Expert: Marina Lando - 8/9/2004

Question
Dear Sir-
Over the last 5 years, I have developed a concept for an internet based travel business. I have taken it upon myself to teach myself web design/animation and application coding, giving myself the skills needed to build the website...I am only a few short weeks away from completing the site (www.420getaways.com)

I have developed a comprehensive marketing plan, in which I will utilize sales representatives/managers who will coordinate (small and large) group trips. The rep's will mostly be made up of college students, and they will work on a commission basis. I have also been working on the commission schedule, that will allow me to offer the potential rep's approx. $500 and a free trip for every 15 persons booked through my site.

Since my website is essentially a 'party tour' service, I have put further thought into the marketing and advertising. I have had some correspondence with a high-level contact in High Times Magazine, who has informedme that they are lookingto partner with a tour operator for their numerous events, and that my website is of interest. I feel this to be a huge opportunity for my business, given my target demographic and the nature of their publication's audience and the events they hold.

As I look at the costs to make my business fully operational,I'm finding that the expenses will be relatively minimal and the potential for profit to be great. Unfortunately my credit is inadequate for me to obtain personal funding for the business, and I will be working on an extreme budget to launch the business. In order to launch this business most efficiently, I will need to obtain either a partner or funding. How can I do this?

Answer
Dear Gino:

You do not have to have a lot of money or creditworthy partner to start marketing.

The internet based business can be promoted by affiliates that will be paid referral fees after you they generated sale, and for free by link exchange and by networking.

For more information on free internet/networking marketing and the list of helpful sites visit:
http://www.blquest.biz/affiliate_programs.htm
http://www.blquest.biz/link_trade.htm
http://www.blquest.biz/networking.htm
http://www.blquest.biz/search_engines_registration.htm
http://www.blquest.biz/promotion.htm

Good luck,
Marina Lando
Business Loan Quest
www.blquest.biz