The first thing you’ve got to do is get past the idea of spending. Work out of your home or Starbucks on nights and weekends. Instead of hiring employees just get started with what you can do yourself, or ask friends for help. Don’t incorporate just yet, be a sole proprietorship. Don’t hire an expensive graphic artist to make your logo, stick with something simple…you get the idea.
You can spend money on all that stuff once you are bringing in revenue!
Now to actually get started, here are 10 steps you can use to launch a new business, without spending a dime. The first five are logistical. The last five are all free ways to market your business (after all, the most important step is bringing in that first sale!)
When you run your own business, it’s pretty hard not to fall into people-pleasing patterns. At first, you want to take on every client or project that comes your way. Sometimes you let negative feedback on a product get in your head. Doubt as an entrepreneur is beyond normal, but if you define your mission before you start, it will be easier to stay on track.
You’re probably not in danger of someone stealing your ideas yet, but you should take precautions. As soon as you know what your name is, secure the website domain and social media handles for your business.
Even if you don’t foresee using certain social media channels (such as new ones that may pop up any day now), secure your business’ name on them. Again, you may not use these channels, but you won’t want someone else using your name on them either. It’s hard to predict what the next big social media platform will be, so one day you may be glad you secured your brand’s name early on.