Want to start a business? Wondering how to start a business with just a little cash? Going into business begins with an idea. An idea to fill a necessity or a niche. Getting into the market also requires guts and money, but money isn’t always a key ingredient; and as McDonald’s mogul, Ray Kroc said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. “
Harsh but true, though as per the recent film where Michael Keaton plays him, Kroc already had some money, his persistence was key to his success. There’s also determination and a keen eye for opportunities. Money is a big part of getting into business, but it’s not necessarily an immediate thing, unlike many startup stories we hear nowadays with lots of venture capital. Many successful business people got into activity on a shoestring. You can even go to business with stuff you already have started with zero money. You don’t have to be a hotshot business graduate either. Kroc does not have a degree; neither did Bill Gates and Steve Jobs when they started.
How Do You Start A Business With $1000 or Less?
We have ten ways:
Write A Book
Are you a talented writer with much knowledge to share as well as a vivid imagination? JK Rowling is. Nowadays, publishing a good book no longer requires the blessing of an editor through the magical process of self-publishing. There won’t be much money involved if any. Just some marketing, maybe through social media and a lot of faith. You can self-publish your books on Amazon and share about it through social media.
Sell Items on eBay
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and your stuff could be just the thing someone else is looking for. If you’ve ever seen Pawn Stars or the Pickers, there could be stuff in your garage or attic that someone is looking for. Post them on eBay and from there, if you’re lucky, build your capital to sell other stuff you’re interested in. Things like old electronics, old toys, comics, books, magazines and autographed things you won’t mind parting with.
Sell Stuff on Etsy
If you’re a talented craftsperson or artist able to make stuff such as jewelry, pottery, sculptures, backyard mobiles and even if you like baking gourmet cookies and cupcakes, then Etsy is the place for you. You don’t have to spend much on handicrafts; your base capital is time and talent as well as determination.
Create a Blog
If you’re passionate enough about your hobbies or interests, if you like traveling to exotic places, then you could capitalize on those by sharing your experiences with other like-minded people. Your blog could be written, through images, videos, or a combination of all. By using social media, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, you can herd your followers to your YouTube Channel or WordPress site. On YouTube, once you hit the required number of views, your channel can get monetized. The same goes for your WordPress site when it gets popular enough. From free hosting through WordPress itself, you can graduate to having your domain and post ads by yourself of stuff you might want to sell.
Become a Consultant
Your impressive financial skills, your computer knowhow, your affinity for safety can be capitalized by going freelance and becoming a consultant. Again, advertising yourself and your talents have become much more accessible through social media. Advertise through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. If not, you can also go around town by posting old-fashioned paper ads on community billboards. Lots of companies, for example, are now looking for Safety consultants or part-time safety officers.
Become a Microtasker
Speaking of going freelance, there’s a lot to do in so little time, and many people would instead delegate small tasks to strangers rather than spend their valuable time on the small stuff. Your talents, no matter how small or big, can be put to good use by registering on micro-tasking sites such as Freelancer, Odesk, and Fiverr. You can be a writer, a blogger, a logo-maker, a remote personal assistant, a travel agent, etc.… Unfortunately for these sites, they have evolved into a digital version of the chicken and egg paradox of real-world job applications. People can’t trust you without experience, and you can’t get experience unless they try you out. But don’t fret. Lady luck is still there, and you need to have the determination and a small bit of sacrifice of cheapening your service to get your foot in the door. Once you get to become one of the popular ones, you can get help and do a small business out of it.
Become a YouTuber
As discussed in creating a blog, YouTube has become a way of life for many people, and you can become a YouTuber yourself, earning through ads when your videos become viral or acquire enough views. Just like blogging, you can post videos about your various interests, such as crafts, baking, carpentry, travel, your views on film, comics, and TV. Successful YouTubers earn thousands of dollars and have made full businesses employing other people.
Create a Social Media Following
Becoming a celebrity isn’t all about going to Hollywood or whatever entertainment center your country has. You can become a celebrity yourself through Social Media. You either have to be pretty, talented, or both and love to share about your passions and personal experiences. And in case you do look beautiful or handsome, flaunt it whenever there’s a chance. Some social media stars have become TV and film talents, while some have become celebrity endorsers for various brands.
Create Apps and Games
Do you have the talent to code and have some time to spare? Learn how to create apps or games for Android and iOS. If your app or game becomes widespread, it can be the start of something big.
Offer Household Services
In this fast-paced world, people can hardly tidy up their homes and do their chores, especially when their faces are stuck on small screens. Become a handyman or get a group of handymen, and women, together to mow lawns, wash cars, fix lights and roofing, clean homes and babysit kids.
There’s still plenty of options out there to engage in business at little to no cost at all. All it takes is a little talent, persistence, and the guts to take that one big step.
