Invest then Market

We asked an acquaintance one day how business was going. She said it was going slow because she was looking for free software. We thought, that's fine, everyone loves freebies.

We bumped into her again and this time she needed a translation done for free. She also wanted to take a graphic design course and wanted her employer to pay for it, even if the company did not offer subsidized tuition. We thought again, well, she's young and doesn't have the financial resources yet.

Our third conversation knocked us down. This time she wanted a free upgrade of her cell phone and was haggling with the phone company so they would concede to giving something for nothing.

We had to tell her: "hey, you gotta spend money to make money."

Our ex-boss believed in that. He started an electronics outfit in his basement and is now the sixth largest distribution company in North America.

He believed in investing -- even if it meant incurring debt. He had a larger vision than keeping his company in the black. Being in the red did not faze him because he knew his company would emerge in flying colors. His fortune is now worth 10 lifetimes and more.

We can't imagine our gym mate being successful if she won't consider even a modest investment. Your business is your flagship, the one that defines you as an entrepreneur, so why wouldn't you consider investing dollars to adorn it with a polished image? Don't be on the prowl for freebies, not if you want prospective clients to take you seriously.

Human: Oh, please, dear, dear God, make me win the lottery today. I want that $25 million. Please!

God: Buddy, first you have to buy a lottery ticket...

Ready to Invest and Promote?

ITEM

Computer, software (Word & Excel at least) and peripherals: printer, fax, scanner, copier)

ESTIMATED COST

$2,500.00 (since this is a major investment, you might as well invest in the latest and greatest. A used or re-conditioned computer is a big no-no). Ensure your computer and telephone systems are integrated so you can download Skype or any messaging program. You can talk to customers around the world for free provided both of you are using the computer to communicate).

ITEM

Business cards and postcards

ESTIMATED COST

$50-$500. You can create your own if you have a color printer and a software program for creating cards. If you want to have them done professionally, consider spending up to $500.00.

ITEM

E-mail /voicemail

ESTIMATED COST

$60.00. This is the monthly amount you can expect to pay for high speed Internet. Add $5.00 per month to your phone bill if you want voice mail as well.

ITEM

Web site and hosting company

ESTIMATED COST

$15.00 a month. Yahoo will provide templates and host your web site for that amount. If you're starting a simple home based business, you don't need to spend $1,500 to $3,000 for a web site. Yahoo's templates are decent. When your business takes off, that's when you consider a fancier web site with whistles and bells.

ITEM

Press releases

ESTIMATED COST

You can write your own press release (numerous examples on the web) which you post on your web site or distribute to your local papers. If you'd rather farm this task out, a press release will cost between $50-350.00, depending on the copywriter you choose.

ITEM

Articles about your business (to let people know you're an expert in your field)

ESTIMATED COST

You can write these articles yourself (5 a month for starters, gradually building that number up to 10 a month) to minimize costs, or order them from a copywriter. Cost will depend on word count. Look to spending $40.00 to $60.00 for 500 to 1,000 word articles).

ITEM

Promotional items: if you're marketing online exclusively, digital information products (like free newsletters and reports) are great promotional items; if you're marketing to your community, promotional gifts like key chains, umbrellas, cell phone jackets, etc. are a few examples.

ESTIMATED COST

$500.00-$1,000.00 (This may have to be a one-time only investment).

Don't let the idea of promoting your business intimidate you. If you're starting out, our suggestion is the KIS principle: keep it simple. Don't withdraw your lifetime savings and go on a shopping spree.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Carrie Wilkerson is the voice of experience. From corporate life to teaching high school to direct sales, she has 'been there and done that' professionally and personally. An 'overnight mom' to 2 toddlers through adoption, her priorities instantly changed and so did her workplace. She's now built several businesses and coached others to do the same while overcoming extreme debt, losing 110lbs and having 2 more children, for a total of 4 children, ages infant through 12! As 'The Barefoot Executive', Carrie and her network of experts have quickly become the definite resource for helping women achieve extra income and career goals while working from home. For more info visit: barefoot-executive.com

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