So you want to start a business and you have no money. How can you make your dream a reality?

In today’s Internet age, it is more than possible!

Here are some ideas to help you in your endeavor:

1) First think about what you are passionate about. What do you love to do in your spare time? What service-oriented skill do you have that people need, want, and desire? What ideas keep you up at night? What are your life experiences?

Choose a business that does not require much equipment. Service businesses are perfect for this. Are you good at organizing? Then start a home organization business! Do you love to restore furniture? Buy some forgotten treasures and spruce them up with paint! You might even have the paint in your home if this is already a favorite hobby.

2) Select a target market. Whom are you in business for? Who are you trying to serve? Learn all about this target market. What are they afraid of? What pain do they have in their lives? What kind of people do they admire?

3) Develop a brand. What is that? A brand is a graphical image that communicates the essence of who you are and what you do. It is an appealing combination of fonts, colors, an image (but not totally necessary) contrast, and balance.

Combine what your passions are, your USP, with your target market. What solution to your target market’s pain can you bring? Design this into an image representative of that.

You want to make sure you have a professional brand, not one that looks sloppy. How can you do this with no money? Learn about how to design a logo yourself. There are many free design software programs out there to help you get started. Or take advantage of free trials applications like Adobe Photoshop offers.

4) Get your name out. Make people aware of your products or services.

Send press releases to your local papers. Advertise your business in Craigslist or other free online classified advertising sites, like Facebook Marketplace, if you feel comfortable. But be careful. Never give out your home address and always make sure you are safe.

Take advantage of Facebook and other social media sites like LinkedIn. Get involved in online communities and give gold nuggets of information. Start a blog and talk with passion about your chosen product or service. Write articles, make videos. Use what you already have at home. You don’t need fancy equipment to get started!

Starting a business with no money is possible. It just takes sweat equity, determination, and consistent work. Keep at it and you will find that pot of gold your looking for at the end of your particular rainbow!

Then your business will truly sizzle!