So you have an idea for your own business, but realize you
don’t have the cash to get it off the ground.
Here are some tips on ways to get your business off the ground and to
get your business name out there.
Step 1: Know the basics
· What type of business are you starting.
· What is your business name and contact
information (no address needed yet).
· How often are you going to be available.
· Set up a website (most website servers like
Weebly allow you to set up a basic page for free).
· Spend a few dollars on business cards through a
company like Vista Print so you can start handing out your contact information.
· Set up a Facebook page for you company and start
asking for friends, family and neighbors to “like” your page so word starts
getting around.
· Also, set up a Twitter account and start
Twitting about your products or service
Step 2: Start offering your service from your house or from
a rented location (small fee) at your local civic center or park district. Here are a few examples –
1. If you want to start a cooking/baking business,
start baking from your own kitchen and selling your products to friends and
neighbors. If you don’t know to charge
friends and family… offer a few free items that they can share with their own
friends and neighbors to start spreading the word.
2. If you want to start a business selling jewelry
or clothes. After you have followed the
advice from number 1, check your local park districts or town news to see what
the next craft fair is and try to get a booth, or head to the flee market and
grab a spot. You can also take the
products you’ve already made and ask other storeowners if they would be willing
to buy and sell your items. You can also
ask if other storeowners are willing to set out your business cards.
Step 3: Ask for help:
· Do you have any friends are family that would be
willing to loan you the money to start your business?
· Check out group funding websites such as
kickstarter and chipin. This is an easy
way to try and raise funds for your business.
What are some ideas that have
worked for you and your business?