Sequence
One of the more difficult tasks for the entrepreneur is to prioritize the company's interface with its professionals. New companies must normally conserve their cash resources as they build the company to go to market.
The sequence of tasks should be roughly as follows.
□ Conduct a feasibility analysis of the product or service to determine whether you have a business.
□ Engage an attorney to form the entity and provide preliminary documents for a friends and family round of raising capital.
□ Engage an IP attorney to file trademarks and patents if applicable.
□ Draft a business plan and hire an accountant or CFO to help with the numbers.
□ Engage a business plan consultant if required.
□ Engage a marketing expert to formulate a strategy.
□ Bring in a branding/graphic specialist to begin a corporate identity package.
□ Use a videographer to create a promotional video.
There is no set rule on sequence. Some things appear more important at different stages of the company's growth. Just make certain that the underlying business and legal structure is in place before proceeding very far.