Best Ways to Save Money

I am an utter failure at sticking to my list at Target. Have you seen the $3 bins? Sometimes, it’s not the bins that get me, it’s the eleven year old with me that “needs” clear mascara, or a stuffed animal, depending on her mood, in the in-between stage. I usually agree, but threaten to put it back if there’s an eye roll during the trip. It’s worse for me in autumn and Christmas. A terra cotta pumpkin shaped candle? I “need” it. Candy corn shaped dog squeaker toys—in the cart they go. I forget to stick to my list as I eye the new Sharpie pens. Yes, you will be a better writer if you have those—they are dual tipped for your different artsy needs. I draw the line at sweets though. Unless. . . candy apple flavored yogurt pretzels? I mean they have yogurt in them. Probiotics. And, 7 mini pretzels per serving size. We can absolutely count out 7 for a snack and the bag will last. I find myself asking why it is that I came to Target in the first place. Oh right, toothbrush head replacement. Oh—teeth whitening strips—it’s been awhile since I’ve used them.

 

Does this sound familiar in your business? Not the shopping in Target part, but the distraction from what it is you really need.

 

Typical confusion can show up when you see an ad for a copywriter. Or, an email from a branding expert. What if clients won’t buy because I chose the wrong colors. A logo is how much? Professional photos—will that make people buy? Maybe I need a business coach. What about a CMS (client management software)?

That course on passive income, or the course on email sequence looks promising. . .

 

Before the panic hits, let’s look at this rationally. If you had unlimited funds to spend on your new business, would all of this be helpful? Absolutely! But I’m guessing you don’t have unlimited funds. Is all of this necessary? It is not. Take a deep sigh of relief and keep reading.

 

Rachel Rodgers Esq, of Hello 7 Podcast, built a company starting with $300 and some business cards. If you haven’t listened to her Podcast, Hello 7, Click Here and listen next!

 

My favorite quote, by Amelia Earhart is “The Most Effective Way To Do It Is To Do It.” What is MOST important, is starting. You will never have a successful business if all you do is think about it.

 

Save Your Money

Most likely, you will be selling to people you know, at first. They will buy, not because of your excellent choice of words, or your color palette, but because they  know, trust and like you.

 

Almost all businesses (dare I say the word) pivot. It’s been overused lately, but is still the right word. You will add services, take some away, and maybe even have a name change or new idea. As you start making money, and seeing what works for you, you can invest in all the shiny objects. You can re-brand, and have a professional logo, but you do not need any of that to start.

 

So, what do you need to start a business?

 

A bank account. A business license. An EIN. And even though I am a HUGE fan of websites (did you know that I design them?) you do not need one to start. You need a product or a service and people who will buy it. Once you have income, you can choose, as CEO, where to invest it.

 

How Do I Choose What I Need so I Can Save Money?

My answer will always be the very lawyerly “that depends.” It’s a typical lawyer response that usually serves me well. But the answer is very individualized. Keep a list of all the things you think you need, have been told you need, or that interest you and would make your business more fun. Develop and decide your strategy. If you are 100% online, a website would be at the top of the list. If you already have a lot of clients and need a way to automize and manage all the paperwork, a CMS might be at the top of the list. If you do not have any email subscribers yet, it would not make sense to pay for an expensive email system. And, if you decide that branding photos aren’t a necessity, but they sure would be fun, then set aside money every week, or request a session for a present (Birthday, Christmas, or other gift giving holiday) so you can make it happen.

 

To recap:

 

1.     Start

2.     Make sure you are in compliance with State and Federal laws for running a business.

 

A list of 2 things is manageable. Add the rest when you can afford it, and when it makes sense for you.

 

And, if you have questions about a website, or are unsure how to get started, send me an email. If you need help saving money at Target, I’m probably not your answer.