Business: Billionaire Boss Club
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Are you trying to start your online business from scratch, with little to no start-up capital?
Renee is a recent student of the One Funnel Away Challenge (OFA). She was living in the back of her car until she discovered OFA. She used her last $100 to join the Challenge. She couldn't even use ClickFunnels initially because she only had a mobile phone. From the back of her car, she studied funnel-building, joined the classes, learned strategies from Russell Brunson, and worked her way up. She bootstrapped her way to success by building funnels. Fast forward to now, Renee is a ClickFunnels Ambassador and active participant in the CF community, and is a prominent influential business owner.
Here is Renee's INCREDIBLE story (in her own words)…
Q- You spent your last $100 to join OFA, and only had a phone to work with. How did you start earning revenue with such minimal tech?
A: When I started, I had nothing but my phone and this deep belief that somehow, I could turn things around. I was literally living in the backseat of my car after an 18-year marriage ended abruptly.
One night, while scrolling on YouTube, I came across something about the One Funnel Away (OFA) Challenge. I was desperate to get my life back, and I knew this was a chance I had to take. With barely any credit left on a card, I signed up, knowing that if I was going to build my life back, this was a great start to doing that.
I had no computer, just my phone, so doing the actual work on the CF platform was almost impossible. But I watched every video, every replay, all the bonuses and anything I could access.
I attended live calls with Doug Boughton, who was a student just like me, and Steve Larsen, who started each session with so much energy and excitement that it fueled me. I filled Google Docs with notes for every one of the 30 days. I still use those notes to this day. My phone didn't let me use the software fully, but it didn't deter me, I just kept going. I had no choice—I was all in.
To survive, I signed up with DoorDash and started driving all day to make enough to get out of my car and into a Budget Suites weekly rental.
It was during COVID, and with so many people in lockdown, I was considered an essential worker, out there hustling every day to make my money. I couldn't believe how grateful I felt just to be able to work and take those first steps towards getting my life back.
Finally, when I moved into the Budget Suites in about 10 days, I rented a laptop from Rent-A-Center so I could access ClickFunnels and actually start building. Every resource in OFA was like a lifeline, showing me that consistency and persistence could create real momentum.
I learned to focus on finding my audience and creating small offers that actually helped people. I started connecting with people on social media, and soon, I made my first income by offering small, affordable services for my first client. I reinvested every dollar I made, growing little by little from there.
Looking back, it was those early days of scraping by that built the foundation for everything I have now, right from the backseat of my car. I went from rock bottom to making my first client, and it all started with a phone and a dream that my life could be different.
Q: For others who need to bootstrap their way to success, what tactical advice do you have for getting a business started with little to no budget?
A: My best advice is to use what you have and commit fully. Start with a clear plan and put it into action immediately. Even small steps build momentum, and the power of determination will take you farther than you might imagine.
With little to no budget, focus on creating genuine connections. Reach out, share your story, and offer value without expecting anything in return. Use free tools, social media, and networking groups to connect with potential clients.
One essential piece I discovered along the way is the value of community. Join a group of like-minded people because this journey is almost impossible alone.
I struggled for a long time with my own introversion and still do, but I've seen the incredible support, learning, and motivation a community provides. You can tap into the experiences, strategies, and encouragement that others share, which fuels your growth.
And remember, the more you implement, the faster you grow. Consistency is key, even when things get tough. Each bit of progress brings you closer to your goals.
When you start earning, reinvest back into your business—even a few dollars can make a difference. With determination, a solid plan, community support, and relentless action, you can build something truly powerful, no matter where you start.