Travis-
Here are some practical points you would think about if planning this business:
Legal:
- Decide what type of business it will be (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation); file appropriate paperwork to establish the business, if necessary.
- Find out if you have to register with any state agencies like the Secretary of State's office, the DNR, etc.
- Do you need to buy insurance? Check state laws.
- Do you need any boating credentials (training)?
Accounting:
- Open a bank account in the business' name and use it for all expenses and deposits associated with the business.
- Find out what accounting/tax requirements you'll have (usually from an accountant or by reading IRS publications)
- Create a (simple) system for tracking all expenses of the business; can be as simple as throwing all receipts in a show box, or as complex as using a computer to do the accounting for your business.
Marketing:
- How will people know you are a guide available for hire? Advertising? Word of mouth? Printed flyers? Web site?
- Make your product and pricing decisions. Will you offer half-days? Full days? Do you include lunch, bait, gas, etc.?
Sales:
- How will you book clients? By phone? Email?
- Will you take deposits?
- What will your refund policy be?
Operations:
- What other services will you provide?
- Types of fishing offered?
- Will you pick up clients, or meet them at the ramp?
- Will you offer photos of catches?
- What if your boat breaks?
Hope this is helpful.
