One of the most important, yet small things to do when establishing a corporate credit profile is to make sure your business has it’s own phone number. Sure its cheaper to use a residential account. It’s certainly more convenient to use a cell phone.

However, put yourself in the shoes of someone thinking about extending your business credit. How professional is your company’s image if you don’t even have a phone in its name? It is a very simple thing to set up.

Here’s a tip. If money is a concern, which it can be for businesses on a tight budget, check into business programs available to small businesses. Many phone companies offer a program called “remote call forwarding” available for under $20 a month. This program allows you to create a business account without having a “hard line” installed. All calls to your business number are forwarded to a phone you determine. Yes, this number can be a cell phone.

Your company needs to be listed with directory assistance. It doesn’t matter how you get it done, just make sure you do it before you start applying for business credit.

That means when a potential lender calls 411 the operator will be able to rattle off your companies name. Make sure your business is listed with the correct spelling and billing address. It is vital that before you start building your company’s profile that you have your business phone set up.