Starting a business with no money

Yada, yada, boooorrring, yaaawn!

Yes, when I searched for information to write this article, that’s exactly how I felt!

They all say the same thing, which is no wonder given the fact that most of the content you find on the web these days come from ChatGPT or some similar source.

All of the articles suggested doing something online. That’s great if you have the skills but what if you’re a practical hands-on type of guy or gal?

You like getting stuck in and getting your hands dirty. Whether it’s cookie dough or compost, as long as you can feel it and touch it.

Well, I have great news. South Africans aren’t completely ready to forego all things practical and only live digital. Besides, there are certain things that just can’t be done by a computer. Like grandma’s secret recipe for Hertzoggies.

So, what is a good business to start without money? In South Africa, today?

The rule of thumb is, do what is in front of you.

Here’s an example. Say for instance you live in a townhouse complex and after the fantastic winter we’ve had in Cape Town, everyone’s garage doors need a fresh coat of paint. (Provided it’s a wooden door, of course.) Start with your own garage door.

Make sure you take photos before you start. If you don’t know how to paint a wooden garage door, search for a video on the internet and make sure you understand all the instructions.

Work very carefully, ensuring your workmanship is 12 out of 10. Remember. Take photos!

Then start marketing it. Usually there is a whatsapp group in a community like that, so all you need to do, is work out a reasonable price, share your work and price on the group and you’re in business. People are more likely to support someone in their own community than from the outside.

But what if you live in a community who wants to do it all themselves?

Well, then you take your photos and share them on groups on social media. If you don’t know how, ask someone to help you.

Perhaps you think it’s a too simple solution to a complex problem?

Perhaps, but this simple solution teaches us a few principles.

1. Look around you for a need.
2. See if you have a solution to fulfil that need.
3. First test the solution.
4. Make sure you document your experiment.
5. Then go to market.
6. Start with the people you know.
7. Expand to beyond your community.
8. Invest in your own business

If you do good work, you’ll soon be receiving calls through word of mouth.

South Africa is hungry for excellent service providers who provide their products and services at a reasonable price.

Once you start being successful, it would be a good idea to invest some of your income into growing your business, even if that means less money in your pocket. Remember one person can only paint so many garage doors before all garage doors in the complex have been painted.

You have to find new services and new markets to keep growing your income, and that takes some planning, creativity and possibly someone to help you or new equipment.

In the last few months I’ve had some personal experience with service providers, especially on the home maintenance side, and I can tell you, if you provide excellent products and/or service, you’ll be busy in no time.