Small start-up...any tips...advice?

[Tone]

Before you spend a penny:

Reading List:

The E Myth
They Ask You Answer
Building a Story Brand
The 1-Page Marketing Plan

Thanks...my plate is stacked...!

 

[Tone]

1. You should speak with legal aid and resolve the felony question before you spend any money.

Should I mention it to my SCORE mentor?

I suggested WPX for that reason.

StudioPress is the window dressing so to speak.

Hmmmm, these are WP right? What about what @Sketcher says?

The fact is that WordPress is the biggest target for hackers out there, because it's the the most popular platform for a web site out there.

 

[Tone]

Copyrights are simpler

Can I Copyright the business name right now...without a business license?

 

[Tone]

Have you guys heard of the What Is a Poor Man's Trademark??

 

[bèlla]

Should I mention it to my SCORE mentor?

You can ask him but I would clarify with an attorney for the official word.

Hmmmm, these are WP right? What about what @Sketcher says?

Yes, it’s WP. Who’s going to manage your custom build? Most people hire someone to handle it for them or purchase a support package from the developer.

Choosing complicated products you don’t understand, can’t maintain, and can’t afford to hire someone to look after is a headache.

You don’t need bells and whistles in the beginning. That’s a common mistake. Cash flow is important. You’ve already admitted things are tight.

You’d benefit from a mentor or business coach who’d walk you through the process and be a sounding board. They have to understand what you’re doing and the market you’re hoping to serve.

This is a physical operation, correct?

~Bella

 

[Tone]

You can ask him but I would clarify with an attorney for the official word.

Okay, I'm in contact with a few attorneys right now--I'll sneak that in.

This is a physical operation, correct?

Correct.

 

[bèlla]

You don’t need a complex site for a physical startup. If you branch into eCommerce or offer digital content for sale you can revisit it.

~Bella

 

[Sketcher]

Wow,that's heavy stuff, thanks for the information. What if I am doing PP and Venmo type stuff...swiping cards?

I can't speak to Venmo specifically. PayPal is processed by PayPal, not the server the site is on, there are APIs that connect the site out to it. Still, every site that takes money and confidential information needs to be kept secure.

 

[Tone]

Okay, I applied for a DBA, just have to pay the fee tomorrow! I want to trademark the DBA, which I had no idea if I could do...from what I researched, I didn't think I could, but I got the following:

"You can trademark a DBA or fictitious business name if you use the name to brand your products or services. If you use a particular DBA as your brand name, it is entitled to the same legal protection that any other brand name would receive. By trademarking your DBA, you would prevent competitors from using the name to create confusion or mislead consumers.

In order to register a trademark, you will need to demonstrate to the United States Patent and Trademark Office that your DBA is distinct and that you intend to use it as a brand for your goods or services. Trademarks exist specifically to prevent your competitors from using similar branding elements. As such, your trademark will only cover your particular field or market."
Trademarks and DBAs - Can It Be Done, and Do You Need Both?

Anybody know 100% if I can do it? Thanks!

 

[Tone]

Okay, how do domains work? If I secure one on WordPress or something does that cover me or do I have to get a domain on every available option, e.g., .com, .org, .gov., .etc...?

 

[Tone]

Go to Namecheap

Okay so if I get a .com, .org., and .net from there, what exactly does this mean...no one can get those domains anywhere...or just on WordPress? Thanks!

 

[bèlla]

Okay so if I get a .com, .org., and .net from there, what exactly does this mean...no one can get those domains anywhere...or just on WordPress? Thanks!

Ideally, you’d have your business name. Securing it as .com, .net, or .co is commonplace. Nonprofits usually use .org.

Example tone.com

Be mindful of spelling. Complicated names have drawbacks. No one can get tone.com. But they can get tone.net if you don’t register it.

You’d have to pay a registration fee for each name you secure. If you wanted tone.com and .net that’s two fees.

~Bella

 

[Tone]

Ideally, you’d have your business name. Securing it as .com, .net, or .co is commonplace. Nonprofits usually use .org.

Okay, so I got the DBA today and .com,.org, and .net!

 

[bèlla]

Okay, so I got the DBA today and .com,.org, and .net!

Cool. Congrats!

~Bella

 

[Tone]

Cool. Congrats!

~Bella

Then I had to go back and purchase 4 more domains, because a cooler twist on the name occurred to me...so now I have 7 domains...! Also, since I already got the DBA on the other name...I can get another DBA on my latest and greatest...right?

 

[Tone]

I have a SCORE mentor now...I'll hit her up!

 

[bèlla]

Then I had to go back and purchase 4 more domains, because a cooler twist on the name occurred to me...so now I have 7 domains...! Also, since I already got the DBA on the other name...I can get another DBA on my latest and greatest...right?

Only if you plan to conduct business under that name. Make sure you get your social media accounts. Even if you don’t plan to use the platform, securing the username is wise. That may change later on.

Get Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr and Reddit.

Some content fares better than others on different platforms. Keep that in mind before you post.

~Bella

 

[Tone]

Only if you plan to conduct business under that name. Make sure you get your social media accounts. Even if you don’t plan to use the platform, securing the username is wise. That may change later on.

Get Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr and Reddit.

Some content fares better than others on different platforms. Keep that in mind before you post.

~Bella

I want to use the newest one...it's only a one letter difference, I called the registrar and the dude said that it so early after I acquired it that I can go in and just have them change that one letter...ugh, it's a tough decision...should I change the first name...or just get another DBA...I'm tight on cash so I think I will just change that one little letter.

 

[bèlla]

I want to use the newest one...it's only a one letter difference, I called the registrar and the dude said that it so early after I acquired it that I can go in and just have them change that one letter...ugh, it's a tough decision...should I change the first name...or just get another DBA...I'm tight on cash so I think I will just change that one little letter.

I would keep the one that matches the DBA and get rid of the others. You have other things to focus on and money dwindles quickly in a startup.

~Bella

 

[Tone]

I would keep the one that matches the DBA and get rid of the others. You have other things to focus on and money dwindles quickly in a startup.

~Bella

I had to go with the latest...I'll just change that letter on the DBA Monday. I've secured several social media sites. Thanks!