“Sarah,” an interior designer for yachts, had just come back from a very successful business trip. Her boss, who never complimented her, was oozing with praise.
She was so excited (and confident big money was coming her way) that she signed a lease on an expensive apartment. (more…)
I’m willing to bet that one goal you have for next year is to become wealthier than you are right now. If you’ve been paying attention to Michael Masterson’s advice, you know that means starting your own business.
Well, what’s stopping you?
My heart pounded. A great opportunity was staring me in the face.
I’d been introduced to a publisher who had made big money by marketing information products. At least, it was big money to me. I can’t tell you the precise amount, because I was sworn to secrecy. But I can tell you that we’re talking millions of dollars.
A few months ago, I thought I’d found a great new partner to promote one of my sideline businesses: The International Sketch Comedy Championships. Through a friend, I was introduced to a former “A list” actor. He’d had starring roles in some big hits 20 years ago. And I was sure his clout could help take the event to the next level.
My car was embarrassingly dirty. I had been too busy to take it in to be washed, let alone do it myself.
So when I found a business card on my windshield for a car washing service, I was interested. I looked around the parking lot. Only dirty cars had the card.
The card advertised a deal for an introductory wash. Better yet, they would come to the customer’s home or place of business and do the job there. Perfect for me. Couldn’t be more convenient.
I called and set up an appointment.
I used to do something similar with the lawn cutting business I had as a teenager. I would ride around on my bicycle and look for yards with grass that looked like it needed a mowing. When I found one, I’d knock on the door and ask if they would like to hire me.
I had all the work I could handle.
Even in today’s economic environment, you can have a thriving business.
All you need to do is use this “Dirty Car Secret.” You target people who have a strong need for your product or service. If they need it, they won’t be able to do without it. And they will pay you to provide it.
For example, (more…)
My friend George needed a good-sized space for his business – with a reception area, conference room, and a couple of offices. He didn’t want to shell out the money to buy or rent that much space. But he found a novel solution that got him what he needed… almost free of charge.
Here’s how he did it:
After searching around, he determined that it’d cost him about $2,000 a month to rent enough space for his business. Instead, he leased a larger space for $3,000. It had three extra little offices and a large reception area.
He rented out the small offices for $700 each, for a total of $2,100 a month. Then he sectioned off four workstation cubicles in the reception area, leaving room for a receptionist’s desk. He had no trouble renting out the four workstations for $300 each. That’s another $1,200.
His gross monthly income from these rentals is $3,300. Even allowing for a few vacancies during the year, he’s pretty much breaking even on his own rent.
In other words, George has a $2,000-a-month office practically for free.
Using the same general idea, you can keep your overhead down so you can start a business with very little capital.
[Ed. Note: Want even more strategies for starting and growing a business on a shoestring? Paul Lawrence is a successful entrepreneur and publisher who has started over a dozen profitable enterprises. To get more practical small-business tips, check out Paul's "Street Smart" program by clicking right here.
Office space is a secondary business concern, something to think about once you have a proven way to bring in sales and revenue. To learn how to get to that point as quickly as possible, check out Michael Masterson's book Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat.]