Image : http://www.flickr.com
Are you unsure about whether or not to start your business because of lack of start-up funds? Many small and home business owners face this very issue in the beginning. Do not get discouraged -- there are lots of ways you can fund your start-up business on a shoestring.
The first thing to remember is that there are endless numbers of success stories of shoestring businesses making it big.
One of my clients, back when I was running a web hosting business, started a baby sling company from her kitchen table. She simply purchased fabric and thread and used a sewing machine she already had to create a sling that was comfortable for her, and her baby. She really did not even plan to start a business.
But after getting rave reviews from friends and strangers at the grocery store, she started selling her slings online.
Today, she is a well-known sling maker whose products have been in big box stores and who sells thousands of dollars a day from her website.
Be encouraged and know that you can build a successful business from scratch, but you have to be focused and never willing to quit.
The second suggestion that many who have been in your shoes suggest, is not to quit your job until your business begins showing a profit. All too often, new business owners are enamored with the idea of owning and running a business and quit their day jobs, only to discover that funds run short fast. Then they are forced to take extreme measures, or look for another job.
Next, you have to truly know your business inside and out. How much money will it cost to run your business? You should complete a business plan, which will tell you if your business idea will be a feasible one or not. Research similar businesses and find out what kinds of profits and losses they are seeing.
Finally, if you find that you still need some financial backing but you do not want to borrow money from a financial institution, find a few investors. Present your business idea, along with your prepared business plan and research to trusted friends and colleagues and request their financial backing for your start-up business. Many times you will be able to obtain this kind of monetary help from those who believe in your business and want to see you succeed.
