Silent Bob
10-20-2008, 10:20 PM
The Myth That Starting a Business is Expensive.
By Bob Hubbard
Whenever the topic of starting a business and working for yourself comes up I often hear two excuses. That it is expensive and that the deck is stacked against you. "You have to have money to make money". This suggestion is that you need millions of dollars to launch a new business. Every kid who ever setup a drink stand on a hot summer day shows just how false this idea is.
"But Bob", I hear you say, "I can't live on lemonade sales."
No, probably not. But it does show you the real way to set about starting your business. It does take money to make money sure. But how many kids spent their own money? Most didn't. They got mom to buy the sugar and the mix, and borrowed the pitcher, and got her to donate the cups. They borrowed that spare table, some chairs, and talked a friend into walking around wearing a sign all day down at the intersection. That same ingenuity scaled up a bit can set you on the path to generating an extra bit of income, possibly even independence from the daily job grind.
First, find businesses you can start on a low to no investment.
Some suggestions: Lawn Care, Snow Shoveling, Dog Walking, House Painter, House Sitter, Car Washer, Window Washer. All of these can be started for under $100, often with borrowed equipment.
Second, check on the legal requirements such as sales tax permit requirements, insurance, etc.
Third, do some advertising to prospects. You don't need millions. $5 will get you 100 single sided copies at most copy shops. Roll them up and shove them into doors and porches. Just be sure to check local laws concerning that first, a call to your local police department and city hall will usually give you that information. Do not put them into mailboxes as that is against the law!
Fourth, when you are hired, do a good job! This will help ensure repeat business and referrals.
Fifth, when completing the job, always ask for a referal, and provide some way to have your contact information passed on. Business cards can be printed inexpensively in small batches on your own printer, or at most office supply shops.
With some careful thought and planning, it is possible for you to boost your income with a minimal personal investment.
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Bob Hubbard owns several businesses, including SilverStar WebDesigns Inc., MartialTalk.com and is an independent photographer. He can be reached at BobHubbard.net.
By Bob Hubbard
Whenever the topic of starting a business and working for yourself comes up I often hear two excuses. That it is expensive and that the deck is stacked against you. "You have to have money to make money". This suggestion is that you need millions of dollars to launch a new business. Every kid who ever setup a drink stand on a hot summer day shows just how false this idea is.
"But Bob", I hear you say, "I can't live on lemonade sales."
No, probably not. But it does show you the real way to set about starting your business. It does take money to make money sure. But how many kids spent their own money? Most didn't. They got mom to buy the sugar and the mix, and borrowed the pitcher, and got her to donate the cups. They borrowed that spare table, some chairs, and talked a friend into walking around wearing a sign all day down at the intersection. That same ingenuity scaled up a bit can set you on the path to generating an extra bit of income, possibly even independence from the daily job grind.
First, find businesses you can start on a low to no investment.
Some suggestions: Lawn Care, Snow Shoveling, Dog Walking, House Painter, House Sitter, Car Washer, Window Washer. All of these can be started for under $100, often with borrowed equipment.
Second, check on the legal requirements such as sales tax permit requirements, insurance, etc.
Third, do some advertising to prospects. You don't need millions. $5 will get you 100 single sided copies at most copy shops. Roll them up and shove them into doors and porches. Just be sure to check local laws concerning that first, a call to your local police department and city hall will usually give you that information. Do not put them into mailboxes as that is against the law!
Fourth, when you are hired, do a good job! This will help ensure repeat business and referrals.
Fifth, when completing the job, always ask for a referal, and provide some way to have your contact information passed on. Business cards can be printed inexpensively in small batches on your own printer, or at most office supply shops.
With some careful thought and planning, it is possible for you to boost your income with a minimal personal investment.
=======
Bob Hubbard owns several businesses, including SilverStar WebDesigns Inc., MartialTalk.com and is an independent photographer. He can be reached at BobHubbard.net.