Tools of the Trade: 8 Things Every Startup CEO Should Have

You’ve finally decided to set up your own business. Congratulations! Now that you’ve decided to go this route, you’ll need a few things. Here’s a list of things that every startup CEO should have.

Lawyer Up!

Image via Flickr by mikemccaffrey
One of the very first things you should do for your new startup is hire a lawyer to represent your company. A lawyer will be invaluable to your startup. Lawyers can help organize the structure of your business, making sure all the paperwork is secure, and everything is on the up-and-up.

Budget Wisely

Image via Flickr by Alan Cleaver
You should create a budget and stick to it. If some things can’t be obtained while staying in the budget, try to find an alternative or go without it. The lack of a proper budget, or the lack of commitment to one, is one of the primary reasons that startups fail.

Smart Technology

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You have to stay connected to the world. Whether you prefer smartphones, tablets, or laptops, staying connected is vital to the organization’s success. Smart devices can replace simple technology around the office.

Social Media

Image via Flickr by Jason A. Howie

Every startup needs a social media presence. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn should be used to maximize exposure. Each social media outlet can be used in different ways. The best part is that you can completely cut your advertising budget because social media outlets are free to use.

An All-In-One Device

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Gone are the tedious days of scanners, fax machines, telephones and printers. Now you can just grab a simple all-in-one device to satisfy all your business’ communication needs. These devices act as all the above, making it the ultimate device for your new office. Make sure to grab one that’s Wi-Fi compatible, that way you’ll be able to print from anywhere in the office.

Connectivity

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You’ve got your smart tech and all-in-one devices, but how are you going to connect? Every business will need a reliable Internet provider. Depending on the size of your office, you may want to choose a FiOS connection. You’ll also need a wireless router so everyone can connect to your network. You may need a wireless repeater so everyone will have coverage.

Project Your Work

Image via Flickr  by Joe Mabel

Rather than rely on people to read e-mails or printing a copy for every individual employee, buy a projector and show your plans at meetings! There are several handheld projectors available on the market at a fairly low price. These projectors are perfect for your new startup.

HD Media Player

Image via Flickr by OzDJ

This goes hand-in-hand with a projector. Rather than carrying around a huge laptop to hook up to a projector, grab a media player to store your files in. When it’s time for a meeting, hook it up to the projector and you’re set!

While there’s going to be a ton of things that you need for your new business in the future, these are just a few of the things that you’ll need right away. What do you have in your office that you use on a day-to-day basis?