It happens to most startup entrepreneurs…a really great opportunity pops up for you to promote your business, but that opportunity comes with a hefty price tag…one you can barely afford as a newbie. What’s an entrepreneur to do?
These situations can be a little unsettling, one because you don’t want to have to turn down a great opportunity and two because the reality of not being able to afford it is a serious blow to your ego.
Here’s how to get through these situations while preparing for future opportunities ahead.
1) If you really can’t afford it do not say yes – As great of an opportunity as it may seem, putting your business in a bad place financially from the get go is a horrible way to start out, and you will just find yourself scrambling down the line when it comes to your funds.
2) Show gratitude for being invited to partake in the opportunity – No matter how unsettled you are about the situation, it is important to kindly turn down the opportunity and thank the invitee for thinking of you. It is perfectly acceptable to tell them that you are a start-up and didn’t budget for such opportunities at this time. Make sure to tell them that you are really excited about their program and if similar opportunities arise in the future you would love for them to reach out.
3) Brainstorm other ways you can promote your business that won’t set you back – There are a lot of free and cheap promotional and marketing ideas that business owners can implement to grow their biz. These won’t get you by forever, but sometimes in the startup phase you need to get creative when it comes getting the word out and more importantly making sales.
4) Plan ahead – You may want to consider starting a fund for your business where you put money aside every month that could be used for such opportunities that come your way. If you put money away every month, the sum will begin to grow and the next time you are contacted about participating in an opportunity, and want to accept, you will be able to do so worry free!
Mara Glazer is a marketing and social media strategist, public speaker, and like many of her fans, followers, and friends, highly successful woman entrepreneur.
Mara is the creator and founder of thebizzybuzz.com, the #1 online community for bizzy women entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and live their best life.
