Today’s workplace is changing.  Record unemployment has created some unlikely entrepreneurs.  Not only has the profile of the average entrepreneur changed but so has the tools and environment required to start your own business.

No Office Needed - Today work-from-home has a whole new meaning.  Now you can start and run your own business with virtually all Internet based applications and if you really apply yourself you can find most of the tools free of charge.  You don’t even need your own Internet connection since more and more restaurants, libraries and coffee shops are offering FREE wifi.  All you need to get started is a laptop with the ability to connect wirelessly to the Internet.  You can pick one up brand new for under $600, and if you’re really scraping to get started you can opt for notebooks, small computers that only allow you to connect to the Internet.  With tools like Google Docs and online file storage solutions you can save everything online.  Pick up a Magic Jack for phone service and shoestring budget takes on a whole new meaning!  Insert your passion for an idea and you’re off and running!

An Army of One – When you’re starting out you can get quite far with just your own creativity and ingenuity.  When things start to pick up you can minimize long-term commitments by using a variety of online outsourcing channels to handle the extra workload.  Try Odesk.com for a start and be sure to search the blogging community for direct links to resources and also recommendations from others who are starting a business with a full staff of Me, Myself and I.

Technology  – Not Just for Deep Pockets Anymore. Many Internet based applications have emerged that remove the need for an office in the traditional sense and most of them are free.  Open source software is the best resource, the community contributes to the design and function of free software that is growing in capability everyday.  Social media tools have removed the filter of expensive advertising methods from the equation making it possible to truly get going with just sweat equity and ingenuity.  Explore the tools, master them and open doors to real job security.

Learn more at my blog, www.how2marketingadvice.com Sign up for my monthly email updates and learn more about starting an online marketing strategy with a non-existent budget.  When you start to grow, learn how to invest in sound outsourcing tools and reources to build on early successes and continue to grow your business. ~Lisa Isbell