So, you've decided to start your own CPA firm. That's a big leap - and an exciting one! Whether you're craving more autonomy, better work-life balance, or a practice that reflects your values, you're on the edge of something meaningful.

But before you rush to buy a domain name or file your LLC, it's worth pausing to make sure you have a few essential pieces in place. These early steps don't have to take months - but skipping them can cost you serious time, money, and clarity down the road.

Here are the first three things to do before you launch your firm - especially if you want to grow something sustainable, profitable, and aligned with your life.

#1 Clarify What You Actually Want from This Firm

It sounds simple, but this is the step most people skip. We get so focused on "starting a firm" that we forget to ask:

• Why do I want this?
• What do I want this to look like a year from now?
• How do I want my life to feel day to day?

Are you looking for flexibility so you can spend more time with your kids? Do you want to build a niche firm that becomes a go-to expert in your area? Or maybe you're trying to replace your salary while working fewer hours?

Get honest with yourself. There's no one "right" reason to start your own firm - but if you don't know your reason, it's really easy to build something that looks successful on paper but drains you in real life.

Try This: Write down what success looks like for you - in both your life and your firm. Keep it somewhere you can revisit when decisions get tough.

#2 Figure Out Who You Want to Serve

Not everyone is your ideal client. And honestly, trying to serve everyone is a great way to end up serving no one (and resenting your work).

Ask yourself:

• What kinds of clients light me up?
• What industries or personalities do I work well with?
• What types of services do I enjoy providing most?

Choosing a niche doesn't mean you have to say "no" to every other client - but it does help you stand out, build systems faster, and deliver deeper value.

Try This: Make a list of your favorite clients from your previous work. What did they have in common? That's a clue to your niche.

#3 Map Out Your First Offer and Pricing

Before you get a logo or build your website, you need to know what you're offering - and how much you'll charge for it. This is what makes your firm a business.

Start simple.

• What service are you offering?
• What result will the client get?
• What's the price?

You don't need to have everything figured out on day one. But the clearer you are about what problem you solve and how you deliver value, the easier it will be to find your first clients.

If you're unsure where to start with pricing, think about what would allow you to make a good living without overloading your calendar. Remember: your pricing should support the life you want - not just cover your expenses.

Try This: Draft your first package. Include what's included, how it will be delivered, and what it costs. Then practice saying it out loud.

Start Strong, Not Stressed

Launching a firm doesn't have to be complicated - but it should be intentional. When you take the time to clarify your vision, define your ideal client, and create a simple offer, you set yourself up to grow with confidence and clarity.

And remember - you don't have to get it all perfect before you begin. Your firm will evolve. You'll tweak your niche. You'll adjust your prices. But starting with a clear foundation makes every step that follows easier.