Essential Small Business Start-Up Kit For 2010

Given the number of phone calls I’m getting, it appears that many people are already “over” the Holidays and are already planning for the year 2010.

Is 2010 the year you will start the business you have always wanted?

Economic realities have prompted many of you to re-think the future.

For many of you, 2010 means the future is now.

The Good News is: Starting a new business does not have to be expensive.

Here are 7 Basic Necessities for those of you embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey:

1. A Library Card.

I work with a lot of people with extremely limited marketing budgets. Many conversations begin with: “I don’t really have the money for…”

So I suggest a library card. If you are seriously cash-strapped, a library card can equip you with free knowledge you will need to start and run your new business. You can also use a library card for…

2. Computer w/Broadband Internet Access and Office Suite

Guess what? It’s time to stop complaining about computers – they are here to stay.

Broadband access (your library card is handy for this) and an Office Suite are essential.

Computers and printers are available at your local Library.

For a free full-featured Office Suite for your home computer – visit: www.openoffice.org

3. Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers are cheap these days. I’ve seen “combos” that include a scanner, printer, fax, and copier for less than $70.

You can buy remanufactured inkjet cartridges online for a fraction of what your local office supply store carries.

4. Email Address

You can get a free email address with Yahoo or you can open a Gmail account with Google. Your choice – both are free.

5. Website or Blog

No need to spend gobs of money on a Website or Blog.

A professional 5-page website will be enough to get you started. If you don’t have the money for website design right now, then head over to wordpress.com and set-up a free WordPress Blog.

6. Cell Phone

With so many cell phones on the market, it’s a chore trying to figure out which one you need to run a small business.

iPhone frenzy begone!

If it is just you and your Business – you simply a need a cell phone that can send and receive phone calls!

(Though if you do not have a computer at home with broadband internet access or you are a “mobile” entrepreneur, then you may want to splurge on a cell phone with Wi-Fi and 3G support).

Beware the additional “data plans” required for full-featured “smartphones”.

7. Business License

It pays to be legal to begin with, rather than incurring fines for being an outlaw.

Put on your business duds, and head down to your local City Hall and apply for a business license. (The duds are to make you feel like a Business Owner!)

Yes, you will forever have yearly business license fees – so call ahead to find out what your local license fees are.

But walking out of City Hall with a License to run your own business will feel well worth it!

Success to you in 2010 and Beyond!

Tagged with: 2010 • new business • small business start-up • starting a new business

Filed under: Biz Stuff

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