As an entrepreneur, you are a special breed. Not afraid to dream big and take risks, you also know that a dash of common sense is the key to the best job in the world: owning your own business.

Before turning your inspiration into reality, make sure you stay grounded by following these simple steps to launch your small business, boost your sales and limit your liability.

1. Decide on a Business Type

The type of entity you choose for your business--whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation, or s-corporation--determines how you file taxes, sets up legal protections, and most importantly limits your liability. Incorporating your business also records these details with the government.

Learn more: Choosing a Type: Your Business Entity

2. Protect Yourself With a Business Prenup

Launching with a partner? A buy-sell agreement protects everybody from situations that could complicate ownership. If one partner wants out, gets divorced or passes away, the buy-sell agreement can protect against sticky situations when ownership shares transfer to the wrong person.

Learn more: Covering Your Back: The Buy-Sell Agreement

3. Map Out a Corporate Blueprint

Corporate bylaws specify the structure for your small business. Will you have a board of directors, shareholders or other company officers? Corporate bylaws get these ducks in a row and specify the rules and meeting schedule. It’s basically the blueprint of your company.

Learn more: Defining Your Structure: Corporate Bylaws

4. Draft a Solid Business Plan

Business plans wear two hats: they provide you with an outline to help you stay focused on your small business goals and strategies, and they can be used to present to banks and investors when you need to drum up some financing.

Learn more: Developing a Strategy: The Business Plan

5. Protect Your Secrets

As you start to hire folks and form partnerships with other businesses and contractors, a non-disclosure agreement keeps your confidential information from getting into the wrong hands. It also specifies the info that’s actually okay to share.

Learn more: Protect Your Secrets: The Non-Disclosure Agreement

6. Stay Compliant With Corporate Minutes

States require that some kind of record is made of what’s discussed and directed at the official board and shareholder meetings. A corporate minutes document can get all these details down for the record so your small business stays in line with all the rules.

Learn more: Keeping Records: Why You Need Corporate Minutes

7. Manage Expectations With an Employment Agreement

People make a small business successful, and an employment agreement protects everyone involved by putting expectations in writing. Injury and discrimination claims are on the rise, and though employment agreements can't prevent all lawsuits, they reduce risk by outlining rules and responsibilities and defining everyone's expectations.

When creating employment agreements, consider including:

• Clear job descriptions and responsibilities
• Compensation and benefits details
• Work schedule and location
• Termination conditions

It's strongly recommended to consult with an employment lawyer when drafting these agreements to ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws. The SCORE Guide to Employment Contracts provides additional guidance on creating legally sound agreements.

Learn more: Managing Expectations: The Employment Agreement

8. Expand Your Abilities With Independent Contractors

Some situations call for specialized help, like graphic design or public relations. Independent contractors can be valuable when your business needs specific expertise for project-based work. However, it's crucial to understand the legal distinction between employees and contractors to avoid misclassification issues.

Key considerations for working with contractors:

• Clearly define the scope of work and deliverables
• Establish project timelines and payment terms
• Specify the contractor's independent business status
• Address intellectual property rights
• Include confidentiality provisions

Before engaging contractors, consult with legal counsel to ensure proper classification and contract terms. 

Learn more: Broadening Horizons: Independent Contractors

9. Settle on a Location

They say location is everything, especially if your business receives clients, sells products or provides services on site. A commercial real estate lease helps make sure the rental agreement is airtight and that the tenant/landlord relationship is solid.

Learn more: Opening Shop: Commercial Real Estate Leases

10. Plan Ahead

Your small business is an important asset and a source of personal income. Should something happen, a last will and testament can shield your business and family from unnecessary expenses, estate taxes and potential disagreements.

Learn more: Drafting a Will: Estate Planning for Small Business Owners

As you follow the path to entrepreneurship, you might encounter situations where you could use a little guidance from a professional. Work with a SCORE mentor who can lead you in the right direction. It is also advisable to speak with an employment lawyer to ensure that all legal agreements and worker classifications comply with federal and state laws.