Creator CEO Survival Kit - Founder Edition
Part of the The Creator CEO Playbook™; Powered by Legal Stack Studio
Set up the business
Choose structure (LLC vs. sole prop) and file formation.
Get EIN; open a dedicated business bank account.
Basic bookkeeping (separate accounts; monthly close).
Set aside 25–30% for taxes; track deductible spend.
Own the brand
Clear the name (search web/USPTO); lock domain + handles.
Identify what’s protectable (name/logo/tagline); plan filing order.
Record how the mark will be used (specimens ready for later).
Protect the work
Inventory core assets (site, product, curriculum, media).
Use NDAs pre-deal; use written agreements for any build/creative.
Copyright register high-value originals (bundled if needed).
Contracts that prevent fires
Must-have clauses: scope/deliverables, IP ownership/license, fees & timing, termination, indemnity, confidentiality.
Customer-facing: Terms of Service, Privacy Notice, refunds/disputes.
Minimum ops
Basic service SOP (intake → delivery → follow-up).
Single source of truth for docs (Notion/Drive); version control.
Risk log: name conflicts, unpaid invoices, data/privacy exposure.