Bootstrapping Your Start-Up

[ilanadmon]

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,303443-1,00.html

[crisher]

neat article! i've been casually reading entrepreneur magazine online, but recently subscribed. it thinks it provides a wealth of information! does anyone have other books, magazines, website suggestions for this topic?? i recently read a book called, "making a living without a job" by barbara winter. it was FANTASTIC!! it was about having the courage to work for yourself. it's a great starting point for those of us contemplating "doing our own thing." it goes over topics of what to expect, time frames, how to be better prepared, how others (loved ones) might react to your decisions of taking this leap, how to keep on track/motivated, how to look for multiple sources of income, etc. i highly recommend it. she actually has a seminar coming up sat, april 3rd here in nyce (and unfortunately i can't attend because i have quant class!!). :( she covers two topics. the first one is kind of an overview of the book i already read and i think she titles the same as her book. the other session (rigth after the first one, i think it's like 10-6pm on sat), that's something about marketing yourself and things like that. you have the option of attending both sessions for $89 or either session for $49. you can check out her website at barbarawinter.com.

anyways, if anyone else knows of a similar type of workshop or the like, please, please let me know. :)

lastly... just wondering if it's ok for us to discuss other topics in our brunch meeting tomorrow other than venture capital? but i guess this is a late post and i'll find out tomorrow. i'll def be there, though probably about 20 minutes late since i have class until 2pm in greenwich.

see you all soon! can't wait to meet you all...

[SirReid]

A full page ad could cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the magazine and it's circulation numbers.



An easy way to get free publicity to bootstrap your business is publishing an article. Along with the article, you get your name, company, telephone number / email address published, as well. Not only is this FREE, you establish yourself as an expert in your field. Article reprints are a fabulous tool to send to clients and potential customers. You might even get paid for the article, in some instances.



Getting published is actually easier than one would think.



If you're not good at writing, then get someone to help ghost write an article for you. In return for their time, let the ghost writer keep the fee paid by the magazine. For $10,000 of FREE publicity, isn't it worth it? You and your Business can get National Publicity with one article.



I don't want to give you information overload. So I'll give some suggestions for getting started. These suggestions are from my own experience in successfully getting published in a few magazines.



1. Get a copy of "The Writers Market 2004". It's updated every year and it's a double edge sword worth investing in. First, it gives writing tips from people who have already been published. 2nd, in the back it lists periodicals and magazines with Editor names, addresses what type of articles they're looking for etc.. It's app $30, but you can also get it Used on Amazon.com. If you wish to review it prior to purchase Barnes & Noble or Borders have copies.



2. The easiest article to get published is a "How To ...". Have fun playing with the title, but keep it succinct and eye catching. Think of the reader.





3. Write a one page query letter to the Editor of those magazines that accept queries. " The Writers Market" tells you which ones accept queries.



The goal to keep in mind is to make it as easy as possible for the Editor to respond to you. They're very busy. If they receive your query letter with a post card they can quickly check off their response, they'll get back to you quicker. Refer to the "Writers Market" book. Some magazines have specific procedures for submitting queries.



4. Buy pre-stamped post cards from the post office or you can print post cards on your computer, if you get the right 8.5" X 11" perforated stock paper. It'd easier on a computer. Then you just buy post card stamps, which are less expensive than regular stamps.



Post card has your return address on front of it with stamp. On the back card should have Magazine name and Editor name with 3 check off boxes for Editor to select and quickly drop back in the mail to you



____ Send article. This is of interest to our readers



____ Not sure, but send article for review



____ This article is not of interest to our readers

Lastly, have your article reviewed by 2 or 3 people, before you submit for publishing. This improves the article each time.