How is that for a title to get your attention? CNNMoney recently put out a series of 8 profiles that look at successful entrepreneurs who have built up their companies despite not having access to major financial backing.

It goes to show you that you do not need a lot of money to get started – you just need to invest the capital you do have and your energy in the right places.

The profiles are a quick read and also include 8 lessons for success including:

Lesson: If you must borrow from your friends and family, keep it formal

Lesson: Prep as much as you can while you’re on someone else’s payroll

Lesson: Do what makes you happy – because at first, happiness is likely to be your main reward

Lesson: It’s not who you know – it’s how well you keep in touch with them

Lesson: You’ll amaze yourself at how cheaply you can run a business when it’s yours

Lesson: That great idea you had for your boss? Maybe it’s the business you’re looking for.

Lesson: Help investors see that taking a chance on you is not that big a risk after all

Lesson: Picking the right partner can be as important as picking a product

Evan Carmichael