Indie Business Radio Show Guest Shares Tips For Launching On a Budget
Today's guest on Indie Business Radio was Karin Abarbanel, co-author of Birthing the Elephant: The woman's go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business. I found Karin through Indie Beauty Network member Lisa Kennally, who owns lisa ann skincare. As a passionate book lover, Lisa helps a bookstore in her hometown to schedule and host author book signings. She booked Karin at the bookstore, and sent me an email to tell me how awesome she was.
You know me, I had to introduce Karin to my Indies. I was on the phone with Karin in a flash, and was happy to welcome her as my guest on today's show. Karin spoke eloquently about the need for a small business book that focused on helping women deal with the emotional issues associated with launching a business, and Birthing the Elephant certainly fits that bill. Karin shared a ton of tips, starting with personal ones gleaned from launching her own business 18 years ago after quitting her job to be more available to her newborn son. (Sound familiar?) The show stream and download will be ready in a few days, but in the meantime, here are some of Karin's "Lean Launch" tips.
1. Use the Media
Karin shared numerous examples of women who launched their businesses with no advertising or public relations budget. They made up for it by enticing the media in unique way. Pick up the phone or open up your email and start spreading the word yourself. (Read more about reaching out to the media.)
2. Barter
Karin told the story of how one entrepreneur bartered fitness coaching for the legal services that helped her franchise her business. Today, the franchise is nationwide and it's all thanks to the fact that the owner had something valuable to trade.
3. Play To Your Strengths
Karin mentioned two women physicians who grew tired of how their demanding careers kept them away from their young children. They harnessed their shared professional strengths as medical practitioners and created a doctor's assistant service where they serve as liaison between busy doctors and their patients.
4. Don't Overspend On Image
Karin said that too many women spend too much money on fancy websites, and not enough time on making a website appealing from a substantive perspective. Too many bells and whistles not only cost a lot, but the return is small in the long run. Focus on substance.
5. Tell Everyone You Know
Karin mentioned that one of the keys to success is simply talking up your business. Don't be shy about sharing what you offer. When Karin's book fist came out, she happened to be walking her dog with a neighbor. She mentioned her new book, not knowing that the neighbor worked for a popular business radio show. Karin got booked on the show, all because she told someone a little about what she was doing in her life.
You will be able to stream and download the show as soon as Kevin The Editor finishes cleaning it up. In the meantime, you can get Karin's book, Birthing the Elephant: The woman's go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business at this link.
[UPDATE: 12/1/08: Click here to stream or download my interview with Karin on Indie Business Radio.]
Question: What did we miss? Can you add to Karin's tips? If so, have at it in the comments section here. Let's keep learning from each other!
