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We asked an acquaintance one day how company was going. She said it was going slow because she was seeing for free software. We thought, that's fine, everybody loves freebies.
We bumped into her again and this time she needed a translation done for free. She also wanted to take a illustrated build procedure and wanted her boss to pay for it, even if the company did not offer subsidized tuition. We view again, well, she's young and doesn't have the financial resources yet.
Our third conversation knocked us down. This time she wanted a free upgrade of her cell phone and was haggling with the phone company so they would concede to giving something for nothing.
We had to tell her: "hey, you gotta spend money to make money."
Our ex-boss believed in that. He started an electronics outfit in his basement and is now the sixth largest distribution company in North America.
He believed in investing - even if it meant incurring debt. He had a larger vision than retention his company in the black. Being in the red did not faze him because he knew his company would emerge in flying colors. His fortune is now worth 10 lifetimes and more.
We can't fantasize our gym mate being prosperous if she won't reconsider even a modest investment. Your company is your flagship, the one that defines you as an entrepreneur, so why wouldn't you reconsider investing dollars to adorn it with a polished image? Don't be on the prowl for freebies, not if you want prospective clients to take you seriously.
Human: Oh, please, dear, dear God, make me win the lottery today. I want that million. Please!
God: Buddy, first you have to buy a lottery ticket...
Ready to invest and Promote?
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Computer, software (Word & Excel at least) and peripherals: printer, fax, scanner, copier)
Estimated Cost
,500.00 (since this is a major investment, you might as well invest in the most recent and greatest. A used or re-conditioned computer is a big no-no). Ensure your computer and telephone systems are integrated so you can download Skype or any messaging program. You can talk to customers around the world for free provided both of you are using the computer to communicate).
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Business cards and postcards
Estimated Cost
-0. You can create your own if you have a color printer and a software agenda for creating cards. If you want to have them done professionally, reconsider spending up to 0.00.
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E-mail /voicemail
Estimated Cost
.00. This is the monthly estimate you can expect to pay for high speed Internet. Add .00 per month to your phone bill if you want voice mail as well.
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Web site and hosting company
Estimated Cost
.00 a month. Yahoo will contribute templates and host your web site for that amount. If you're beginning a simple home based business, you don't need to spend ,500 to ,000 for a web site. Yahoo's templates are decent. When your company takes off, that's when you reconsider a fancier web site with whistles and bells.
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Press releases
Estimated Cost
You can write your own press issue (numerous examples on the web) which you post on your web site or distribute to your local papers. If you'd rather farm this task out, a press issue will cost between -350.00, depending on the copywriter you choose.
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Articles about your company (to let citizen know you're an scholar in your field)
Estimated Cost
You can write these articles yourself (5 a month for starters, gently construction that estimate up to 10 a month) to minimize costs, or order them from a copywriter. Cost will depend on word count. Look to spending .00 to .00 for 500 to 1,000 word articles).
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Promotional items: if you're marketing online exclusively, digital information products (like free newsletters and reports) are great promotional items; if you're marketing to your community, promotional gifts like key chains, umbrellas, cell phone jackets, etc. Are a few examples.
Estimated Cost
0.00-,000.00 (This may have to be a one-time only investment).
Don't let the idea of promoting your company intimidate you. If you're beginning out, our suggestion is the Kis principle: keep it simple. Don't withdraw your lifetime savings and go on a shopping spree.
