’t overdue it to make them unsubscribe by being annoyed! page 24.

WRAP UP/ SUMMARY/ HELPFUL TIPS -Get promo from other people who don’t have the same friends list as you!

-Offer excellent customer service 24/7, 365 days out of 365!

-Team up and collab with other business owners, TEAM WORK MAKE THE DREAM WORK! -Network is your NETWORTH! -Join Facebook groups to promote!

-Promote daily (post at least 3x) -Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and take losses!

-Make sure all of your social media accounts are public, including business pages!

-Ask for help if you need help!

-Closed mouths don’t get fed!

-Always think OUTSIDE the box!

-Pay your taxes on time!

-Being a business owner is a continuous learning process, never stop learning!

-Be open, be teachable!

-Be inspired, don’t copy! page 25.

GRADUATION Business Funding + Vendors

congrats, you’ve reached the finish line!

Business Grants.

Lenders always ask for a business plan, business bank account, & business identification! Make sure you are on your P’s and Q’s when applying for business grants and business loans. Be specific as possible when presenting yourself and your business If you need any assistance with applying for business grants you can reach out to the instructor of this ebook via email - shercehale3@gmail.com.

BIZ GRANTS = FREE MONEY BIZ LOANS = PAY BACK You don’t have to pay back any type of business grant it’s basically free money.

You do have to pay back business loans.. loaning simply means borrowing UNLESS the loan is forgivable like PPP loans for instance page 26.

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When applying for business grants, All you have to do is tell them about yourself and your business dream, as well as what you plan to do with the grant money.

Some grants require application fees, some don’t!

Black Founder StartUp Grant (StartUp Businesses included) $10K! Grants.gov (download the app) many grants can be found here!

American Association of University Women http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/ Funding ranges from $2,000-$30,000 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/regional-awards Eileen Fisher Women’s Business Grant https://www.eileenfisher.com/grants/women-owned-business/grant-programguidelines FedEx Small Business Grant Contest ahttps://smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com - up to $50,000 New Voices Fund https://newvoicesfoundation.org Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/small-business-technicalassistance-grant-program (Mass only) The Ms. Foundation for Women https://forwomen.org/grants-2/apply-for-a-grant

Walmart Foundation http://giving.walmart.com/apply-for-grants Hello Alice https://helloalice.com/ INFRA Grants Program https://www.transportation.gov/grants/i USA Funding https://www.usafundingapplications.org/ page 28.

Business loans.

Bitty Advance https://bittyadvance.com/ Fundbox https://fundbox.com/ Popcash Funding https://popcashfunding.com/ Coconut Funding https://ads.coconutfunding.com/ USD Funding https://www.usdfunding.com/ Biz2Credit https://www.biz2credit.com/ SnapCap https://snapcap.com/ page 29.

Vendors.

Women Clothing Vendors Babez London www.babezlondon.com Giti Wholesale (Plus size included) www.gitiwholesale.com C’est Toi Clothing (Denim) www.cesttoi.com

Cape Robbin (very known vendor) www.caperobbin.com/wholesale Handbag Vendors.

HND Wholesale www.hndwholesale.com/handbags Koko Fashion www.koko-fashion.co.uk

Good Time USA (Great Quality) www.lashowroom.com/goodtimeusa

Active Wear.

Waist Trainer Factory www.waisttrainerfactory.com

Banjulusa www.banjulusa.com

Hexin www.hexinlingerie.com

Romwe (great quality, low prices) www.romwe.com

Kids Clothing SK Wholesale www.skwholesale.net

FashionNova vendor www.jf-apparel.en.Alibaba.com.

Cutie Patootie Clothing www.cutiepatootieclothing.com

Shoe vendors.

Jewelry.

CiCi Hot (Popular vendor) www.cicihot.com Joia Shoes USA www.joiashoesusa.com ..

ASU Jewelry www.asujewelry.com Trendy Wholesale www.trendywholesale.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE! I really appreciate my dreams! I hope beneficial to you & luck & best wishes

you supporting me & this ebook is very your business. Good to you boss lady!