We’ve been blessed with tons of new business the last several months.  Seems like there’s new fire to the revolution of small business entrepreneurs who are taking charge.  What I don’t understand are the business owners I meet who tell me they don’t have any money to invest in their business.  Whether it’s for marketing, selling, hiring new people or whatever, growing a business takes capital.  And if you don’t have any money to invest in your business, are you willing to borrow it on credit cards, from friends and family, or cut spending on your lifestyle to grow your business?

I’ve met a couple of business owners in the last week who tell me they don’t have any money for marketing.  Yet they tell me they want to grow their business and replace the income from their day jobs.  I ask them if they believe whether investing in their own business is the best investment they can make?  They usually say, “Yes, but…”  The “but” part tells me about their commitment.  Or lack thereof.

If you are truly committed to growing your business, like I have been since 1991, then you’re willing to put your capital on the line, even if it requires paying 18% interest to do so by borrowing on credit cards.  If you’re going to do this though, make darn sure the money is going to be invested in ways that you actually get new business.  For example, how about enhancing your website so it generates leads?  How about investing in an effective CRM software system that helps you better build and manage your list of relationships?  Or how about investing in a better email marketing system?  Or advertising online with a pay per click campaign?

Invest in your business or go get a JOB.  (Just over broke.)