One of challenges of multi-career marriages is allotting time for family and for each other. Some years ago, Sherry and I began to realize this and decided to take steps to insure “our time” every day. So, we began going to a convenient place in evening just to have coffee and to visit.

We found it a bit amusing (and a compliment to our 35-year marriage) when some of staff at one restaurant thought we were having an affair because we would often arrive in separate cars.

One of places we enjoy coffee and dessert is Menger Hotel. Not only is it a beautiful place, but also their coffee is some of smoothest.

I remember one particular evening at Menger. After our waiter brought our check and walked away with my $20, I commented to Sherry that I had forgotten to have him bring me plenty of one dollar bills. I knew that after tip I would still need money for school lunches next morning.

We decided to see if waiter knew his stuff. If, on our $10 check, he brought back two fives or a ten dollar bill, we would know he was not on ball. He did not disappoint us. He brought me plenty of ones and we, in turn, were generous with our tip.

If you, or any of your business prospects, believe that time is money, then yes, "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" principle DOES apply to your internet business. What you can't invest in money, you will have to invest in time. You will have to be able to put axe to grind for more hours per day or week, and you will have to wait for more weeks and months before your ship comes in. Those are facts.

If you are able to think outside box (and few internet entrepreneurs CAN'T!) then principle can be stretched a little. Are you balking at spending a few pennies a day to boost your sales? Do some research comparing what your marketing program offers and what same services cost on open market. Compare what information your program offers and what you can learn elsewhere. For example:

* find some online business forums and search these topics: free advertising, phone follow-up techniques, sample follow-up letters, sample phone scripts.