Starting on a Shoestring


Book Description

Live your entrepreneurial dream with no-or little-money down Where there's a will, there's a way. Even if you don't have start-up money in the bank, you can get your new business on its feet with ingenuity and knowledge. Starting on a Shoestring is the key to your success. Now in its Fourth Edition, this perennial bestseller has helped thousands of people live out their dreams; it provides the knowledge and the confidence you need to get your business off the ground and up and running. Authoritative, step-by-step guidance will answer your questions, help you plan your strategy, and get you started. In the new Fourth Edition, an all-new chapter covers everything you need to know about the Internet, from creating an online presence for your business to understanding all the tech jargon. And there's more: * Make sure your business idea is right for you-before you take the risk * Find sources of capital and approach them confidently * Six common myths: avoid the traps and misconceptions of starting up * Should you take on a partner? * Setting up: bargains on equipment, dealing with suppliers, the advantages of leasing, value of consignments * Marketing and advertising on a shoestring: free publicity, word-of-mouth, creating a prestige image cheaply * Examples of businesses like yours that maximized their success on the Internet Now better than ever, Starting on a Shoestring gives you a wealth of vital information you'll find in no other book-it's your first step to entrepreneurial success.




The Pocket Small Business Owner's Guide to Starting Your Business on a Shoestring


Book Description

Most businesses that close their doors have one thing in common: They ran out of money. Don’t let this happen to you. This indispensable book, part of Allworth’s popular Pocket Small Business Owner’s Guide series, will help you to save money on every aspect of your business, from advertising to overhead. With invaluable cost-cutting tips for all types of businesses, from e-commerce and home-based operations to services and retail, this guide will help you create a blueprint that will allow your business to survive and thrive. You’ll save on: Advertising Marketing Purchasing Transportation and shipping Labor Financing Facilities Operations Taxes And more! In today’s economy, small business owners must seize every opportunity to keep costs down, and every penny saved goes to your bottom line. Follow this street-smart advice to lay the foundation for a business that will be profitable for years to come.




Web Design on a Shoestring


Book Description

With the struggling US economy, many businesses have had to implement steps to curb expenses and pinch pennies. One of the first areas to feel these cutbacks is the web site design and development group. Employees have been asked to fill roles previously held by other employees due to staff reductions. At the same time, these remaining employees are expected to execute robust and efficient mechanisms for their corporate web sites on a tight or non-existent budget. Developers and designers are looking for shortcut tools to get there. It's all about getting more bang for the buck. Web design on a Shoestring is the tool these web site developers and designers need. It reveals all sorts of free or inexpensive resources that are available but unknown. More specifically, Carrie Bickner shows you how any individual can do the things a team of web professionals are often brought in to do. Learn how to create a pennywise plan so that you avoid being nickled and dimed to death later. Find out the best ways to test your web sites efficiencies and functionalities. Understand the most effective content management systems, and the commercial products to use or avoid - all with no dollars being spent.




Chic on a Shoestring


Book Description

Chic on a Shoestring is your entrée into the world of high fashion that will inspire you to create your own covetable clothes and accessories. Learn to transform ornate trims and vintage buttons into spectacular brooches, craft a favorite silk scarf into a chic top, or rework flea market shoes into fashionable showstoppers. With more than 40 unique and stylish ideas—including quick and easy no-sew projects—Chic on a Shoestring will inspire first-time and experienced crafters alike.




How to Go to College on a Shoe String


Book Description

Once again in 2006 the cost to attend college was double the inflation rate, according to the report "Trends in College Pricing 2006". The average rate of tuition at four-year private colleges was about $21,235; four-year public universities average $5,491. Tuition costs, of course, are just the beginning now add room and board, the cost of attending a private college is $29,026 per year on average, and $12,127 at four-year public universities. Take a look at IVY league universities such as Princeton and the total fees will climb to nearly $37,000. An 8% college inflation rate means that the cost of college doubles every nine years. For a baby born today, this means that college costs will be more than three times current rates when the child is ready for college. The average debt for graduating college seniors who borrow to finance their undergraduate degree is just under $20,000. But there is good news. There is more financial aid available than ever before over $134 billion. And, despite all of these college cost increases, a college education remains an affordable choice for most families. Armed with the information detailed in this comprehensive book you will be privy to over 2,200 programs that offer scholarships, internships, or loans to more than 1.7 million students each year. These are scholarships, grants, and loan programs that you have never heard of for example: The Millennium Scholarship Offers $10,000 to students who have lived in Nevada for at least two years before they graduate from high school. State-funded by Nevada's portion of the lawsuit settlement against national tobacco companies. Or Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship One $5,000 and three $1,000 scholarships to students who promote skateboarding. Created by a Philadelphia mother after her 15-year-old son was killed while skateboarding. Are you tall ? Then apply for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship, Males 6'2" or taller and females 5'10" or higher qualify for a $1000.00 scholarship. In addition to scholarships and grants you will learn hundreds of innovative ways to slash your college cost including: calculating your college budget, Ways to Reduce your college budget, buy your text books & supplies cheap, Earn college credit on an accelerated basis, CLEP, Earn college credit outside the traditional classroom, Make use of payment alternatives, Tax credits, Combine higher education and course-related employment, National and community service, Tuition prepayment plans, Federal Funds, State Aid, credit card use, Private Sector Aid, College Funds. How to apply for loans, grants and scholarships, Preparing the financial Aid Packages, Saving for college, retirement funds, what to do when you are parents are divorced, getting awards, Private Scholarships, The Military, National Service, working while going to school, inexpensive dating ideas, medical & dental coverage, your car, your cell phone, your computer, your dorm room, spring break, entertainment, transportation. Maybe saving money to you does not matter, perhaps you won the lottery, but if you want to learn hundreds of innovative ways to save thousands on your college costs than this book is for you.




Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget


Book Description

Do you want to achieve top-of-mind awareness in the marketplace and have a steady stream of loyal, raving fans flocking to you? Are you frustrated because you think you have to spend a lot to get it? If you answered, "Yes," Debra Jason understands your concerns. It can be overwhelming to invest in your business and spend a lot to get yourself up and running, only to scratch your head wondering, "Why isn't anyone calling me?" The good news is that you can market yourself and your business--in more ways than one--without breaking the bank.This book is your road map to gaining exposure and achieving success using cost-effective, business-building strategies. Turn the pages and discover: * One simple step you can take that leads to referrals & new business (page 61). * The most fun way to market yourself--without a hard-core sales pitch (page 73). * One way to find prospects from the comfort of your home--in your PJs or sweats (page 177).* How to write headlines that go ka-ching (page 225). * And more. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? It's time to step outside your comfort zone and succeed in business — in YOUR business. Get ready for the journey as Debra guides you toward marketing success.




Gluten-Free on a Shoestring


Book Description

Gluten-free cooking has never been this easy—or affordable! Tired of spending three times as much (or more) on gluten-free prepared foods? If you’re ready to slash the cost of your grocery bill, you’ve come to the right place. In Gluten-Free on a Shoestring, savvy mom Nicole Hunn shows how every gluten-free family can eat well without breaking the bank. Inside this comprehensive cookbook, you’ll find 125 delicious and inexpensive gluten-free recipes for savory dinners, favorite desserts, comfort foods, and more, plus Nicole’s top money-saving secrets. Recipes include: Apple-Cinnamon Toaster Pastries • Focaccia • Spinach Dip • Ricotta Gnocchi • Chicken Pot Pie • Szechuan Meatballs • Tortilla Soup •Baked Eggplant Parmesan• Never-Fail White Sandwich Bread • Banana Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust • Blueberry Muffins • Cinnamon Rolls • Perfect Chocolate Birthday Cake With advice on the best values and where to find them, meal planning strategies, and pantry-stocking tips, Gluten-Free on a Shoestring is your essential guide. Never fall victim to the overpriced, pre-packaged gluten-free aisle again. Roll on by—happier, healthier, and wealthier.




Start Small FINISH BIG


Book Description

At age seventeen Fred Deluca borrowed $1,000 from a a friend-and srarted SUBWAY(R). Today, with more than 38,000 stores in one hundred countries and annual sales exceeding $16.6 billion, Fred DeLuca's SUBWAY is a success story with a message... START SMALL FINISH BIG Publishers Weekly Review: DeLuca was only 17 when he started what is now the Subway restaurant chain in 1965; he needed money to attend college and a friend offered to back him with $1,000 to start a sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Conn. That beginning led DeLuca to an enormously successful career: in addition to being president of the chain, he runs MILE, a nonprofit organization that offers loans to entrepreneurs. According to DeLuca, there are 15 essential principles for anyone starting a small business, some of which, DeLuca confesses, he learned the hard way (he had never made a submarine sandwich before opening day of his first shop). Among these pillars: Believe in Your People; Never Run Out of Money; Keep the Faith; and Profit or Perish. DeLuca uses his own business experience as well as that of other successful entrepreneursAe.g., the founders of Kinko's and Little Caesar'sAin addition to those of less well-known business people. Written in a conversational style, the advice isn't especially original or creative. However, would-be millionaires who are sitting at their kitchen table wondering if they should take that big step and start a business will find the book both instructive and inspirational. Agent, Bob Diforio. Library Journal DeLuca, co-founder in 1965 of SUBWAY Restaurants and founder in 1996 of the Micro Investment Lending Enterprise (MILE), a nonprofit organization making microloans to entrepreneurs/microentrepreneurs, has written this humorous, down-to-earth guide to success as a small business owner. Coauthor Hayes is a writer (Computer Architecture and Organization, 1998), public speaker, and business trainer. Each chapter describes one of DeLuca's 15 key lessons and is illustrated with a real-life case study. None of the people in these cases is a household name, but businesses such as Kinkos, Little Caesars, and SUBWAY are. DeLuca doesn't claim that his guides form a master plan for success, but he optimistically believes that anyone can become Bill Gates, Lillian Vernon, or Henry Lay and that his lessons will increase the chances. His book also promotes and supports MILE, and the last chapter and appendix are devoted to information about it and its programs. Recommended for most small business collections. Susan C. Awe, Univ. of New Mexico Lib., Albuquerque




Educational Travel on a Shoestring


Book Description

A "road map" for family fun and learning across the country in around a hometown. A helpful tool for homeschooling. Includes ideas for memorable--and inexpensive--vacations and field trips; how to find sources for travel money, ways to build closer family ties with children and teenagers.




SOG


Book Description

John Plaster’s riveting account of his covert activities as a member of a special operations team during the Vietnam War is “a true insider’s account, this eye-opening report will leave readers feeling as if they’ve been given a hot scoop on a highly classified project” (Publishers Weekly). Code-named the Studies and Observations Group, SOG was the most secret elite US military unit to serve in the Vietnam War—so secret its very existence was denied by the government. Composed entirely of volunteers from such ace fighting units as the Army Green Berets, Air Force Air Commandos, and Navy SEALs, SOG took on the most dangerous covert assignments, in the deadliest and most forbidding theaters of operation. In SOG, Major John L. Plaster, a three-tour SOG veteran, shares the gripping exploits of these true American warriors in a minute-by-minute, heartbeat-by-heartbeat account of the group’s stunning operations behind enemy lines—penetrating heavily defended North Vietnamese military facilities, holding off mass enemy attacks, launching daring missions to rescue downed US pilots. Some of the most extraordinary true stories of honor and heroism in the history of the US military, from sabotage to espionage to hand-to-hand combat, Plaster’s account is “a detailed history of this little-known aspect of the Vietnam War…a worthy act of historical rescue from an unjustified, willed oblivion” (The New York Times).