Every consultant I talk to spends too long agonizing over business structure. Here’s the short version: start with an LLC, elect S-Corp status when your net income consistently exceeds $60k, and move on.

The Weekend Setup

Day 1: Formation

  1. File your LLC with your state (most states have online filing)
  2. Get your EIN from the IRS (free, takes 5 minutes online)
  3. Open a business bank account

Day 2: Protection and Compliance

  1. Set up basic bookkeeping (more on this in the Tools pillar)
  2. Get professional liability insurance
  3. Draft your standard consulting agreement

That’s it. You can refine everything else as revenue comes in.