Overview: “Practicing as a Rural Architectural Designer" is a series I developed to provide insight into the development of a rural architectural practice in the Upper Midwest as an unlicensed, emerging professional.
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02 Beginning Steps…Creating a Business & All The Things It Entails
On July 30th, 2019, I had a Zoom meeting with a Adam J. Flagg, a Certified Financial Planner based in Austin, TX. I connected with him via LinkedIn through a new service that matches people with mentors in whatever field you choose. I am new to this feature but on a whim I signed up for a mentor and selected I was interested in business strategy and planning. Being barely in the beginning stages of formally setting up a business, I wasn’t sure what to expect from our meeting. However, speaking with him was great and really insightful regarding steps I need to take to make sure my business is profitable and the overall reason for my business was structurally sound. Since Adam is not based where I live (Austin, MN), I have decided to contact a local financial advisor to really start this process - more to come in future posts on this!
Setting Up My Business, Formally - Resources
This was my first attempt to get my ducks in a row regarding the financial side of running and building a small business. Since then, (it’s now November) I have been on a whirlwind of meeting with the Small Business Development Center and SCORE reps to understand the formal steps I need to take to set up my business in the eyes of the Secretary of State MN Department. I reached out to the SE Minnesota reps which are largely based in Rochester, MN but you can find your regional reps through the links above as well.
Here are a couple links that I used to get familiar with the process:
The Importance of Networking, Even In a Small Town
I have also been spending somewhat of a full-time job just meeting people in town (Austin, MN) connected to the building and housing industries and the arts and culture sector. To say I’ve been busy is an understatement, but the truth is that just networking is a full-time job in and of itself. I now understand why people starting their own business get so busy right away.
However, the networking in this small town has led to real excitement and feelings of value and worth. It seems my suspicions that architects would be highly valued in small towns and in overall Rural America are being validated. I can not overstate this fact and hope others reading this blog know that there is a real want and need for designers in these spaces.
While I don’t have concrete resources to share regarding “how” to network in your area, I would that it tends to happen naturally when you put yourself out there to individuals in town - mentioning your business idea and your design service intentions for the area. That’s what happened for me…I met the Austin Area Arts Executive Director and she connected me with almost everyone in town that works in relevant areas such as the HRA (Housing & Redevelopment Authority), the Development Corporation of Austin, county and city representatives and city hall employees…the list goes on. I suppose this is the beauty of a small town…there are just a few people working towards a greater goal and they are overjoyed to have another join in on the cause.
In closing, I wanted to say that I hope to write more frequently but also acknowledge the huge amount of energy it takes to go down this path. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! <3
Best,
Miranda