Starting a business can be a costly venture. However, you don’t have to completely empty your wallet account to get your business started. If you’re ready to follow your dreams but not ready to tank your bank account, here are 6 ways you can start your business on a budget!
Barter, Barter, Barter!
Seriously guys bartering with other creatives is awesome (whether you have money or not). I started bartering with other creatives early on and not only was it a great way to get things done for my business for almost no money but it also connected me with some great other creatives in the community. Another perk? The people you barter with might like your work so much that they send clients to you down the road! Check out this great post on 7 sites that can help you barter services!
Use all the free rescues available to you (podcasts, free trials, freebies, etc.)
10 years ago, if you wanted business advice or ideas you had to pay for a course or buy a book. These days, there are millions of free resources out there that will prove TONS of valuable info for $0! Some examples of free resources are podcast (100% free) freebies provided by other entrepreneurs in exchange for signing up for their email list (and they will most likely send more freebies if you stay on their list) and a lot of services and tools offer a free trial (or a discounted trail) so you can see if you maybe want to invest later on.
Invest wisely
If you’re on a major budget then it’s important that you invest your money wisely. That means if you are going to spend your limited amount of money on something, research, research, research! Make sure that you know exactly where your money is going and what you’re going to get in return. Another tip? Invest in something that will provide value for an extended amount of time instead of just a one-time thing.
Social media is free!!
I know this sounds obvious but the top marketing platforms are FREE! Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube all of these platforms are 100% free to use and they can easily become your top lead generator if used well. Of course, there are ways you can spend money on social media such as ads but you can still utilize social media at no cost and add a lot of value to your business.
Explore crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter have changed the way entrepreneurs are raising money to fund their new businesses. Whether you want to sell a new software tool or set up an organic noodle bar, you can get people to invest in your business.
Network!!
When you don’t have money to start your business, it’s essential you find the right people who can help. You may attend events and trade shows where you can find potential investors. You may also join various online forums on social networking sites where you can find useful tips and resources to bring your business to life.
