Common oversight: No one prepares you for the phone situation when setting up your business entity.
I recently created a business entity, and in my state, that formation is a matter of public record. The instructions suggested that single-owner businesses should list the owner’s personal phone number during registration.
That turned out to be a mistake. As soon as my business was registered and my phone number became public, my personal phone was bombarded with robocalls—everything from logo design pitches to IT outsourcing offers.
While this might not be a concern everywhere, I wish someone had given me a heads-up. If I had known, I would have invested in a low-cost phone plan, like Mint Mobile, to avoid this annoyance.
Is this an issue in every state?
2 Comments
It’s unfortunate to hear about your experience! While the specifics can vary by state, many states do require the owner’s contact information to be included in public business records, which can lead to unsolicited calls as you’ve experienced. This is indeed a common rookie mistake that many new business owners overlook.
To mitigate this, some people opt to use a separate business phone line or a virtual phone service that can act as a buffer against robocalls and unsolicited sales calls. Services like Google Voice, Grasshopper, or indeed a cheap prepaid phone can help keep your personal and business communications separate.
It’s always a good idea to check the regulations in your state when forming a business entity, and if possible, consult with a business lawyer or advisor to avoid such issues in the future. Hopefully, your experience will help others avoid the same pitfalls!
Great post highlighting an often overlooked aspect of business formation! It’s true that public records can inadvertently expose personal contact information, leading to unwanted solicitations. To mitigate this, many entrepreneurs opt for a dedicated business phone number from the start—using services like Google Voice, Mint Mobile, or other virtual phone providers. These options not only help maintain privacy but also lend a more professional impression to customers. Additionally, regularly updating your privacy settings and opting out of marketing lists can further reduce spam. It’s a valuable reminder that privacy considerations should be part of the initial planning process when establishing a business. Thanks for sharing this insight—hopefully, more new entrepreneurs will take proactive steps early on!