Collaboration Resources
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README
Record all critical personal and enterprise information in a private place you will remember and have easy access to! This is so important! Save yourself the frustration!
Personal
Helpful forms to print out to get started with organizing all the appropriate information.
Personal Information and Items Form: File:PersonalForm.pdf
Website Information Form: File:WebsiteForm.pdf
Organization Information and Items Form: File:OrganizationForm.pdf
Communication Information Form: File:CommunicationForm.pdf
Communication
Comm. Preparation
If there's a lesson to be learned in social communication, it's to never, ever say derisive or derogatory comments at someone or behind their back. Always maintain stable relationships by using appropriate words that give others the benefit of the doubt.
Get an email account. Common example is Gmail.
Get a VoIP account (voice over internet protocol). Common example is Skype.
Get a cellphone and number. Common service providers are AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile
Get a website. Website Setup (Step by Step Guide)
Advisory and Collaboration
Commerce
Commerce Preparation
Get a bank account.
Get a credit card that can be used online. Common examples are VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.
Optionally get an online financial account. Common example is PayPal.
Get some letter size office paper.
Letter Size 100% Recycled Paper via Amazon
Get a printer with scan and copy functions. (Linux: sudo apt-get install hplip)
HP Photosmart C410A All in One Print-Scan-Copy-Fax
Get a black ink cartridge for the printer.
HP 564XL Black Ink Cartridge - Pack of 2
Get cyan, magenta, and yellow colour ink cartridges too.
HP 564XL Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (Separate Cartridge for Each Colour)
Optionally get a 3-hole Paper Punch
Optionally get a few binders
Avery Nonstick Heavy Duty EZ-open 2-inch Slant Ring Binder
Optionally get a few binder dividers and pockets
Smead 3-ring Binder Index Dividers
Filexec Binder Pockets - Clear, Letter-size
Marketing
Marketing - research whether people will want to buy your products
Advertising
Advertising - let people know that your products are commercially available
Social websites - facebook, twitter
Other websites - reddit,
Online advertising - Youtube ads, Amazon ads, Google Ads
Sales
Sales - receive money and transaction information from buyers
How to Write Terms and Conditions for Ecommerce Website
UPC Numbers
If selling through major retailers or distributors, get a UPC number (universal product code) or get an exemption if applicable.
Global UPC Corporation with Monopoly (hefty 1000+USD registration with recurring annual payments of around few hundred dollars for a few dozen UPCs): GS1
Resellers of Permanent UPC Numbers from 2002 Class Action Lawsuit vs GS1: NationWideBarCode
Retailers and Distributors
Product Identification Stickers
These are the white stickers with barcode and numbers on them, sometimes with the name of the product too.
Shipping
Shipping - ship the products to the buyers
Packaging
Boxes - Cardboard Box via Amazon
Tape - Paper Tape via Amazon
Packing Material - Packing Paper via Amazon
Shipping Labels
These are the white labels with send and return address on them, sometimes with additional shipping information.
Making Labels
Label Source Link
Use Open Source Office Suite Software - Libreoffice Homepage
Carriers - shipping organizations. Common examples are USPS, FedEx, and UPS
Accounting
Accounting Manual - Great accounting info and resources here
Insurance
Organizational
Employees and Independent Contractors
http://www.employeeissues.com/ic_vs_employee.htm
LLC
All About Limited Liability Companies - LLC Info Website (Strongly Recommended)
RocketLawyer - LLC Starting Guide for Each State (Strongly Recommended)
In the US, some states have government websites with online registration.
Ex. Missouri LLC Online Filing with Gov
Ex. Washington LLC Online Filing with Gov
Ex. Companies that help you through the entire process: Legalzoom, RocketLawyer
Get an LLC. LLC Setup Step by Step Guide
Legal
Finding Appropriate Legal Advice
It's easier to find an attorney through a free attorney referral service (lawyer referral service) than it is in your local phone directory. That's especially true if you don't know which type of lawyer you need. An attorney referral service helps you find a local lawyer who practices law in the specialty that fits your legal issue. (source www.employeeissues.com/attorney_referral.htm)
"Present your case for free on LegalMatch. Licensed lawyers review your case and decide whether to respond. When a lawyer is interested in helping you, we provide you a full attorney profile with their background information, fees, and ratings by other LegalMatch users so you can decide if they're the right lawyer for you." (source: www.legalmatch.com)
Trademark
Trademarks - First to File vs First to Use
Geographic
Taxes
LLC
All About Taxpayer Identification Numbers - from irs.gov
Choosing a Tax Structure for your LLC
Form 1065 - Return of Partnership Income - Federal Tax
You also need to pay appropriate state and local taxes for partnerships.
Where to Send Tax Forms and Cheques
United States Tax Deadline - April 15
Sole Proprietorship
Tax Forms - Sole Proprietorship - United States
United States Tax Deadline - April 15
Individual
Substantial Presence Test for Taxation
Form 1040 - Individual Income Tax Return
You also need to pay appropriate state and local taxes for individuals.
United States Tax Deadline - April 15
