How to Start a Business – Quick and Free Tips

So you have a business idea.  (No business idea? Register here and complete “Mind Mapping” exercise in Module 2).

The question is: What should I do next? For many people, it’s the business plan. However, one idea is to conduct a “risk free pilot.” What does this mean? For very little to no money,  you can  “test” your business idea and see if it’s even business plan worthy.  The results from this test can help inform your plan.

Want to get started fast? Here are a few steps you can take in a few hours:

1. Get a quick, cheap domain name and site.

You have a business name, and know what it will sell. Next step:

Free: Go to WordPress and/or Blogger, and start your website there using their free blog sites.

Low cost alternative: Buy your domain name on as service like  GoDaddy.com and then buy the  WordPress package.

• Need help? Meet with a buddy to work on the site and jam it out over coffee.

2. Set up your email.

You can set up an email on Gmail (if your domain doesn’t come with an email account).

3. Business cards.

Go to Vistaprint.com and make business cards you like. Be on the lookout for their virtually free cards in exchange for allowing them to print their company name on the card.

4. Put together an email list and draft.

The email should say “I am starting a business” as the subject line and then explain your business. People will be more likely to vote on a logo or give you advice on a a blog post vs. respond to a direct inquiry for referrals or business. Strange but true.

Stay tuned for the last few steps in “How to Start a Business” in the next post. Subscribe to this blog via email at the right column.

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More information

The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization promoting the importance of small business and free enterprise to the nation’s youth. More information is available at www.NFIB.com/YEF.  The Foundation is associated with the National Federation of Independent Business; NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals.

Entrepreneur In The Classroom. The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom (EITC) supplemental curriculum exposes students to entrepreneurship and the necessary steps to take an idea and turn it into a business. The free curriculum can be integrated into classes teaching a variety of subjects including music, art, fashion, business and many more. You must be registered to view the full Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom curriculum.

Related links:

Follow NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation on Twitter

Follow NFIB on Twitter

Follow blog author Kathy Korman Frey on Twitter