August 17, 2008

Start a Business With Little or No Money- Part 6



As we discussed in the previous parts, having a great work history and ethic does not guarantee that you will retain your job. There are many culprits to blame, such as changing economic times, technology replacing humans works, and outsourcing work to foreign companies. The only real way that you ca retain your job is not put yourself in the position to be fired. This may seem impossible, but is really quite simple. You have to become your own boss.

Perhaps you are not worried about loosing your job, but you realize that you will never have the chance to advance any further in the company you are working for. Your monetary resources are capped out, and you will not be able to provide any better of a lifestyle for you and your family unless your pay increases. Again, the only way you will be in total control of your finances is to become your own boss.

The only way to be the boss is to start your own business. "But I do not have very much money, if any at all." you say. Well in today's culture there are quite a few businesses that can be started for little or no money at all. This is not a get rich quick scheme, I am not saying that you will be making five grand a month from the very beginning, but I am telling you, that no matter the amount of money that you have, you should still be able to start a business without much fuss.

Here are some more examples of businesses that require little or no money up front:

Apartment and Rental House Preparation

Local real estate agencies that host rental properties as well may hire make ready services for their properties. The best thing about this job is the fact that they typically supply all the tools and materials needed to complete the job.

Make ready services complete not technical services such as cleaning, painting, and small handy work (replacing door handles, light bulbs, etc).

Talk with your local apartment complexes and real estate agencies. You may also consider placing an ad in your local newspaper as well.

Restaurant Delivery Service

Restaurant deliverers, take orders by phone for local restaurants, go pick up the food, and then deliver the food the office or home of the person wanting it.

The only thing you will need is the vehicle in which to transport the food.

You may want to consider a detailed flyer stating the businesses you will pick up from, or a website that contains the complete menus of each. Talk with local businesses about possibly referring you to their customers.

By collecting a delivery charge and tip, the owner makes a substantial amount of money.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is simply the act of driving a person vehicle to a designated area to save the walk.

Local businesses may need valet parking at different times. You will want to contact then so they know that your service are available.

Businesses that offer event planning may also have an interest in your services and may call whenever you are needed.

No only will you receive a fee from the business for providing the service, but the majority of people who use valet parking will pay a tip as well.

Just let your local businesses that your services are available.
If you are starting a small business, or have a small business that is starting to expand, you probably want to look into incorporating your business to make it a separate legal entity from yourself. Creating a corporation or LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a great way to lessen the liability that can occur if your business fails or another party sues your business. Here are some tips on some easy ways to incorporate your business.

Incorporating your business is actually a quite simple procedure. Many people can either incorporate their business on their own or have a lawyer incorporate your business for you.

If you decide to incorporate your business on your own, check out incorporation guide books that have all the information to incorporate your business in the state that you choose. You can easily complete the forms and send them to your government office. You can incorporate your business or start an LLC for less than $200 and that includes choosing your businesses name.

If you don't feel like going it alone, you can hire a lawyer that will incorporate your business fast and easy. Most lawyers will charge you less than $500 and fill out the necessary paperwork as well as register your businesses name for you. So if you are looking to start a small business or expanding your present business, look into incorporating it.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting post. I want to run a business, so I'll have to keep this in mind. I'm leaning towards buying a business instead of starting one from scratch, but I haven't had the best luck looking for one to buy. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Unknown said...

@Amanda -- Check out BizTrader.com. It's this site where you can buy and sell a business. It's neat. I think you'll be able to find the business you're looking for because there's a wide selection. Good place to find a lender as well. Good luck.