So you want to start your own business but…

1. Your budget is stretched to the max

2. You have zero savings

3. Every spare dollar is already spent.

Got it.  I’ve been there before.  In fact, I started my first successful business with $0 in my pocket.  Here’s how I was able to get thrifty and raise about $700 in 7 days to get my biz started.

1. Go Freelance:  Hop over to elance.com and start searching through the posted jobs.  There are literally thousands of jobs spanning hundreds of skill areas.  Create a list of jobs that you believe you can accomplish and bid on them.  I took my love for writing and started a successful copywriting side-business that still provides a nice income. You can do the same. 

2. Clean out Your Attic, Basement, and Garage: Hold a yard sale.  This is the perfect time of year to pull out all of your toys, clothes, and knick knacks that you no longer need and earn some quick cash.  One tip from my wife – make sure you advertise your garage sale in the local paper.

3. Pack Your Lunch: If you work a day job then you could save some quick cash by brown bagging it.  Face it, fast food is expensive and takes a huge bite out of your finances.  If you spent $6 a day on lunch you can easily burn through $120.00 in a month!  So try packing your lunch for the next month.  Take the money you save and plow it into your business.

This one is a little tougher but has 2x the benefit -

4. End an addiction:  If you are a smoker then you can easily save up to $100.00 a month and put years back on your life by stopping your habit.  I know it’s tough.  I’ve been smoke-free for a year now and my wallet is a little heavier as a result.

There you go!  If you work through this list for the next 7 days you will have a decent pile of cash to get you started.  Commit to this for 30 days and you will not only be healthier but also have the seed capital to get your new biz of the ground.

Get to work!

 

This article was written by Stan Smith a closet marketing anarchist, ad
agency refugee, and samurai copywriter. He can't resist the urge to throw grenades at the Internet marketing establishment and supports stealing from the gurus at every opportunity. In his spare time he hunts smallmouth bass, creates dinosaur origami, and is the head trainer (misfit) at the Web Sales Club