💸 The Real Cost of Running a Business (And What to Do When You’re Broke)

No fluff. Just facts, survival tips, and a plan to breathe again.

There’s this myth that running a business means you're “your own boss” and just raking it in.

Meanwhile, most small business owners are out here hoping a bounced invoice doesn’t mean rent is late.

Let’s break down what running a business actually costs—then talk about what to do when you’re broke, behind, or barely holding on.

💰 The Real Monthly Costs of Most Small Businesses (Even the Lean Ones)

Expense	Average Range
Software / Tools	$100–$300/mo
Phone, Internet, Utilities	$75–$200/mo
Insurance	$40–$150/mo
Bank + Payment Fees	2–4% per transaction
Advertising / Marketing	$100–$1,000/mo (even just boosted posts)
Subscriptions / Admin	$50–$200/mo
Taxes (Set Aside)	20–30% of every dollar

And that’s before you pay yourself.

This doesn’t even account for rent if you’ve got a location, employees if you’re growing, or equipment if you’re a tradesperson.

🧨 What to Do When You’re Broke (and Still Need to Run a Business)

Here’s what I would do (and have done) when funds are low but quitting isn’t an option:

1. Cut Everything That Doesn’t Directly Make or Save You Money

Be ruthless. If it doesn’t help you:

• Get clients

• Keep clients

• Do the work faster or better

…cut it.

✅ Use RocketMoney to find subscriptions you forgot about. ✅ Use Notion or a whiteboard before paying $30/mo for project tools.

2. Focus on What Pays Now, Not What Looks Good Later

No, you don’t need to finish the “About” page on your site before you send a client invoice.

• Chase invoices.

• Send follow-ups.

• Offer quick-turnaround services for cash (audit, setup, consult).

• Reach out to past clients with a “Hey, I’ve got a last-minute opening this week” text.

3. Use “Tiny Offers” to Generate Fast Cash

Got knowledge or a service you can condense into 1 hour or 1 page?

• Sell a $27 “how-to” PDF

• Offer a $99 one-hour consultation

• Bundle 3 services into a flash sale

Keep it quick, scrappy, and service-focused. People don’t always want more, they want simple.

4. Stop Trying to Be Everywhere. Pick One Platform.

Focus. Post value. Engage daily. DM your ideal clients. It’s not about going viral—it’s about staying visible.

If you're stretched thin, spend your effort where your clients actually are.

✅ If you’re service-based, that’s probably Instagram, Facebook Groups, or Threads. ✅ If you’re B2B or consult-heavy, LinkedIn still works if you show up consistently.

5. Start a “Revenue First” Routine

Every week, ask yourself:

“What am I doing this week that could bring in actual money?”

That’s your north star. Do that first. Everything else is noise until your head is above water.

🙏 Final Thought:

Being broke doesn’t mean you’re bad at business. It means you’re early. Or you’re stuck in a cycle no one showed you how to escape.

You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re just learning how to build something real.

Start where you are. Cut what doesn’t serve you. Stack small wins. And ask for help when you need it.

🛠 Want more tools, resources, and support? We’re building a free starter kit for broke-but-determined business owners. Stay tuned.

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