Want to start a new (IT) business? Here are the steps.

1. You will need to decide on what business structure to use. Sole trader is good - or it may pay to be a partnership. It is unlikely you will want to be a company.
2. Business name registration. Unless you plan to use your own name, you will need to register a business name. Check out the availability at Asic and contact your state body on this page for a form. There will be a fee depending on state - usually under $100.
3. You will now need to open a bank account in that name.
4. Next job is to get an ABN. If you think you are going to turn over more than $55000 you will need to register for GST. If less, then you will have to decide whether its worth getting registered for GST. You might if you deal with businesses, as they will expect it. Do it on-line here.

Once you have applied for an ABN you can start working for your business. Here a few nearly compulsory things you will have to do.

1. Business Plan. Have something roughed out at least.
2. Insurance - especially workers compensation. You will need to be covered if you are working on someones else's site. Either by their insurance policy or yours.
3. Communication. Are you contactable? You should have email, fax, mobile phone, and answering service available.
4. Stationary. Letterheads, business cards, email signatures, flyers etc.
5. Accounts. All expenses should be tracked, including car expenses, and small cash expenses. Can you invoice someone properly? Do you need an accountant?

Ok, you are all set up. How do you go about getting work?

• You really should have some clients already. Do a great job, and ask them to recommend you. Advertise in the local paper, even the classified. I have had responses to $5 adverts before in the work wanted section. Drop flyers into small businesses. See them personally. Offer to do a little work for a a lower rate as an introductory price - do a particularly good job. Build good business relationships with your clients.

• Always be professional. Do not rip clients off, but do not undercharge them either. Clients really like neither - they like a fair and even relationship. Send out invoices promptly. Charge a good (for you) rate, but slightly discount the time. Charge a modest call out rate only (if at all); call outs annoy clients, they feel as they are paying twice. Do not charge travelling for centrally located businesses - why should they pay if you live in the sticks.

• If you offer to repair computers keep some parts in stock. You can probably carry less than $1000 worth of parts and fix most hardware faults. Be prepared to buy retail; you probably can buy better retail than wholesale if you are small. Charge what shops in your area are charging for quite a good markup normally.

• Do not use jargon. Clients hate it more than big bills. Explain carefully what you have done. Document procedures for clients - do not say “just click here , here, type this here, and OK” They wont remember. Do not moan to your clients if they make a mistake on their computer - it is their job to break it and your job to fix it.

• Admit if you can not do something. Saying that, try to learn the major programs the client uses - a client will not discriminate between a problem in MYOB and a network problem for example. They are both computer problems according to the client. Keep up with computer stuff outside your field - someone will ask you how to use their new DVD burner - and you are the man.

• Do not ridicule other people in your profession to your clients. Instead build good relations with them.

• Be prepared to work weekends or evenings. However make sure you have time off - you will identify quiet times. Make sure you get a break for a holiday -however you will be unlikely to get (or afford) 4 weeks at first.

And have fun. Its about lifestyle after all.