Recessionista: Lea Richards
Pig of the Month BBQ

1. What’s the gig’s dirty secret?

We’re CHEAP!  We cut every corner we can and use mostly free services we’ve found on the internet to cut costs.  Things like HARO, Muck Rack, Open Office, Zoho, and Grasshopper help cut costs and keep overhead low.  We also find it’s best not to grow staff until you absolutely have to.  We all pitch in and learn how to do something that needs to be done – bonus being that when we do go to hire that task out we have a much better understanding of who to hire.

2. What’s your secret weapon?

Having a good story and even better pitches.  I left a high paying job in finance, moved home to Dayton, Ohio, and then started a mail order BBQ business.  It makes for a great story that appeals to business writers these days with a tough economy and no job security.  We use our business story, products, and even being woman owned to craft interesting pitches that are sure to get us media placements.  Be interesting!

3. What’s the secret to getting started?

Just get started!  Seriously, so many people think they need a business plan, funding, X amount of cash socked away, etc. to get started – but you don’t.  The more time you spend thinking it through the less time you’re spending actually doing.  The easiest way to get started is to try your business out on weekends and get market feedback.  I guarantee you’ll be making changes anyhow, so respond to the market and change before you’ve spent $50,000 to do this or that.