Contemplating starting your own business? There are a variety of tools out there that can make things much easier and less costly for the startup entrepreneur. Three of the best are coworking, cloud based phone services, and outsourcing. Learn how they can save you money and time, while ensuring a professional image for your business.
Discover Coworking
The idea of coworking is relatively new, yet it has caught on quickly. Essentially, it is a business set up to create a home base or work space for other businesses and individuals. In exchange for a daily fee or a monthly membership, you get a professional work space, high speed Internet access, the use of business equipment, meeting rooms and more.
By choosing to cowork, you can get a professional address and a locale for business meetings, without the high overhead and lease commitments that are typical of office space. For the startup business this frees up capital so you can invest even more into areas of your business that are absolutely critical to its success. What’s more, coworking often provides valuable networking opportunities and helps you connect with local contractors to whom you may be able to outsource specific tasks.
Modern business man connecting to wireless on his laptop computer during coffee break in modern interior, male freelancer working on notebook sitting in cafe, entrepreneur hold cup of tea or coffee
Embrace Cloud Based Phone Systems
New businesses thrive when they invest in cloud based phone systems like Halloo. In exchange for a low monthly fee, they get automated phone service, call forwarding, voice mail, the ability to add multiple lines, a contact management system and more. A sophisticated system of this type gives the impression that a startup is a much bigger business than it actually is, garnering the trust of potential customers. In addition, the contact management system that is a part of the phone system is a major resource when it comes to:
- lead nurturing,
- sales calls, and
- delivering exceptional customer service.
Outsource Instead of Hiring
When your business is in its infancy stages, it simply makes financial sense to choose outsourcing for various tasks, rather than hiring someone to do them. An employee costs much more than the simple hourly wage, and your business needs to be stable enough to support one before you begin hiring. In the meantime, for tasks you don’t have the time or skills for, consider outsourcing.
You may already know a great web developer, content writer or graphic designer that you can use, but if not, there are a variety of websites that can help connect you with skilled individuals who can take care of a variety of tasks necessary to building your business.
- oDesk.com
- Guru.com
- Freelance.com
- Fiverr.com
- Elance.com
- Freelancer.com
Test out smaller projects before trusting a major task to an outsourcer. Remember that as in all areas, often you get what you pay for, so don’t automatically go for the cheapest option in outsourcing.
It takes a lot to start a new business. Often, entrepreneurs invest a significant portion of their worth in their new company. Taking advantage of low cost start up tools that lower your risk and deliver real advantages can make startup a little less stressful.