You want a business name that is catchy and stands out. Look at what your competitors use and try to find something distinctive. You might call your business “Behave Not Bite Trainers” or “Puppy Etiquette.”  You should also search to see that the name hasn’t already been taken. Your state’s Secretary of State website might have a database of names you can search. In some states, you can pay them to search for you. You’ll want to use your business name as your website’s domain name, so check that it hasn’t been bought already. You can protect the uniqueness of your business name by registering the service or trademark. A trademark is a unique symbol or name used to identify goods. When used to identify services, it’s a service mark.  You can register your mark with the federal government. You aren’t required to register. But it can help in many ways. For example, you’ll establish when you first used the mark. If someone else steals your name, then you can sue and stop them from using it. Your dog training business could take one of several legal forms. You should think carefully about which one you choose. You have the following choices:   Sole proprietorship. Most dog training businesses are probably sole proprietorships. This is the easiest business entity to form. You use your Social Security Number as your tax ID, and you report your business income or losses on your personal 1040 form. You don’t need to file any paperwork with the state. However, you are personally liable for business debts as a sole proprietor.  Limited liability company. An LLC is owned by its members. Depending on your state, you may be able to form a one-person LLC. You’ll have to file paperwork with your state. However, an LLC protects you from personal legal liability. Any business debts are the debts of only the business, not its member owners. For example, if a customer sues you and wins, then they can only come after your business assets, not your personal ones.  Corporation. A corporation is owned by its shareholders. You must file paperwork with your state to form, and you’ll also have to file annual reports with the state. A corporation requires more work than a sole proprietorship. However, it also shields you from personal liability like an LLC.  Partnership. Two or more people can jointly form a partnership. You typically don’t file anything with your state. However, you are personally liable for your business debts. You are also jointly liable with the other partners. For example, if a partner takes out a loan for the partnership, then you’re personally liable on that loan. If you form a corporation, then file your Articles of Incorporation with your state’s appropriate office. Generally, you file with the Secretary of State. There should be printed, fill-in-the-blank articles to complete.  You can file your Articles of Organization (to form an LLC) in the same way. You’ll have to pay a filing fee. Check with your Secretary of State for the amount and acceptable methods of payment. Visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online and get an Employer Identification Number. You’ll need this number if you hire any employees. You’ll also need it to pay your taxes (unless you’re a sole proprietor who uses their Social Security number). You’ll need permission to run a business in your state. For example, you probably must get a business license. You may also need to get a license from your local government and other permits. Use the Small Business Administration’s tool at https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-licenses-permits/state-licenses-permits to check what permits and licenses you will need. Click on your state. You’ll need to write up rules for how to run your business. For example, you’ll want to describe how the owners can call meetings and who handles the day-to-day activities. You will also want to explain how your business’s profits and losses will be divided between owners.  If you have a sole proprietorship, then you don’t need any document. Corporations should have bylaws. You must keep them at your principal place of business. LLCs should have an operating agreement. Keep them at your principal place of business. Partnerships should have a detailed partnership agreement in place before opening. You’d benefit from consulting with a lawyer to make sure your agreement is thorough. Talk to other business owners and ask what kind of insurance they have. You might also want to contact an insurance broker. You’ll probably want a basic liability policy for a small business. Ask the broker for different prices. If you’re running a business out of your home, then check with your homeowners insurer to see if accidents are covered. Most homeowners policies do not extend to home businesses. Instead, you’ll probably need to purchase a business insurance policy.
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One-sentence summary -- Come up with your business name. Think about trademarking your name. Choose your business structure. File paperwork with the state. Obtain a federal tax number. Get a business license and permits. Draft operating documents. Purchase insurance.


In most cases, site models do not get paid by websites/blogs for their images. This is because the majority of site model photos are considered to be “candid” – which means they aren't high resolution/professional quality and mostly taken by the site models themselves.  Most site models simply enjoy taking photos and are happy to provide them at no cost to websites/blogs for the social/online exposure. Candid photos are not considered to be copyrighted artwork, so anyone can save and use these photos. If you are interested in becoming a professional model, you can use site modelling to get your start in the business. There are online communities and agencies that allow site models to upload their images to be viewed by industry professionals. Modelling agencies, casting directors and photographers sometimes look for new talent through these platforms.  These community websites usually make money by charging you a monthly membership fee in order to upload your photos and participate.  Some of them will also require that you pay them a 10% finder's fee if you are discovered for a contract job through their site. Be very careful – not all of these agencies are legitimate. There have been reports of sexual assault and even models going missing after showing up to photoshoots set up through them. Unfortunately, the modelling industry is flooded with scams that strive to get money from you without offering any legitimate services. If an agency asks you to pay an upfront fee before they will provide a service, they are not legitimate. Another red flag is if a company requires you to use a specific photographer of their choosing. If you are solicited through an email or Facebook, you are probably being taken advantage of. Never respond if you are asked to send suggestive photos of yourself.  If you are urged to take an opportunity immediately because it's temporary, it's usually a scam. If a deposit is required, which the company claims is refundable, and they only accept cash or money orders – this is a scam. Do your research and never give a company your personal information until you confirm their legitimacy. Never arrange to meet about potential modelling work by yourself or with someone you've never actually met. If you are contacted for a shoot and you feel uncomfortable going to it alone, request to bring someone with you. If the photographer refuses, you may want to reconsider the offer. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to bring a guardian with them to contract jobs. If you are denied that, you should be very concerned.  If you show up to a shoot and are asked by the photographer to remove your clothing without being told about the nudity initially, leave immediately. If you feel you've been taken advantage of in some way, contact The Model Alliance or go to www.modelalliance.org for more information.
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One-sentence summary --
Be aware that site models usually work for free. Search for legitimate online modelling communities to join. Stay alert for possible modelling scams. Watch out for unsafe environments.