I have started projects from scratch and made $2,000 in a day or 2....because I learned HOW to sell things to others when I was young.
One summer during my college days I applied for a sales job at Grolier Encyclopedia. I was trained by the BEST "direct salespeople" I've ever known.
I learned HOW to make appointments with parents and HOW to make $1500 to $1800 sales to people who didn't have a clue that they were going to spend that kind of money...that day.
I was able to close many sales that summer and that education has stayed with me over the years...even as of yesterday when I walked into 5 restaurants... unannounced...found out the name of the owner...got him (or her) to grant me a minute to see my product and a few minutes later...write a check to me.
The first time I remember I was in a situation like you describe, I was in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
After paying $60 for 2 weeks room rent I had about $50 to my name. I was "too proud" to call my parents or friends to send me money...and the only "jobs" available were dishwashing or maid jobs.
I figured, if I kept my ears open I could find something to sell.
I also knew that in the afternoon, around 3, in the fanciest bars in town...some of the "movers and shakers" of the town would be stopping in for a toddy.
Sure nuff...the afternoon of my first day I was in the bar of the Hotel Colorado in downtown Glenwood. I overheard some guys talking about setting up a new radio station. I heard one guy say he was "hunting for Promo Ideas" to help kick-off the station and get listeners involved.
I remembered a radio station in a suburb of Chicago had run a promo dealing with "Bumper Stickers".
I went to the local drug store...bought a 3-ring binder, a package of white paper, some top loading sheet protectors a Bic-Clic and a red magic marker.
Total investment...$8.79
I then went to a quick printer and asked him to typeset a letterhead for me..."Impact Advertising, 322 Main St, Suite 27 (my room # at the flop house was 27)
for $10....Total investment $18.79
I went to my room and penned in a radio promo program called "Bumper Bucks". I won't explain how it works but it sounded "good" to me.
The next morn I walked over to the new radio station, asked to see the manager. I told the receptionist I had a Promo program I'd like to show him.
He came right out. I explained how the program worked and that I would get the necessary merchants involved and that it wouldn't cost him anything except some promo radio spots.
He agreed to let me give it a try.
My fee to local business people was $300 for 13 weeks.
I got a list of people who had already signed up for some radio time and after lunch I signed up 4 businesses for $300ea.
I wound up selling 35 businesses in 2 wks...grossing $10,500 and the printing cost me about $1,000 so I Netted over 9 Grand.
The training at Grolier taught me how to do this.
I have created MANY "advertising programs" that involve hardly more than $20 to get started.
One thing you know for sure...almost every business in your town is looking for MORE business AND...they have MONEY to give you IF you have a way for them to get more customers.
All you have to do is walk in and present the program to them....and ask them to give you a deposit.
Rather than describe the many programs I've done...IF you're interested ....I will send you a FREE COPY of my "MIDAS REPORT" which describes over 30 ways of making money starting with less than 50bux.
Just email me your mailing address and I'll send you a copy with my compliments.
Thanks....Don Alm
The Midas Report...
http://www.pjbux.com/midas