Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi everyone,

I guess I`m a repeat entrepreneur... though I did have the misfortune of getting into the Internet boom just in time for the dot bomb.

Anyway, while I know it isn`t unique (it`s so hard to be completely unique these days) I am starting a new blog directory.  It`s not limited to blogs, but bloggers are online and looking to promote their blogs all the time, so I`m hoping I can get their attention and participation.

However, what I really need is ideas for shoestring promotion efforts.  Does anyone out there have experience launching online services and generating some buzz without having to spend money?  Any tips or advice to share?

Grokodile,

There are solutions out there that perhaps can be used to launch your idea. Now as far as making it on a shoestring? Well you are going to need some Money, How long can you stretch your shoe string?

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Grokodile,

There are solutions out there that perhaps can be used to launch your idea. Now as far as making it on a shoestring? Well you are going to need some Money, How long can you stretch your shoe string?

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Well, the shoestring is pretty short.  What I have the most of right now is time, so I can certainly pursue time intensive efforts... but I`d want to make sure I`m not just feeling good about working and not getting results for putting in my time, if you know what I mean.

I do have an AdWords account and true to the shoestring concept have it limited to approximately $1.00 per day.  I`ll admit that I could spend a bit here and there if I was convinced it was worthwhile, but as it is personal money I`m not willing to put very much out there this time around.

What I`d like to do is start to get either traffic or income and then use those as chips in the game to partner/work with others.

Grokodile,

I might spend some time in the StartUp main pages and look up what strategies the Sloan bros. offer on "grass roots" marketing.   I might start out by contacting local radio and newspapers?

Can you make up inexpensive flyers and have them distributed at local universities and high schools....I would also try to get something out on Craigslist.com and myspace.com.

how about some podcasting?

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http://www.iproductcreation.com

First of all welcome to SuN. Your words reminfd me of an interview I recall reading in USA Today back in Sept. 2004.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2004-09-1 9-advice-cuban_x.htm

Please read the article ... then tell me if you are ...

1. Ready to start a business.
2. Have the "No Balls, No Babies" attitude.
3. Have the "Eye of the Tiger".

I truly think that you might not be ready for this venture, at the present time. But only you can decide that. But based upon Mark Cuban`s philosophy ... I don`t think this is the right time for you.

Hi TJG,

I appreciate the thought, but I think you took my comment the wrong way.  I want to make sure that I am putting my time in productively instead of spinning my wheels and deluding myself.

Anyhow, not to worry, this isn`t my first venture, so I`m going in with my eyes open...

Thanks!

P.S.  I should clarify that I`m not going "local" as in one location, but going "local" as in providing a service that is applicable "locally" to many locations.