Someone recently asked me how they could start a business without any money. It’s a great question, and the ideas I’m about to share will be helpful if you’re looking to grow an existing business, or start a completely new one.
First, I want to address the belief that you “don’t have any money.” Never is this actually true. You will always have access to money for your business. It’s always there, and you’ll be able to find it when you need it. (And trust me, you will need it. I don’t know a single entrepreneur who has started a company with absolutely no business funding.) Be prepared to find money to invest in your company, and have trust that you will make that money back.
Here are 4 ways that you can start and grow your business without spending a lot of money:
1. Go to free events, classes and open houses to mingle with strangers who may turn into colleagues or potential clients.
I absolutely love meeting potential clients at open houses and dinner parties! I meet a lot of potential from events like these. Most open houses are free to attend, and you’ll meet some fabulous people, if you are willing to strike up conversation, and if you aren’t just there to “get clients.” Remember, people can feel when you are “needy” or on the prowl for clients, and it’s quite a turn off. Simply go to these events with a willingness to meet new people, and be open to wherever that relationship leads.
2. Ask an existing and more established business if you can come in and teach a class at their location, for their clientele.
It’s wonderful to be hosted as a speaker like this, and I did this often in my first couple years of business (at financial companies, yoga studios and many other locations). The wonderful thing about this arrangement is that both of you will help promote the event (which means that your colleague’s business gets seen by everyone you invite), and you often don’t have to pay a rental fee to use the space. Both you and the business hosting can split the costs of marketing materials, and then enjoy a great collaborative event, where you’ll both benefit.
3. I often recommend that my United States based clients connect with an organization called SCORE, for free legal advice.
Interestingly, I first met my attorney (who I now pay to see) at SCORE.
4. Internet marketing is also nearly free.
Posting a video to YouTube requires a cell phone with a camera, and the internet. Your YouTube video may be found by someone on the other side of the world who loves your energy so much that they ask to hire you.
I hang out on Facebook several times a day (again, for free, as long as I have a computer and internet access), and have made thousands of dollars there. It’s all because I have facebook conversations that are really fun to have, and then people ask to hire me.
Now that you have
a few ideas, it’s time to go out and take action on the one that feels most aligned with your business. Get started with the tips I’ve just shared, and if you want even more, I’ve created a resource to help with this. It’s my digital program called Build A Richer Business, that you can get started with at any time. Simply email us at [email protected], and we’ll get you all set up with access to the program.
© 2015 Ava Waits
