If you are feeling the entrepreneurial itch but have absolutely zero funding, don’t despair. You can build a new business from the ground up without having a bundle of cash. How, you ask? Is it really possible? The answer is a resounding yes, you can. Follow these simple, free steps and you will be off and running your own business.
- Write your idea down and start thinking (and writing) out the details. Writing a business plan might seem like an odious task, but it’s a necessary one. Your written plan will help you accentuate strengths from day one and allow you to deal constructively with weaknesses before they sandbag your business. You should continue to write and tweak your plan until it can live comfortably with your budget.
- Enlist the help of friends and family, and one more fantastic assistant. SCORE has been helping budding entrepreneurs for over 50 years by providing free counseling to those eager to start their own business. Seasoned executives offer great advice and will help startups every step of the way. SCORE could be the best partner you make.
- Roll your sleeves up and get to work. You will be doing it all; production, marketing, delivery—the works.
- Utilize social networking to get the word out about your business. Get creative when considering how to let people know you have a great product or service. Do you sell adorable dog sweaters? Ask your local pet shop for the chance to stage a pet fashion show with your sweater as a prize. Pet shops will love drawing in new customers and your business will have great exposure. And don’t forget the value of a press release.
Make today the day you start building your own business. Stop contemplating and start doing. With zero start up cost you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.