On a more serious note

Well that is exactly what happened. The first six months were difficult and very busy as I spent more and more time in getting the essentials sorted out

1. Business Cards - needed a logo and a printer. Found the printer first, the logo took a long time to get done given how strongly a felt about the image I wanted to put up for my firm. For address and phone numbers used home numbers initially and then switched to a cell phone. Word of hindsight advice - buy the cellphone and the cards together - more professional impact

2. Stationary. Only get continuing sheets printed - the one with just the logo and not the full firm details (aka the official letter head). Once you have the continuing sheets printed you can create a word template that would create the letter head on a as and when needed basis. Remember, your address will change atleast a few times before you find the office space that you like and can afford at the same time. When that happens all the previously printed letter heads will go to waste.

3. Profile. Who are we and what do we do as a firm. Most difficult verbage I have ever written but atleast once it was done I knew what we would or wouldn't do for a client.

4. Website. Get a designer, don't do it yourself. Its worth it.

5. Office space and laptop. The two go together especially if you plan on spending a lot more time on the laptop than in the office. Buy a good light weight portable. Personal favorite - think pad t series - the one with the three year warranty. Office space is a different story. You would be surprised how much of an impact having a professional setup makes on your clients and how many great values are available. Rule of thumb - if you look hard enough you can find a decent enough place where you would not need to pay rent - or atleast an arrangement where it could be deferred for a small share of future revenues. Start looking. In our first two years we came close to paying it twice or thrice. Only started paying it by the end of the second year when we could afford it.