1: register a business name ... (not sure how easy it is if you are from aust ?? )
go to
CRO - Home ... straight forward enough .. cost you 20 quid
2: if you've registered a business name approach your bank and tell them you want to open up a sole trader business account
(you will need a bit of a business plan but I think AIB have one available for download ... maybe just give them a buzz and ask)
separating business money and personal money a good idea ... if you're planning on going full time it makes sense to "pay" yourself X each month based on what you've earned and the rest stays in the kitty (spelling) .. for purchases / expenses and so on
3: once you have your business name I'd recommend you get your .ie domain and .com if you can ... 30 quid and 10 quid roughly ...
4: start doing work for clients ... don't charge too little .. don't charge too much I guess if you're starting you'll be trying to get the name and the business for yourself .. but it really is harder to start charging more later on.
quick books ... with inuit.com .. last year had a starter pack program which allowed for 20 customers ... its basic but its handy...
I Might add it was Free
I signed up tonight with goplan.org ... handy for tracking projects ... and you are able to give clients access to see whats happening / add files / add tasks / comments and so on .. could be handy .. I'm going to stick with it for a bit .. and see how it goes
Other advice ... if you're doing local business go local with your hosting ...
any questions just ask ... made mistakes last year .. made good moves .. (first year in business as forbairt media)