Missouri Small Business Guide
If you are a business owner or thinking about starting a business, there are five key strategic areas to consider:
Leadership, Business Model, Organizational Structure, Operations, and Revenue Growth.
What are the Business Life Cycles?
Generally, businesses pass through three stages before reaching the final stage of decline. It is important that you properly identify the life cycle stage of your business so that you can plan appropriately and establish realistic goals for the future.
Start-ups are businesses that have yet to come into existence or have yet to turn a complete revenue cycle. The start-up stage is generally characterized by innovation, high risk, and low profit margins.
In the growth stage, consumer demand is established and increases, you experience increasing sales, profit margins increase, and a market is established. Often, additional help is needed in production/ service, operations, or sales.
Mature firms have achieved a certain amount of name recognition, and you have a reliable stream of cash with stable profit margins. Intensive marketing may be needed to increase or maintain market position, and there is little sales innovation.
In the final stage of decline, the market begins to shrink. There is usually no sales innovation, you cut costs to maintain profits, and profit margins are thin.
What Is Business Planning?
Business planning involves making decisions about the future of your business. Plans force you to consider the long term as well as the short term.
The challenges facing a start-up are very clear; you must learn your business, establish and expand your customer base, and begin to grow
During this initial stage, you should prepare a business plan, determine the structure of your business, plan for taxes, and get your personal estate plan done
In the growth stage, your primary goal is to become the preferred choice for your prospects; other goals may include adding new products/ services and expanding into new markets
To guard against unforeseen problems, it is important maintain your business plan and make sure your business is structured to facilitate growth while protecting the business assets
The main risk in the maturity stage is complacency and failure to adapt to a changing environment; you need to stay competitive and innovative
Move your investments into productive areas of your business and withdraw them from areas of low return; focus on enhancing and managing growth plans and your business protection strategy
At the decline stage, you should be focused on ensuring the proper succession or possible sale or merger of your business
You should also explore strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes, protect your inheritance for your heirs and make sure you have a plan in the event you are disabled and/or need long term care
Richard A. Russell
Attorney-CPA
If you are like most people, you want a plan to make sure your loved ones are taken care of and your affairs are in order but you have put it off for a long time.
And it feels like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders when you think about all the decisions to be made.
I walk you through the process one step at a time, teach you what you need to know, make sure you understand the ins and outs of your plan, and give you the support and tools you need.
Richard A. Russell
Attorney-CPA
If you are like most people, you want a plan to make sure your loved ones are taken care of and your affairs are in order but you have put it off for a long time.
And it feels like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders when you think about all the decisions to be made.
I walk you through the process one step at a time, teach you what you need to know, make sure you understand the ins and outs of your plan, and give you the support and tools you need.
HAVE QUESTIONS BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Book a No-Charge Consultation
Take the first step toward protecting your future.
Schedule a free, no-obligation call with Richard today and get your questions answered.
Start-up
Checklist
Start-up
Checklist
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complete questionnaire
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Less than 5 minutes to complete
Answer 10 basic questions
Provide information about you and the business
schedule
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Schedule when convenient for you using our online calendar
Meet with Richard to review your questionnaire and discuss your goals and concerns
Flat fee quote provided at the meeting
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Solutions for Missouri Families and Businesses
Trust Planning
Do you want to avoid the time, expense and publicity of probate
Do you want to protect your inheritance for your beneficiaries
Have you funded your trust so as to avoid probate at your death
Business Planning
Do you want to protect your personal assets from creditors of the business
Do you want to protect the business assets from your personal creditors
Does your business operate in one or more markets or have more than one brand
Estate Planning
Have you or a loved one recently moved to Missouri
Have there been recent changes to your family situation (kids, divorce, etc.)
Have you made a change in your job/career or retired
Protection Planning
Do you have the proper insurance coverages and amounts to shield your assets
Have you used Missouri statutory protections to safeguard your wealth
Are your business and personal assets
placed to maximize protection and minimize risk
Probate
Which assets and accounts do or don't have to be probated
Who is responsible for opening and administering the probate estate
Who pays the funeral expenses, credit cards and medical bills after death
HAVE QUESTIONS BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Schedule a Call Now
Take the first step toward peace of mind.
Schedule a free, no-obligation call with Richard today and get your questions answered.
Why Choose Us?
Personalized Attention
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every client works directly with Richard to receive customized legal guidance tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Local Expertise
Serving Southwest Missouri, Richard is a solo lawyer who understands the needs of local families and businesses. His advice is grounded in practical, local experience.
Clear Communication
Legal matters can feel overwhelming—Richard simplifies the process by explaining everything in plain language, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Caring Approach
Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or handling a loved one’s estate, Richard handles every matter with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
HAVE QUESTIONS BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Get Started Today
Cut through the confusion.
Schedule a 20 minute call with Richard to get your questions answered.
Contact
Richard Russell Law
405 N Jefferson Ave #1024
Springfield, MO 65806-1110
Phone: (417) 233-1661
Toll Free: (877) 852-1187
Fax: (417) 413-2658
Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00 - 5:30
Saturday By Appointment
