Bob Reiss - Bootstrapping 101: Tips to Build Your business with Limited Cash and Free Outside Help

Early Praise For Bootstrapping 101

Once again Bob Reiss captures the complexity of entrepreneurship with clarity and the 'wisdom of experience'. A must read for all those contemplating the Road Less Traveled, creating opportunity for oneself.

John W. Altman

Retired Professor of Entrepreneurship, Miami University, Babson College

Founder of six companies

Those of us who have known Bob since Columbia College days respect his enormous command of entrepreneurism, taking ideas and hope to fruition and success. Bob uniquely covers all bases, keeps it simple and on target, and always focuses on the goaltaking entrepre-neurial ideas successfully across the finish line. I highly recommend Bootstrapping 101 to you.

John A. Cervieri, Jr.

Founder Property Capital Trust,

which became an American Exchange Co.

Bootstrapping 101 is about as nuts and bolts as you can get. Hard hitting... easy to read... no fluff. Bob Reiss has given us a reference manual on how to get things done, quickly and with limited resources. Interwoven throughout the how to tips are nuggets of wisdom on business conduct that should be emblazoned on everyones forehead. Keep this one handy... it should be the most dog-eared book in your business collection.

Gary Naumann

Lecturer in Entrepreneurship

and Director, Spirit of Enterprise Center, Arizona State University

Co-founder Toy Boat, a collection of specialty toy stores

Bob Reiss provides invaluable advice to anyone wanting to start his own business. In an open and easy-to-follow format, he presents tools and techniques that are not commonly thought of by the aspiring entrepreneur but can shave off months, if not years, of trial and error. A must read for anyone serious enough to venture in to the mine fields of starting a new business.

Herbert Beyenbach Score

Counselor,

former VP, Citibank International

Reiss has drawn on his experience as a successful entrepreneur to offer practical tips on how to succeed in business with minimal or no cash outlays. His writing style is down to earth, his tips are priceless.

Dr. lawrence Klatt

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Reiss not only has great ideas for Bootstrapping, but he has made them work. An insightful thinker, he analyzes what is effective and willingly shares it. The best guide to doing it yourself available.

William J. White

Retired CEO/Chairman, Bell & Howell,

author and professor, Northwestern University

Bob Reiss has done it again. In a simply written, easy-to-digest book Bob Reiss gives street-wise advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on how to stretch their dollars and spend creativity rather than cash. Im a huge fan of the Reiss philosophy.

Murray B. Low, PhD

Director, Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center,

Columbia BusinessSchool

Bootstrapping 101 is an essential part of any owners (entrepreneurs) tool kit. It will inspire you to think in creative ways to reach your business objectives. Bob shares his concrete ideas to turn your business dreams into reality with real world experiences.

Amy Love

founder Real Sports magazine

Copyright 2009 by Robert Reiss

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction

in whole or in part in any form.

The author gratefully acknowledges permission from Harvard Business School Publishing for permission to use the Harvard Business School Case R&R 386-019. Copyright 1985 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author and is designed to provide useful advice in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, investment, or other professional services. Laws vary from state to state, federal laws may apply, and if the reader requires expert assistance from a registered investment adviser or legal advice, a competent professional should be consulted.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Cover Design by Tim Kaage

Kindle Formatting by Scribe Freelance | www.scribefreelance.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009905825

ISBN: 978-0-578-02413-4

Published in the United States of America

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T his is the second book that Ive written. In the first one, Low Risk High Reward , I had a professional collaborator who proved immensely helpful. Since this book is about Bootstrapping, I decided to follow my own advice and write it alone (cost free) and get the free help of many others.

So, thank you to all the following for advice, editing, introducing, encouraging, and answering my endless array of questions.

John Altman

Herb Beyenbach

Amar Bhide

Roy Birkett

Iain Calder

Corinne Colbert

Murray Eskenazi

Donna Ettenson

Bert Goldberg

Morey Goldberg

Len Green

Howard Greene

Michael Gustman

Martha Hanlon

Howie Hansen

Mike Hsieh

Ohad Jehassi

Jaci Keeley

Rocco Loccisano

Murray Low

Nancy Mathis

Sumir Meghani

David Rains

Stu Seltzer

Sally Seston

Joe Sequino

Jereann Shafir

Howard Stevenson

Peter Van

Don Weiss

Alan Zimmelman

Special thanks to the following for their above and beyond the call of duty in helping me get the book done:

Duane Barnes, John Cervieri, Larry Klatt, Amy Love, Gary Naumann,

Jerry Shafir, Bill White, and Sherwin Zimring.

Most importantly, I want to thank my loving wife, Grace, for her indispensable aid in writing this book. She typed every word. Yes, I am the Neanderthal man who wrote every word by hand. She was instrumental in massaging my psyche and contributed in her understanding of the subject matter through her own Entrepreneurial experience. All this on top of being a great mother and wife.

CONTENTS

One of the worlds oldest forms of commerce is advocated in its modern form. Barters advantages and how it works.

Achieved at no or minimal cost, publicity can be more credible than paid advertising which usually is too expensive for start-up and fledging companies. How to get this publicity.

This fast changing, growing, and inexpensive medium can assist small business reach their goals and better compete with large companies.

How to get ads in all forms of media. The ads will look just like paid for ones.

Who should sell, how to sell, and sales interaction with other company disciplines.

No-cost strategies to acquire and/or grow key customers and to obtain favorable treatment in areas of importance to you.

Importance of having a good mentor in the ultimate success of a company. Where and how to find and interact with them.

Provide a business support process for start-up and fledgling companies that includes a physical home, management guidance, technical assistance, basic business services, and mentoring.

An untapped asset for small businesses, universities can help you in building your company with no or minimal costs.

Finding and developing relationships to advance your business. Better Networking.

Maximizing your profits and thus increasing cash are discussed in depth through correct pricing. All the elements that should be considered and by whom are explored.

Loan or advance money to a company, regardless of their credit rating. The pros and cons of their use and how to find them.