What I'd Do If I Had to Start Over with $0 and 30 Days

Starting over can feel terrifying, but it doesn’t always mean starting from absolute zero. You might still have a LinkedIn profile, a dusty website, a few loyal connections, or the hard-earned skills you’ve sharpened over time.

Layoffs, business failures, unexpected moves, life shakeups, sometimes life chooses for you.

Starting over is about treating everything you still have as seeds for your next chapter, and moving fast to make them grow. Here's the good news: starting over can be one of the most freeing opportunities you'll ever have.

If Jen and I had to rebuild Clever Marketers with $0 and just 30 days, here’s exactly what we would do, blending real-world marketing strategies with a resilient mindset.

But before you take action, you need to clarify one thing: success starts with how you think, not just what you do.

Why Starting Over with Nothing Can Be Your Greatest Asset

Before we get too tactical, you need to lock in your most important advantage: your mindset. When you have no money, you learn faster, create smarter, and become fiercely resourceful.

The trick is to:

• Solve problems, not just "sell."

• Focus on service over perfection.

• Take action every day, even when it’s messy or you feel overwhelmed.

Start over with $0 in 30 days - The success comes from movement, not magic.

Start over with $0 in 30 days - Our Week-by-Week Breakdown

Days 1-7: Build a Simple, Trustworthy Online Presence

Action Steps:

• Pick one skill you can monetize fast (writing, social media management, web design, branding, etc.).

• If you do not have a professional profile, set one up (free LinkedIn page, free website using Wix/Canva).

• Create a basic "Offer Page" that clearly states:

  • Who you help

  • What can you help with

  • How to contact you

    
    

Tip: Done is better than perfect. A simple page beats no page.

Days 8-14: Get Visible and Add Value

Action Steps:

• Join 3–5 free groups (Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit) related to your target audience.

• Post 3–5 value-driven comments or mini-tips per day.

• Start conversations in DMs, "How can I help you this week?"

• Offer a free audit or review (social media audit, website critique, etc.) to build social proof fast.
  

Tip: Give more than you ask. Help first, sell later.

Days 15-21: Create Micro-Offers to Get Paid

Action Steps:

• Package a low-cost service ("$50 Instagram makeover," "$99 website starter kit," "$75 brand coaching call").

• Promote your micro-offer in groups, DMs, and your growing network.

• Deliver fast, over-deliver value, collect testimonials.
  

Tip: Small wins stack into huge momentum.

Days 22-30: Multiply Your Impact and Income

Action Steps:

• Bundle services into "starter packages" ($250-$500).

• Ask happy clients for referrals: "Who do you know that needs help with…?"

• Launch a free mini-workshop or tutorial session (via Zoom or live social media).

  
  

Tip: Scale smart by building on what’s already working.

Key Lessons We Would Carry Through the 30 Days

• Speed matters: Move fast. Iterate. Don't wait.

• Service matters more: Obsess over solving real problems.

• Visibility is free: Show up consistently. Engage generously.

• One connection can change everything: Focus on relationships over vanity metrics.

  
  

You’re Never Really Starting from Zero. If you have creativity, commitment, and an ability to connect, you're already rich in the resources that matter most.

No money? No problem. Start with value. Build your service. Grow with heart.

30 days from now? You'll be amazed at the foundation you’ve laid.

Get the free checklist version of this 30-day plan and start building your comeback today. Download it free at CleverMarketers.com!