--- The Battle for Content ---

The competition for content is fierce. Every Web site owner wants content and hundreds of writers want their content visible on Web. There are so many free Web sites that you can literally advertise your goods, services, and knowledge globally for years without spending a penny.

Of course, there is a cost involved in writing free content---time. However, cost in time units is only a fraction of money that would otherwise be spent in getting kind of coverage available by supporting content sites with free articles.

--- What about my income producing articles? ---

The idea is not to spend all day writing free content. Generally, once you've completed your articles for paying markets, take an idea and generate one free content article. I usually select a topic about which I can generate an article in a few hours. Don't spend more than two hours on article over an entire day---use it as a gap-filler.

The point is to be able to generate a short article that provides a general overview of your knowledge or work---don't dive too deep. If someone likes your work or idea, let them come to you and pay you for a more, in-depth version. Call it "testing waters."

--- Exercise Your Brain ---

One of benefits I've found to writing free content is in exercising my brain. I get a chance to generate a short article about something I know without added pressure of acceptance and deadlines. This is where you get to write for fun of it and be able to produce industry contacts and resume fodder.

--- Resume Fodder ---

There are many places that provide this start up help, such as banks and joint venture companies, but you can approach anyone you think might be willing to back you, if you have a business proposal prepared.

Here's a brief outline of what you need to include in your proposal.

Executive Summary · Provide an outline of your vision for business · Briefly describe what already exists in this field · The niche - as you see it and benefits your business will bring · Type of business proposed - benefits you will bring to market niche · Overall financial goals - anticipated sales and profits · Funds required to start up business

Business Profile You must provide details of following: · Business name · Principals · Description of business - what it aims to do and its target market · Vision - ultimate goals · Mission - value, service you'll offer · The competitive advantage you have - eg flexibility, able to draw on wide base of talents, connections in industry etc

SWOT analysis This is where you analyse your proposed business, yourself and competition - list examples under each of following: · Strengths · Weaknesses · Opportunities · Threats Be honest with these - but only put in threats and weaknesses that you know you can meet and overcome successfully.

Objectives Detail what your short and long-term objectives are for business: · at end of first 12 months of operation · after 12 months

Product and Market Analysis This requires some exacting research, so you can provide plenty of detail. · Product / Service - description of what you're offering · Features · Benefits · Price structure · Industry description and outlook · Market demand - percentage of market you think you can capture; competition share you think you can take etc