Purchase a quality snow shovel. Do not cut corners on this. It will get a lot of wear, and you don't want it to break in the middle of your work. More expensive shovels are also designed to put less strain on your back.
Dress warmly. You are likely to be in the cold for hours, so be sure to dress accordingly. It's recommended you wear a hat, scarf, coat, gloves and long underwear under your clothing. Choose gloves that are flexible but well-padded.
Decide on payment. Set a rate according to the work you will be doing. Take into consideration the size of the driveway, walkway and any other area you will be shoveling.
Build your client list. Talk to friends and family. Your friends and family will be eager to help you out and have their driveways shoveled. They are also a great way to build your clientele. Use their yards as reference when securing jobs with others in the neighborhood.
Use rock salt. After shoveling an area be sure to add this in order to keep the area from becoming icy.