I've been in business for over 2 decades. In that time I have setup or help setup dozens of companies and offices. Where does the majority of investment go? Well outside of the physical location (leasehold improvements) and the product (assuming you're selling one), it goes to infrastructure and marketing. You know, a phone system, fax, flyers, brochures, lead lists and services and of course the salaries for the people to answer your phones, send your faxes and contact and track your potential customers.
For all those people that find themselves without a job and considering starting up their own business, allow me to introduce some applications and services that might allow you to open your own business for much less than you were originally thinking
1. If you don't need a physical location don't get one (this is just common sense, no application or service). Setup a website at either 1and1 or Go Daddy. It's very inexpensive and very easy to create and edit.
2. Phone System - most people have a cell phone and that's great but you have no help this way. Try Give the Impression of a Large Corporation with Virtual Call System! Toll Free 800 Number
3. Fax System - this one is easy. Just get an eFax Annual Subscription
4. Contact Management - So this has never been my strong point but this product is amazing. Please evaluate this, you will be doing yourself a favor. Free Trial of iContact
5. Legal Entity - don't forget to protect yourself. If you need a complex structure because you will have partners or outside financing, go see an attorney and get it done properly. If you're going at it alone, you can do it yourself at Legal Zoom
For your convenience I've put banners to these sites just to the left of this blog. Just click and evaluate. These are also located on my personal website www.raendrop.com.
Good luck to you all,
Victor
