Build your practice
Build a solo practice, step by step
- 1
Write the service you can competently offer, the population you can support, your availability and the services you will refer elsewhere.
- 2
Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietor or form another entity after considering personal liability, costs, administration and tax treatment with appropriate advisers. A sole proprietorship does not create a separate legal entity. SBA business launch guide.
- 3
Check state, county and city registration, business-name, tax, permit and any activity-specific licensing requirements. Operating across state lines may require additional review. Use official state and local resources — there is no universal registration checklist.
- 4
Establish business banking/bookkeeping, a pricing method, engagement limits, payment terms, cancellation/refund policies and a tax reserve. The IRS describes Schedule C, self-employment tax and estimated-tax considerations; individual obligations vary. IRS self-employed tax center.
- 5
Review professional liability and cyber coverage for your actual services; check exclusions and subcontractor needs. An entity or insurance policy does not replace competent work.
- 6
Obtain appropriate reviewed service agreements, disclosures, conflict rules, permission/authorization forms and privacy procedures. Distinguish the person paying from the person whose interests you represent.
- 7
Select tools based on the workflow, sensitivity of information, contracts and security controls. Document retention, deletion, incident response and continuity arrangements.
- 8
Rehearse intake → scope → permissions → action plan → follow-up → invoicing → closure with entirely fictional information, using the PARC toolkit templates.
- 9
Build an accurate profile, peer relationships and referral routes; disclose fees and conflicts. Offer free/nonprofit assistance options when appropriate. Navigator is one planned discovery route among several.
- 10
Review workload, outstanding deadlines, cash flow, client feedback and education needs regularly. Protect time for learning, rest, documentation and unexpected work.