Business Foundations — Checklist
Business Setup
Entity, systems, finances, and brand basics every agent needs.
- Choose a business name and verify availability with the Secretary of State
- File Articles of Organization to form your LLC
- Apply for an EIN through the IRS
- Draft and sign an Operating Agreement
- Open a dedicated business checking account
- Sign your broker's compensation-to-LLC agreement and submit a W-9
- Block 9–11 AM Mon–Fri as protected prospecting time
- Color-code your calendar (prospecting, appointments, admin, personal)
- Pick a CRM and commit for at least 12 months
- Import every phone, email, and social contact into the CRM
- Tag your database (Sphere, Past Client, Hot/Warm/Cold, Vendor)
- Write down your 12-month GCI goal and daily conversation number
- Open a separate tax savings account and set 25–30% auto-transfer
- Calendar all four quarterly estimated-tax deadlines
- Set up bookkeeping (QuickBooks Self-Employed or a bookkeeper)
- Update headshot if older than 2 years
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
- Set up consistent profiles on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Schedule 3 social posts per week for the next 30 days