So I have an idea that I'm fleshing out right now into a business model, and starting to test it out with users in the hopes of opening to the public soon. I live in Southern California, with a baby on the way, so applying for YCombinator is out. There aren't any real needs for employees/resources right now, so funding probably isn't necessary.
I'm just wondering what some common things I should be watching out for might be.
Should I get incorporated as soon as possible, should I wait. Do I need to copyright/trademark stuff soon, does it not really matter. The articles I've been reading are very helpful, but it would be cool to get some perspective from people who have done it.
A generic business tip that I think is worth knowing and very tough for newbies to accept: be wary of any deal that isn't cash based. If someone wants you to do them a favor and they do one in return, watch your back. If it's truly a valuable arrangement, cash should underlay the terms.