Task order matters. Do things wrong order. Waste time. Create problems.
Most founders jump around. They do tasks randomly. They backtrack. They duplicate effort.
Proper task order prevents problems. It saves time. It prevents backtracking. It avoids duplication.
This guide shows you what comes first when ordering tasks from idea to official registration.
Key Takeaways
- Follow sequence—complete tasks in order
- Avoid backtracking—do things once
- Prevent duplication—don't repeat work
- Save time—work efficiently
- Complete registration—finish formation
Table of Contents
Why Order Matters
Task order affects efficiency. Wrong order wastes time. Right order saves time.
Wrong order creates problems: You backtrack. You duplicate work. You waste effort.
Right order creates efficiency: You move forward. You avoid duplication. You save time.
Why this matters: Order understanding enables efficiency. If you understand order, efficiency improves.
Phase 1: Validation
Validate before you form. Test idea. Confirm market.
Validate Business Idea
Test your idea:
- Market research
- Customer interviews
- Demand validation
- Feasibility check
Why this matters: Validation prevents waste. If you validate idea, waste decreases.
Confirm Market
Confirm market exists:
- Market size
- Customer demand
- Competition analysis
- Opportunity assessment
Why this matters: Market confirmation enables confidence. If you confirm market, confidence improves.
Assess Feasibility
Assess if it’s feasible:
- Resource requirements
- Skill requirements
- Time requirements
- Financial requirements
Why this matters: Feasibility assessment prevents problems. If you assess feasibility, problems decrease.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business planning. Calculate market size to understand opportunity.
Phase 2: Planning
Plan before you form. Choose structure. Prepare documents.
Choose Business Structure
Select structure:
- LLC
- Corporation
- Partnership
- Sole proprietorship
Why this matters: Structure choice affects formation. If you choose structure, formation becomes clear.
Plan Business Details
Plan business details:
- Business name
- Business address
- Ownership structure
- Business purpose
Why this matters: Planning enables formation. If you plan details, formation becomes possible.
Prepare Formation Documents
Prepare documents:
- Articles of organization
- Operating agreement
- Required forms
- Supporting documents
Why this matters: Document preparation enables filing. If you prepare documents, filing becomes possible.
Phase 3: Formation
Form business. File documents. Complete registration.
File Formation Documents
File with state:
- Complete forms
- Pay fees
- Submit documents
- Receive confirmation
Why this matters: Filing creates business. If you file correctly, business is created.
Obtain EIN
Get Employer Identification Number:
- Apply with IRS
- Receive EIN
- Use for business
- Update records
Why this matters: EIN enables operations. If you obtain EIN, operations become possible.
Complete Registration
Finish registration:
- Receive confirmation
- Update records
- Notify parties
- Begin operations
Why this matters: Registration completion enables operations. If you complete registration, operations become possible.
Phase 4: Setup
Set up operations. Open accounts. Begin business.
Open Business Bank Account
Open account:
- Choose bank
- Provide documents
- Open account
- Fund account
Why this matters: Bank account enables operations. If you open account, operations become possible.
Set Up Business Systems
Set up systems:
- Accounting system
- Record keeping
- Compliance tracking
- Operations systems
Why this matters: System setup enables operations. If you set up systems, operations become possible.
Begin Business Operations
Start operations:
- Launch business
- Serve customers
- Generate revenue
- Grow business
Why this matters: Operations create value. If you begin operations, value is created.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business planning. Calculate market size to understand opportunity.
Your Next Steps
Proper task order prevents backtracking and saves time. Follow sequence, avoid backtracking, prevent duplication, save time, then complete registration to finish formation.
This Week:
- Begin validating business idea using our TAM Calculator
- Start planning business details
- Begin preparing formation documents
- Start filing formation documents
This Month:
- Complete validation phase
- Finish planning phase
- Complete formation phase
- Begin setup phase
Going Forward:
- Continuously follow proper order
- Avoid backtracking
- Prevent duplication
- Work efficiently
Need help? Check out our TAM Calculator for market evaluation, our formation roadmap guide for steps, our myth-busting guide for clarity, and our document library for forms.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about task ordering. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For market size analysis, see our TAM Calculator.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
