FREE Stuff for your Start-up

As you all know, right now I am temping at "Elastic," but I do web design and other odd jobs on the side.  What I have learned from my experience is that you don't need a ton on money to get your business going.   Here's some FREE advice for you:

1) Business Cards

Its your calling card. You should always have a few on you, whether you are going to a networking event or to the supermarket.  You never know when or where a business opportunity may arise.  Be prepared.

You can professional looking business cards from Vistaprint.com for FREE!

In fact you can get LOTS of good stuff from Vistaprint, like magnets, pens, postcards, lawn signs and banners for FREE.  Sign up for their emails, and you'll start receiving great deals right away.

2) Facebook Page
You really should have a website, but if you are not able to design one for yourself, you can at least set up a Facebook Page for your business for FREE.  Ask your friends to help you get started by becoming a fan of the page.  Make sure you write a good description for your business and come up with a posting strategy to keep your page current. Try to do one post a week.

3) Business Plan This should really be the FIRST thing you do.  It helps you map out the strategy of your business and define who you are and what you want to do.  It helps you prepare for talking to investors, or potential clients.   A good business plan takes time and research.  You can find Business Plan templates for FREE on the internet.  Bplans.com has some great samples to get you started.

4) Business Phone Number
I suggest getting a phone number which is seperate from your personal cell phone.  Google.com/voice  offers a FREE phone number, with Voice mail, call forwarding, texting and more.  If you have a phone with internet, you can use this service to send and receive calls from your business.

5) Internet
I made it a mission to take my home office, outside of a home.  If you have a laptop, or Ipad, this is easy to do.  You can find FREE Internet at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble and Panera.  Check out my list of other free NYC locations here.


Barb's Top Quotes on FREE Stuff:
“The best things in life are free.” -American Proverb

“Smile, it's free therapy.” - Doug Horton

“Dreams are free.”

“Living on Earth may be expensive, but it includes an annual free trip around the Sun.”

“Ask yourself, "If all jobs paid $2 an hour, what job would I want to do?" When you answer that question, start doing it, even if you have to do it for free at first” Greg Aldrik