Steps to becoming a "Pro."

[jaypie77]

What I want to do here is start a thread with articles, info, personal stories, tips, etc... on all the steps one must take to becoming a "Pro," not in the sense of "I sell photos" but in the sense of "I have a photography business. What I mean is the following:

Naming your business
Putting together a business plan
Incorporating your business
Bookkeeping/Accountants/Financing
Anything else

Obviously, this will be really different for people from New Hampshire and people from Finland, so I'd ask that people only contribute info to this thread pertaining to US based businesses.

I ask because I am embarking on this process sometime within the next couple months (probably waiting until New Year) and want to enter the process intelligently.

(Is this an ok place to put this thread?)

[liza]

Bone up on marketing. That's about 80% of it. :)

[harryb49]

I started my photography business early this year to do Senior portraits, family portraits, special events, etc. I bought business cards, joined the Chamber of Commerce, advertised twice in the local newspaper, left flyers at the local High School re Senior portraits, had many pictures published in two local newspapers for minimal payment and still have found that word of mouth is my best way to expand my business.

[cdifoto]

Step 1) Shoot picture.
Step 2) Take money.