Will a business work?
When you are looking to start a business, I will focus on digital investigation consulting as the type of business to start, you need to evaluate if it will work. Determining if there will be enough demand to generate revenue that can sustain yourself and the goals you have for your business is the hardest part of the process.

Step 1. Demand or Need

Is there a demand or need for digital investigations in your local area? It’s often easier to start a business where you can generate initial business directly within your community. In the beginning, it’s tempting to think the world is your market. However, targeting a global market is much more challenging, especially when trying to determine if the business can generate enough revenue to cover your startup costs.
Speak directly with people who may use your services regularly at first such as law firms and other investigative firms that do not offer the same services. Speak with nearby law enforcement agencies to learn if they outsource their DFIR service. Chatting with those who may use your service in the future will give a clear, immediate picture of the level of demand for your services.

When I started Paraben, PDA devices were starting to come into the market, and I believed they would be the next big thing in digital evidence. I waited to see how they would gain market share before focusing on a tool to capture their data. While working on that, Paraben initially offered shareware tools that helped with random everyday tasks. These shareware sales provided the capital to develop a more complex tool, which became known as PDA Seizure.

Step 2. Proper Setup
The startup costs for a business can vary depending on the specific services you offer. However, there are essential, static startup costs to consider before investing in hardware and technology.
1. Company Name
2. Legal Incorporation
3. Separate Bank Account
4. Domain
5. Insurance
6. Licensing
While the items on this list might not be the most exciting, they’re essential for starting your business on the right foot and minimizing personal risk.

When choosing a company name, remember it’s your brand. Take time to brainstorm a memorable, easy-to-say name that isn’t directly associated with your personal name. Company names based on founders can limit growth. If the worst happens, it’s much harder to separate a business from a problematic founder when that business is named after the founder. Aim for a name that suggests a larger team is behind the name and one that allows for future expansion.

Paraben’s name was inspired by the back of a shampoo bottle. I wanted a unique name that was easy to trademark and domain. Back then, web squatting was common, so it was harder than you might think.
Since Paraben operates internationally, I had to ensure the name wasn’t offensive in other languages. This is something everyone starting a new business should do: translate the name into several languages. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that “parabens” means “congratulations” in Portuguese. It was a great reminder that sometimes, the best decisions are the unexpected ones.

Running your own business requires dedication and perseverance. It involves long hours and wearing many hats. If you’re not careful, your business can consume your life. It can be overwhelming and lonely at times, so staying motivated is crucial.

When I started Paraben, I was inspired by my grandparents, who immigrated to America and worked hard to build a life. They learned a new language by working in different bakeries as they made their way across America to settle in Utah. They eventually saved enough to open their own bakery, sharing their passion and love for people. I learned a lot about hard work from my Grandpa, the baker, and my Mimi, who ran the front of the house. My Mimi recently passed away, and I cherish the memories of her love for people and her dedication to customer service. She inspires me in my work at Paraben, even though we don’t offer sweet treats. Our focus on customer service is a tribute to her.