From Idea to Income: How to Start Your Business the Right Way

Starting a business can feel intimidating; paperwork, licenses, bank accounts, and insurance all need to line up before you can even think about your first sale. But the path from idea to income doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

On this week’s episode of The Dealer Download powered by RS&I, host Michael Shiverdecker breaks down what it takes to launch a business anywhere in the U.S., step by step. Then we show you how RS&I streamlines the process when you become an Authorized Dealer, giving you access to trusted brands like AT&T Wireless and Fiber, HughesNet, Kinetic Fiber, Quantum Fiber, Brightspeed Fiber, DISH, Vivint, and residential solar.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The essential steps to legally set up a business in the U.S.

• How RS&I simplifies the launch process for Authorized Dealers.

• A quick tour of the RS&I website and dealer resources.

• An action plan to help you hit the ground running.

The headlines may feel overwhelming—government shutdowns, rising prices, and AI flooding social media, but for RS&I Authorized Dealers, it all comes down to one thing: how customers respond.

On this week’s episode of The Dealer Download powered by RS&I, host Michael Shiverdecker unpacks three trends shaping the market:

• Shutdown uncertainty and consumer confidence, Wealthy households are holding steady, but working-class consumers are losing faith in the economy. Dealers should position internet, TV, and security as essential, not optional.

• The rise of AI “slop”, Customers are drowning in low-quality, auto-generated content. That creates an opening for dealers to stand out as human, local, and trustworthy.

• Everyday inflation – Even small price hikes, like coffee, make households rethink their budgets. Dealers can highlight long-term stability and savings with fiber, security, and solar.

Every dealer wants to know the same thing: what separates the good from the great?

At RS&I, we’ve partnered with Authorized Dealers across the country for decades. One thing is clear: top performers don’t succeed by chance. They follow consistent habits that help them grow faster, stay competitive, and build long-term customer loyalty.

This week on The Dealer Download powered by RS&I, we’re talking about the five habits that make all the difference. From smarter training to stronger customer experiences, these are the practices that set successful Authorized Dealers apart.

The Dealer Download, powered by RS&I – where independent dealers get the insights, strategies, and support they need to grow. Whether you’re in wireless, smart home security, internet, TV, or solar, this podcast brings you real-world stories, expert tips, and the tools to help your business thrive. 

The Dealer Download, powered by RS&I – where independent dealers get the insights, strategies, and support they need to grow. Whether you’re in wireless, smart home security, internet, TV, or solar, this podcast brings you real-world stories, expert tips, and the tools to help your business thrive.