So I received a question about setting up a Trademark from a fan on Facebook and it prompted me to gather a list of a few of my favorite websites. Here are 5 that might be of service to aspiring chicktrepreneurs looking to build their brand on a tight budget (This weeks Chicktrepreneur Tip), as well as take care of those small business odds and ends. Let's take a look, shall we?
1.Trademarkia
Okay I think the name says it all. Trademarkia is an excellent site if you need to trademark your business name or logo. I have tried tackling the USPTO (United States Patent Trademark Office) on my own and it not only takes forever BUT the database is NOT user friendly at all.
If you do decide to file with Trademarkia, it costs $195 per classification for marks in the U.S., and the process is a piece of cake. Literally, they do everything for you. I would highly suggest checking Trademarkia out if you have a highly coveted business name or logo but don't have prior experience filing trademarks.
2.ODesk
Another GREAT site! From technical to administrative, if you are looking to hire someone to handle the impossibly tedious details of your business, you will be able to find someone on oDesk ..and inexpensively. The one thing that I love about oDesk is that contractors bid on your job and you have direct access to their portfolios and prior work experience. It's also nice to be able to see their work history and feedback from other employers. Think of them as your virtual office. oDesk's simple user interface really helped me in the hiring process when I needed someone to create a custom background for my youtube channel. The work turned out great and I paid $20 for a design that would typically cost $75 or more.
3.Etsy
So many wonderful things can be said about Etsy. Whether you are a seller or buyer, you can always find something here to make you spend moolah! I have been on Etsy for hours just looking at the various vendors and favoriting items for my To-Buy-List. One thing that I always purchase are paper goods, which include business & calling cards, shipping labels, and stationery. Why? Because it is so cheap and you have SO many designs and styles to choose from..that's why! If you haven't been to the Etsy website (which I don't see how on earth that is possible) then you must go and check it out. Warning: you might just buy something.
4.Craigslist
We all know about Craigslist's scandalous past but the site has a trove of hidden gems in their "Services" section. Now more than ever, you can find extremely talented contractors. The markdown in some cases are phenomenal because many are looking for work and some a side gig, whatever the case, there are plenty of contractors to choose from and they offer great deals. I have personally hired a photographer and videographer from Craigslist and both did absolutely wonderful jobs.
5.PaperMart
Papermart is the go to website for all of your bulk paper supply needs, especially if you ship out products to customers. Their inventory seems almost endless. You can purchase shipping boxes, bags, wrapping paper, totes, decorative wrap & paper, and basically anything retail related. They are very affordable and their products are of the highest quality. I recently purchased 500 sealable plastic Polyethylene bags for my Chicktrepreneur Tees for a little over $20, which was a steal.
Hopefully, my personal arsenal of websites will help you ladies on your journey to branding on a budget. Every couple of months or so I will post links to some of my favorite sites. Please leave your feedback if I've missed any, and don't forget to register for my blog fi you've liked todays suggestions..might as well while you're here ;)
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