There are almost as many ways to conduct an outdoor adventure as there are individual personalities. Broadly defined, your business will take groups of people into the outdoors, camping, hiking, and experiencing the vanishing wilderness as participants rather than as mere observers. The supply of popular, long-established organizations offering outdoor programs has not nearly met the demand. Many small organizations have been very successful in offering related services such as corporate retreat planning. Some focus on learning to exist with little material support in a wilderness environment. Others offer opportunities for self-development, self-re?ection, or fitness. Another popular approach is to create group activities that build relationships of trust for business organizations, college freshman orientations, and similar groups.
Your decisions about equipment will aff ect the cost of your start-up and of your continuing operations. Advertising will be an ongoing requirement; expect to spend at least $5,000 on that alone each year. However, if you market yourself well, especially via the Web to corporations, you can really carve out a mighty fine living for yourself to the tune of $100,000 or more. Plus you’ll have a good time doing it!
An outdoors adventure business will rely on your love of the wilderness and your creativity in designing effective, appealing programs that allow your customers to encounter it. But not everyone who can build a camp out of hemlock twigs and catch mountain trout for dinner is also people-oriented enough to share their expertise with others. Wet, cold campers with blistered feet are not as easy to charm as day trippers on a short hike. So emphasize that experiencing and surviving the full range of challenges builds self-esteem, group solidarity, and an enduring respect for the power and beauty of nature.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000Approx. potential earnings:$50,000 to $100,000Typical fees: $300 to $1,000 per person (depending on length of excursion, group size, and corporate versus individual rates)
Where to promote: Magazines with an outdoor or fitness focus, newspapers, public speaking on outdoor and environmental issues, direct mail, banner ads on health and fitness-related Web sites, your own Web site with descriptions of your exciting packages plus client testimonials
Qualifications: Outdoor leadership skills and experience, knowledge of the natural world, first aid certificate, excellent planning ability
Things needed: Outdoor equipment for yourself and group, van, basic
office setup (including computer, high-speed Internet
access and fax), cell phone
Required staff: Yes
Hidden costs: Insurance, equipment repairs and replacement
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Manicurist
Luxurious nails are no longer for the rich and famous only—brides want them, society mavens want them, young women want them.You’ll definitely make money from this business if you are a licensed professional with a strong following, mainly because there are simply not enough really skilled nail technicians to go around. You will, however, be competing with“nail factories” in local shopping malls; these service businesses typically employ large numbers of technicians so they can turn around a great deal of business at a low cost. Position yourself on personal service and attention to detail. At any rate, you’ll be providing a timeless personal service for those who appreciate the finer things in life. (Translation: don’t be afraid to charge a little more than you’re worth.) You’ll create beautifully crafted nails that would make Jessica Simpson green with envy or you’ll simply clean and shape nails for everyday folks who are in the limelight often (even if it’s only before a board of directors). Yes, men and women alike use the services of a manicurist, so try not to forget that in your marketing pieces.
Essentially, you’ll need a good, strong table and a bright enough light to work with, in addition to your nail polishes and assorted nail maintenance equipment. All of this could cost between $1,000 and $3,000, but add on more if you’re planning to rent space somewhere. Charge at least between $40 and $60 for acrylic, fi berglass, or gel nails; $20 for a simple manicure. For silk wraps or tips, charge between $25 and $30.
If you like working with people from different walks of life, this could be your kind of business—hands down. However, the community gossip might leave you with information you’d rather not know.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $35,000
Typical fees: $50 per set of nails (for length additions) and $15 for a simple manicure or pedicure
Where to promote: Newspapers, coupon books, bulletin boards, Yellow Pages
Qualifications: Certification in cosmetology or as a nail technician often required
Things needed: Manicuring table with a strong light, credit card processing equipment (if you decide to accept plastic), and nail enhancement or beautification products
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Liability insurance and materials
Essentially, you’ll need a good, strong table and a bright enough light to work with, in addition to your nail polishes and assorted nail maintenance equipment. All of this could cost between $1,000 and $3,000, but add on more if you’re planning to rent space somewhere. Charge at least between $40 and $60 for acrylic, fi berglass, or gel nails; $20 for a simple manicure. For silk wraps or tips, charge between $25 and $30.
If you like working with people from different walks of life, this could be your kind of business—hands down. However, the community gossip might leave you with information you’d rather not know.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $35,000
Typical fees: $50 per set of nails (for length additions) and $15 for a simple manicure or pedicure
Where to promote: Newspapers, coupon books, bulletin boards, Yellow Pages
Qualifications: Certification in cosmetology or as a nail technician often required
Things needed: Manicuring table with a strong light, credit card processing equipment (if you decide to accept plastic), and nail enhancement or beautification products
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Liability insurance and materials
Friday, May 30, 2014
Dog Trainer
Working dogs need considerable training, depending on the jobs they have to perform. Drug-sniffing dogs, guard dogs, guide dogs, movie dogs, and herding dogs all require specialized training. While these dogs usually receive their training from their breeders or owners, they are sometimes trained by professional trainers who have national reputations for their skill and eff ectiveness.
A much bigger market is training services for pets. Most pet owners wake up a bit late to the need for training (usually after half of the carpet has been eaten). You can present your service as the solution to those nagging problems that make pet dogs so frustrating at times. Some trainers give classes for owner and dog together while others go to a pet’s home and provide individual sessions. Network with veterinarians and pet stores; they are usually the first to hear about animal problems.
Your main start-up cost is for whatever marketing and advertising approaches seem best for your community. Somewhere between $500 to $1,000 would be an average amount to spend on launching this business. Don’t forget to create a Web site and include a “Top 10” list of helpful tips for pet owners. This will help increase your visibility on the Web, but will also bolster your credibility. Since you’ll be charging as much as $300 per dog for a three-week session, you could see a tidy profit early in the game. And that’s nothing to bark at, is it?
This job is immensely enjoyable if you love dogs and can tolerate their owners. (Remember, you’ll be training them too.) Gaining the trust of an animal is an essential part of any training process, but some trainers find that getting the human side of the equation to cooperate is even harder. Once the pets in your class begin to give up eating the curtains and jumping all over Grandma, however, you will seem like a genius. Then the class can proceed to the really difficult stuff such as coming when called (the pet) and being patient (the owner). For most trainers this is not a route to wealth, but a decent living can be made if you keep up your marketing eff orts.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $2,000
Approx. potential earnings:$35,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $300 for a three-week session is fairly common
Where to promote: Flyers; direct mail; Yellow Pages; classifieds; networking with vets; free clinics; Web site with free training tips and class offerings, schedules, and fees
Qualifications: Experience with different breeds, track record of success, patience, and credibility; a permit may be necessary in many states
Things needed: Cell phone; space for pets to roam, eat, and sleep
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Advertising, travel
A much bigger market is training services for pets. Most pet owners wake up a bit late to the need for training (usually after half of the carpet has been eaten). You can present your service as the solution to those nagging problems that make pet dogs so frustrating at times. Some trainers give classes for owner and dog together while others go to a pet’s home and provide individual sessions. Network with veterinarians and pet stores; they are usually the first to hear about animal problems.
Your main start-up cost is for whatever marketing and advertising approaches seem best for your community. Somewhere between $500 to $1,000 would be an average amount to spend on launching this business. Don’t forget to create a Web site and include a “Top 10” list of helpful tips for pet owners. This will help increase your visibility on the Web, but will also bolster your credibility. Since you’ll be charging as much as $300 per dog for a three-week session, you could see a tidy profit early in the game. And that’s nothing to bark at, is it?
This job is immensely enjoyable if you love dogs and can tolerate their owners. (Remember, you’ll be training them too.) Gaining the trust of an animal is an essential part of any training process, but some trainers find that getting the human side of the equation to cooperate is even harder. Once the pets in your class begin to give up eating the curtains and jumping all over Grandma, however, you will seem like a genius. Then the class can proceed to the really difficult stuff such as coming when called (the pet) and being patient (the owner). For most trainers this is not a route to wealth, but a decent living can be made if you keep up your marketing eff orts.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $2,000
Approx. potential earnings:$35,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $300 for a three-week session is fairly common
Where to promote: Flyers; direct mail; Yellow Pages; classifieds; networking with vets; free clinics; Web site with free training tips and class offerings, schedules, and fees
Qualifications: Experience with different breeds, track record of success, patience, and credibility; a permit may be necessary in many states
Things needed: Cell phone; space for pets to roam, eat, and sleep
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Advertising, travel
Digital Imaging Service
The digital craze is on, and it’s not limited to musical instruments or compact disks. You can cash in on the trend by starting your own digital imaging service.
It can be either on-site at a retail shop or kiosk or completely Web-based by allowing customers to upload their favorite photos for you to place on T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, and so on. You’ve probably seen such businesses in your local shopping mall or at a community ?ea market. The proprietor simply takes a video image of a person and places it onto a computer screen for printing on a color printer. The image is then transferred to a product and a personalized gift has been created. It’s that simple, and the service generally sells itself if positioned in a high-traveled area. You can buy a franchise or start from scratch if you are familiar enough with the equipment and can work with product vendors. Expect to market your service aggressively; you’ll need to talk to people and have excellent sales ability to make enough money to cover your expenses. Still it’s a fun method of gift-giving for many consumers.
You’ll need $20,000 to $40,000 for your equipment and space rental, slightly more if you buy a franchise. Your equipment will include a computer with color printer, video camera, and software that permits image transfer from video to computer screen to printer. Thermal transfer equipment will also be necessary to produce those personalized coffee mugs and T-shirts. On the plus side, you might see as much as $45,000 for little effort on your part.
Your business will ?uctuate according to season. Expect slow times in the fall and spring and a busy time each Christmas, complete with long hours and heavy volume.
Approx. cost of start-up:$20,000 to $40,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $15 to $45 per scanned-image product
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, mall kiosks and other high-volume locations, banner ads on print-related Web sites, your own Web site with online gallery of your work
Qualifications:Training in equipment
Things needed: Computer with scanner and video imaging capability
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, equipment maintenance and upgrades
It can be either on-site at a retail shop or kiosk or completely Web-based by allowing customers to upload their favorite photos for you to place on T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, and so on. You’ve probably seen such businesses in your local shopping mall or at a community ?ea market. The proprietor simply takes a video image of a person and places it onto a computer screen for printing on a color printer. The image is then transferred to a product and a personalized gift has been created. It’s that simple, and the service generally sells itself if positioned in a high-traveled area. You can buy a franchise or start from scratch if you are familiar enough with the equipment and can work with product vendors. Expect to market your service aggressively; you’ll need to talk to people and have excellent sales ability to make enough money to cover your expenses. Still it’s a fun method of gift-giving for many consumers.
You’ll need $20,000 to $40,000 for your equipment and space rental, slightly more if you buy a franchise. Your equipment will include a computer with color printer, video camera, and software that permits image transfer from video to computer screen to printer. Thermal transfer equipment will also be necessary to produce those personalized coffee mugs and T-shirts. On the plus side, you might see as much as $45,000 for little effort on your part.
Your business will ?uctuate according to season. Expect slow times in the fall and spring and a busy time each Christmas, complete with long hours and heavy volume.
Approx. cost of start-up:$20,000 to $40,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $15 to $45 per scanned-image product
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, mall kiosks and other high-volume locations, banner ads on print-related Web sites, your own Web site with online gallery of your work
Qualifications:Training in equipment
Things needed: Computer with scanner and video imaging capability
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, equipment maintenance and upgrades
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Sales Representative
Many people try their hand at direct sales, yet only a few of them make it big. What’s the difference? Consider your goals. Do you want to make a few bucks and sell a line of products you like to family, friends, and acquaintances? Is your main goal to make your own purchases at a discount? Or are you planning to put the effort and commitment into direct sales that you would into establishing any other type of small business? Many products are best sold person-to-person because they benefit from demonstration. Finding an excellent product line to work with is vital, and you should feel confident in the company as well. The rest is up to your selling skills and personal drive. Some companies encourage their salespeople to create networks of additional salespeople whose sales then bring a percentage to the person who recruited them. This practice acts as an incentive to everyone in the sales force. It is one way to large earnings, if you can achieve it.
Expenses in the beginning are very low (around $1,000), but watch out for hidden charges and fees from the manufacturers. These should warn you off the companies that might exploit you. An income of $20,000 in the beginning is realistic.
How many opportunities are left in this country in which your own hard work will define your success? Direct sales is one of them. Are you comfortable with cold calling? Are you committed enough to keep yourself going with no one to answer to but yourself? Do you genuinely like people and enjoy helping them find products that will add something to their lives or businesses? Or, on the other hand, would you be satisfied with direct sales as an add-on to some other activity? Be sure you’re clear on what you want and what you will need to do to achieve it. If you have big ambitions, you’ll need a very big commitment to achieve them in direct marketing and sales.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $50,000+
Typical fees: Percentage basis
Where to promote: Word of mouth, direct mail, cold calling, Web site that includes your success stories and testimonials
Qualifications: Energy, persistence, ability to manage time well
Things needed: Computer, fax, cell phone (hands-free accessories would be best, since you’ll be on the road a lot)
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Catalogs and other sales materials for which some of your clients may charge, traveling to meetings, inventory replacement
Expenses in the beginning are very low (around $1,000), but watch out for hidden charges and fees from the manufacturers. These should warn you off the companies that might exploit you. An income of $20,000 in the beginning is realistic.
How many opportunities are left in this country in which your own hard work will define your success? Direct sales is one of them. Are you comfortable with cold calling? Are you committed enough to keep yourself going with no one to answer to but yourself? Do you genuinely like people and enjoy helping them find products that will add something to their lives or businesses? Or, on the other hand, would you be satisfied with direct sales as an add-on to some other activity? Be sure you’re clear on what you want and what you will need to do to achieve it. If you have big ambitions, you’ll need a very big commitment to achieve them in direct marketing and sales.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $50,000+
Typical fees: Percentage basis
Where to promote: Word of mouth, direct mail, cold calling, Web site that includes your success stories and testimonials
Qualifications: Energy, persistence, ability to manage time well
Things needed: Computer, fax, cell phone (hands-free accessories would be best, since you’ll be on the road a lot)
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Catalogs and other sales materials for which some of your clients may charge, traveling to meetings, inventory replacement
Mediator
The wave of the legal future is the mediator, especially with the rising cost of attorneys. While attorneys are paid to reach an eventual settlement, a mediator looks for ways to settle any disputes with compromise and without going to court. Because so many marriages end in bitter divorce, mediators have their ripest ground in the domestic sector. It is in this arena that they can save the parties literally thousands of dollars in litigation and get to the heart of the matter through mutual conciliation. Identifying what each party truly wants out of the deal is the most critical part of successful mediation. Are you skilled at helping people to stop hurling pointless accusations at each other and at bringing them back to the issues at hand? Can you help them to see the big picture? If so, you would make a fi ne mediator. You’re essentially being paid to help fighting folks stay out of court. It’s an admirable profession, and it’s getting to be increasingly profi table.
You’ll need a nice, comfortable office, so expect to lay out at least $3,000 for your “digs.” Next, spend some money advertising in places potential clients typically look for help (namely, the Yellow Pages). You’ll charge $75 to $300 per job (which typically includes up to three one-hour sessions) and more if the work extends beyond that timeframe.
While this is an admirable and respected profession, it’s still a personally challenging one. Can you listen all day to folks fighting over trivial and petty things (like who gets the washing machine)? If you’re able to keep them focused on the goal of an amicable settlement, you’ll do well. But do take time for yourself—you’ll need it.
Albert H. Couch, a Family, Divorce and Community Mediator for Akron Family Mediation in Akron, Ohio, says three things set his business apart from others like it.“We have a full-time commitment to mediation, and a lot of mediators don’t have that. Second, we cap our fees so that our customers know there’s a limit to what they’ll spend with us. Finally, we have experience in our field and are aggressive in promoting mediation in general. When I’m not mediating, I’m talking about mediating somewhere.”
Couch says he couldn’t do without a computer, phone and, most important, the training he’s had in his field.
“Learn mediation inside and out, that’s first and foremost.” But the second most important thing you can do, according to Couch, is to talk mediation with just about anyone who’ll listen.“This is primarily a word-of-mouth business.”
“I’d spend less money up front on advertising, since so much of my business comes from referrals. I advise others to get involved in their community and give as many speeches as you can to promote your business.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$40,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $75 to $300 (usually split between the disputing parties); fee typically includes up to three sessions
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, newspapers, bulletin boards, networking with legal groups, Web site with some free negotiating tips and links to related resources
Qualifications: License required in some states
Things needed:Office with comfortable furniture, phones, computer
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Some cases are more complicated than others; try to see the writing on the wall when it comes to the bigger jobs. A skilled mediator will know how to cut to the chase and keep things moving within the timeframe for which he or she is getting paid.
You’ll need a nice, comfortable office, so expect to lay out at least $3,000 for your “digs.” Next, spend some money advertising in places potential clients typically look for help (namely, the Yellow Pages). You’ll charge $75 to $300 per job (which typically includes up to three one-hour sessions) and more if the work extends beyond that timeframe.
While this is an admirable and respected profession, it’s still a personally challenging one. Can you listen all day to folks fighting over trivial and petty things (like who gets the washing machine)? If you’re able to keep them focused on the goal of an amicable settlement, you’ll do well. But do take time for yourself—you’ll need it.
Albert H. Couch, a Family, Divorce and Community Mediator for Akron Family Mediation in Akron, Ohio, says three things set his business apart from others like it.“We have a full-time commitment to mediation, and a lot of mediators don’t have that. Second, we cap our fees so that our customers know there’s a limit to what they’ll spend with us. Finally, we have experience in our field and are aggressive in promoting mediation in general. When I’m not mediating, I’m talking about mediating somewhere.”
Couch says he couldn’t do without a computer, phone and, most important, the training he’s had in his field.
“Learn mediation inside and out, that’s first and foremost.” But the second most important thing you can do, according to Couch, is to talk mediation with just about anyone who’ll listen.“This is primarily a word-of-mouth business.”
“I’d spend less money up front on advertising, since so much of my business comes from referrals. I advise others to get involved in their community and give as many speeches as you can to promote your business.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$40,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $75 to $300 (usually split between the disputing parties); fee typically includes up to three sessions
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, newspapers, bulletin boards, networking with legal groups, Web site with some free negotiating tips and links to related resources
Qualifications: License required in some states
Things needed:Office with comfortable furniture, phones, computer
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Some cases are more complicated than others; try to see the writing on the wall when it comes to the bigger jobs. A skilled mediator will know how to cut to the chase and keep things moving within the timeframe for which he or she is getting paid.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Bankruptcy Services
Overextending is one thing; being completely out of financial control is another. Your clients are the people who realize that they can’t manage the debt they’ve accumulated, and they may be so overwhelmed they can’t manage the bankruptcy process either. You assist them in developing a clear picture of their financial situation, fi ling for bankruptcy, and planning for the consequences. In today’s world of easy credit, many people find themselves in bankruptcy without quite realizing what hit them. They’re distressed, humiliated, and probably very confused as well. Your assistance with the painful process of sorting out the facts from the feelings is a very signifi cant benefit.
Costs can be low (under $3,000), depending largely upon how extensive you choose to make your Web site. If you do it yourself and keep it simple, you can stay closer to a $1,000 startup. But if you choose a more interactive experience for your customers, complete with online evaluation of their situation, you could be looking at a much higher start-up cost of $10,000 or more.
You are meeting your clients at a real low point in their lives, but you are the first step on their way back up. So the emotional temperature of your workday is going to be ?uctuating wildly. Keeping a good psychological balance will be as important as getting the paperwork filled out correctly. Some of your clients will just have been irresponsible, but others will have been dealt an impossible hand by fate. Historically, the bankruptcy process has been designed to help these people by wiping the slate more or less clean. People facing bankruptcy are not generally easy to work with, so your skill in dealing with the human side of your business—which may include some raw emotions—will be essential.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $350 per client; sometimes an additional percentage (5 to 10 percent) from the creditors
Where to promote: Local newspaper ads, seminars, public service speaking engagements, a Web site that offers alternatives to bankruptcy filing and/or credit-restoration tips
Qualifications: Financial planning expertise, good people skills Things needed:Office furniture suitable for client conferences, business
cards, computer with high-speed Internet access,
letterhead, envelopes, marketing materials
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Errors and omissions insurance
Costs can be low (under $3,000), depending largely upon how extensive you choose to make your Web site. If you do it yourself and keep it simple, you can stay closer to a $1,000 startup. But if you choose a more interactive experience for your customers, complete with online evaluation of their situation, you could be looking at a much higher start-up cost of $10,000 or more.
You are meeting your clients at a real low point in their lives, but you are the first step on their way back up. So the emotional temperature of your workday is going to be ?uctuating wildly. Keeping a good psychological balance will be as important as getting the paperwork filled out correctly. Some of your clients will just have been irresponsible, but others will have been dealt an impossible hand by fate. Historically, the bankruptcy process has been designed to help these people by wiping the slate more or less clean. People facing bankruptcy are not generally easy to work with, so your skill in dealing with the human side of your business—which may include some raw emotions—will be essential.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $350 per client; sometimes an additional percentage (5 to 10 percent) from the creditors
Where to promote: Local newspaper ads, seminars, public service speaking engagements, a Web site that offers alternatives to bankruptcy filing and/or credit-restoration tips
Qualifications: Financial planning expertise, good people skills Things needed:Office furniture suitable for client conferences, business
cards, computer with high-speed Internet access,
letterhead, envelopes, marketing materials
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Errors and omissions insurance
Personal Instructor/Fitness Trainer
Do you keep yourself physically fit, have a great personality, and enjoy teaching others? If you answered “yes” to all three, pull out those business cards and start a personal trainer business. You’ll have to market yourself like a pro. Give seminars about being fit and cover the benefits of working out to get your name and face out there in this highly competitive occupation. Experience will be on your side. Remember, you are marketing yourself and motivating others to become physically fit at the same time, so you must be in excellent physical shape and condition. Be prepared to work out alongside your clients if they request it, teaching them all the latest ways to get and stay in shape. Keep a couple of before and after photos of yourself and others whom you’ve helped tone and shape. Create a video and sell it through local health clubs.
Start-up costs can consist solely of a gym membership; or, if you want the client to come to your home, you’ll need a full set of equipment including free weights, Nautilus, and weight training equipment. That could send you into the $100,000 range for start-up costs. You have the potential to stay in shape and make a decent living in the range of $20,000 to $65,000 or more, depending on how a? uent your clients are.
How many people can say that going to work relieves stress? Not only can you have fun and stay in shape, you get to have a social life on the job. Working out has become very social and everyone can do it, but the downside is, a client may quit without warning. Some people consider working out to be seasonal, so you’ll really have to go out there and establish a good client base.
Approx. cost of start-up: $100 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $50 to $75 per hour
Where to promote: Business cards, brochures, ?yers, bulletin boards in health clubs
Qualifications: Experience, physical fitness, knowledge of equipment and CPR
Things needed: Membership to a gym or your own equipment if you want to work out of your home
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Mileage and travel time needed to meet clients where they work out, liability insurance
Start-up costs can consist solely of a gym membership; or, if you want the client to come to your home, you’ll need a full set of equipment including free weights, Nautilus, and weight training equipment. That could send you into the $100,000 range for start-up costs. You have the potential to stay in shape and make a decent living in the range of $20,000 to $65,000 or more, depending on how a? uent your clients are.
How many people can say that going to work relieves stress? Not only can you have fun and stay in shape, you get to have a social life on the job. Working out has become very social and everyone can do it, but the downside is, a client may quit without warning. Some people consider working out to be seasonal, so you’ll really have to go out there and establish a good client base.
Approx. cost of start-up: $100 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $50 to $75 per hour
Where to promote: Business cards, brochures, ?yers, bulletin boards in health clubs
Qualifications: Experience, physical fitness, knowledge of equipment and CPR
Things needed: Membership to a gym or your own equipment if you want to work out of your home
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Mileage and travel time needed to meet clients where they work out, liability insurance
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Magician
To be a good magician, you must have the ability to perform magic tricks quite convincingly, despite the audience’s willing suspension of disbelief. You can buy kits from party centers or entertainment retailers or possibly take a continuing education course from your local college. Working as an assistant for an established magician is also a good way to learn the business. Having a good personality and the ability to work well with people is a strong selling point.
Start-up should be minimal. Visit the local library to find books on magic for an inexpensive way to learn the art. Investing in magic kits from retailers will cost you a little more. The most expensive start-up cost would be to take a class.
Perform for free at your friends’ parties or children’s school functions to get exposure. Once your name gets on the streets, start charging for your services. Attempt to work with your city’s parks and recreation department for leads or a convention center to get jobs at conferences. Working with an events planner or advertising agency is another good way to get your own name pulled out of the hat.
Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings: $6,500 to $20,000 or more
Typical fees: $50 per two-hour children’s party, $300 per two-hour adult event
Where to promote: Yellow Pages; entertainment section of newspapers; bulletin boards; networking with civic organizations; Web site with lots of photos, client testimonials, and an online booking method for customers
Qualifications: Ability to perform magic tricks convincingly, outgoing personality
Things needed: Magic trick equipment, business cards, computer for Web site management and e-booking
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Advertising
Start-up should be minimal. Visit the local library to find books on magic for an inexpensive way to learn the art. Investing in magic kits from retailers will cost you a little more. The most expensive start-up cost would be to take a class.
Perform for free at your friends’ parties or children’s school functions to get exposure. Once your name gets on the streets, start charging for your services. Attempt to work with your city’s parks and recreation department for leads or a convention center to get jobs at conferences. Working with an events planner or advertising agency is another good way to get your own name pulled out of the hat.
Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings: $6,500 to $20,000 or more
Typical fees: $50 per two-hour children’s party, $300 per two-hour adult event
Where to promote: Yellow Pages; entertainment section of newspapers; bulletin boards; networking with civic organizations; Web site with lots of photos, client testimonials, and an online booking method for customers
Qualifications: Ability to perform magic tricks convincingly, outgoing personality
Things needed: Magic trick equipment, business cards, computer for Web site management and e-booking
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Advertising
College Internship Placement Service
It used to be that companies offering internships contacted colleges to find students for summer or short-term work. But, in this era, such companies are relying increasingly upon services such as yours to bring them talent. It’s challenging work to find a suitable internship for a student (and vice versa), but you’ll have enough resources from which to choose at your local library. There are plenty of books that detail such opportunities, and there should be plenty of postings for internships through online services or the Internet. You’d have to work pretty hard to exhaust all of the possibilities. You’d be wise to market to the parents of students in addition to the students themselves, since parents are typically the ones with the foresight to see the importance of an internship. You can deliver your service in one of two ways: (1) as a consultant who finds and recommends several internship possibilities for a student, or (2) as the liaison between hiring companies and students, even going so far as to screen applicants and finalize the deal just as a professional recruiter would do. You will obviously make more money with the second option.
You’ll need to have at least $1,500 for your computer system and another $1,000 or so for advertising in your first six months. If you choose to do internship placement for hiring companies, you will need to network with several such companies in order to get their business. Contact management software would be a good investment for this type of business.
Your work will be different every day, and the challenges will present themselves on a regular basis, too. Sometimes you’ll work with folks you simply can’t seem to please, or who don’t come across as highly motivated. Remember that part of your job is to sell students on the importance of choosing the best internships.
Approx. cost of start-up:$1,500 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings:$20,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $75 to $175 (paid by student/parents); hiring companies may also pay from $75 to $150 per listing if they want to post openings
Where to promote: College newspapers, campus bulletin boards, direct mail to parents, Web site with internship offerings and capability for students to apply via e-mail
Qualifications: Background in placement services would be helpful
Things needed: Computer with printer, Internet access, fax
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, Internet Service Provider fees
You’ll need to have at least $1,500 for your computer system and another $1,000 or so for advertising in your first six months. If you choose to do internship placement for hiring companies, you will need to network with several such companies in order to get their business. Contact management software would be a good investment for this type of business.
Your work will be different every day, and the challenges will present themselves on a regular basis, too. Sometimes you’ll work with folks you simply can’t seem to please, or who don’t come across as highly motivated. Remember that part of your job is to sell students on the importance of choosing the best internships.
Approx. cost of start-up:$1,500 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings:$20,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $75 to $175 (paid by student/parents); hiring companies may also pay from $75 to $150 per listing if they want to post openings
Where to promote: College newspapers, campus bulletin boards, direct mail to parents, Web site with internship offerings and capability for students to apply via e-mail
Qualifications: Background in placement services would be helpful
Things needed: Computer with printer, Internet access, fax
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, Internet Service Provider fees
Monday, May 26, 2014
Vending Machine Service
Although they seem to be everywhere, some research will be required to determine what type of vending machine is needed and exactly which spots might be most profitable for you. Without a doubt, you’ll need good marketing and sales skills for this occupation. For example, solicit large factories to find out if they have round-theclock shifts and need “real food” such as soup and sandwiches. Or, if it’s a small fi rm, will only soda and candy machines do? Once you’ve obtained a client, that customer should be able to tell you what to stock, but ask to tour the facility so you can get a good idea of where to actually place the machine. If you go with soda and candy, make sure your client company will place your machine in a high-traffic area.
Start-up costs depend on what type of vending machine you will want to use. Bubble gum machines cost as little as $100 and cappuccino machines can run as high as $1,000 or more. Whatever machine you decide to go with will be a winner if you market correctly, and you could earn $20,000 to $35,000.
Hit the big factories and large businesses. They usually pay you to come to them and don’t require the 10 percent fee. You will also have to follow up on your machines; every day in a large business and a minimum of once a week for smaller-volume vending machines. This can pretty much be a five-day-a-week job, since most businesses close for the weekend.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $20,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $35,000, depending on the machine location and type
Typical fees: $100 to $500 per month, per machine
Where to promote: Direct mail, Yellow Pages
Qualifications: Excellent sales ability
Things needed: Vending machines and the products to fill them
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Payment to the property owner of an average of 10 percent of earnings from each machine
Start-up costs depend on what type of vending machine you will want to use. Bubble gum machines cost as little as $100 and cappuccino machines can run as high as $1,000 or more. Whatever machine you decide to go with will be a winner if you market correctly, and you could earn $20,000 to $35,000.
Hit the big factories and large businesses. They usually pay you to come to them and don’t require the 10 percent fee. You will also have to follow up on your machines; every day in a large business and a minimum of once a week for smaller-volume vending machines. This can pretty much be a five-day-a-week job, since most businesses close for the weekend.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $20,000
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $35,000, depending on the machine location and type
Typical fees: $100 to $500 per month, per machine
Where to promote: Direct mail, Yellow Pages
Qualifications: Excellent sales ability
Things needed: Vending machines and the products to fill them
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Payment to the property owner of an average of 10 percent of earnings from each machine
Telemarketing Service
Telemarketing is a specialized and very focused form of marketing. No business can survive without effective marketing. Your challenge will be to reach the organizations that need to develop their customer base and to show them how your service can help them grow. Telemarketing can be informational, a way of doing market research, but the major proportion will be focused on sales. As a small business, you may choose to offer a specific type of telemarketing: pharmaceuticals, commercial photography, wedding services, and so on. Specializing will help you focus on your own marketing.
You’ll need excellent telephone equipment and reasonably sophisticated computer equipment to track results and produce reports (about $6,000 to start). Once you get the hang of it, you can make $40,000 annually.
People skills are even more important to success as a telemarketer than they are in other types of small businesses. Listening well, being persuasive, and fine-tuning the message for the receivers of your calls are all essential. You’ll need experience writing effective scripts, and you’ll need patience and persistence. It will probably take some time to develop the client base for your business. You can distinguish yourself from the run-of-the-mill telemarketers as someone who has experience, a proven track record, and an unquenchable enthusiasm for your clients’ projects.
“While there are many marketing and advertising agencies, public relations firms, and telemarketing organizations, my company is a one-stop agency that has the capability of coordinating any and all aspects of a marketing plan,” says Cheryl
D. Cira, owner of Marketing Dimensions in Columbus, Ohio. “I cannot stress how important it is to be honest and up-front with your customers. Marketing Dimensions looks at each project and account as a long-term relationship.”
“Essentials include telephone equipment and office furniture. It also helps to have computers in order to enter large lists, track calls, pull up records, and run reports. Computers are also used for simple design work, database management, and mail merges,” says Cira.
“Telemarketing projects depend on the work and devotion of employees. And, because people are people, there are some aspects that cannot be controlled, such as employees quitting without notice, coming in late, and calling in sick time after time. My office manager is very good at juggling schedules and maintaining a strong pool of telemarketers, but it can get crazy at times.”
“I don’t think there is any one thing of great importance that I would change or do differently. In general, however, I wish that I had had more hands-on experience in managing a large staff and more working knowledge related to personnel issues.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$6,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 or more
Typical fees: $30 an hour
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail, business publications, membership in local business and civic groups, Web site with links to related resources, banner ads on sales-related Web sites
Qualifications: Experience, persistence, ability to market your own service, writing skills for preparing script and reports
Things needed: Telephone with headset, ergonomic office furniture, computer with Internet access, suite software, printer, fax, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff:No
Hidden costs:Utility bills, marketing time and materials
You’ll need excellent telephone equipment and reasonably sophisticated computer equipment to track results and produce reports (about $6,000 to start). Once you get the hang of it, you can make $40,000 annually.
People skills are even more important to success as a telemarketer than they are in other types of small businesses. Listening well, being persuasive, and fine-tuning the message for the receivers of your calls are all essential. You’ll need experience writing effective scripts, and you’ll need patience and persistence. It will probably take some time to develop the client base for your business. You can distinguish yourself from the run-of-the-mill telemarketers as someone who has experience, a proven track record, and an unquenchable enthusiasm for your clients’ projects.
“While there are many marketing and advertising agencies, public relations firms, and telemarketing organizations, my company is a one-stop agency that has the capability of coordinating any and all aspects of a marketing plan,” says Cheryl
D. Cira, owner of Marketing Dimensions in Columbus, Ohio. “I cannot stress how important it is to be honest and up-front with your customers. Marketing Dimensions looks at each project and account as a long-term relationship.”
“Essentials include telephone equipment and office furniture. It also helps to have computers in order to enter large lists, track calls, pull up records, and run reports. Computers are also used for simple design work, database management, and mail merges,” says Cira.
“Telemarketing projects depend on the work and devotion of employees. And, because people are people, there are some aspects that cannot be controlled, such as employees quitting without notice, coming in late, and calling in sick time after time. My office manager is very good at juggling schedules and maintaining a strong pool of telemarketers, but it can get crazy at times.”
“I don’t think there is any one thing of great importance that I would change or do differently. In general, however, I wish that I had had more hands-on experience in managing a large staff and more working knowledge related to personnel issues.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$6,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 or more
Typical fees: $30 an hour
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail, business publications, membership in local business and civic groups, Web site with links to related resources, banner ads on sales-related Web sites
Qualifications: Experience, persistence, ability to market your own service, writing skills for preparing script and reports
Things needed: Telephone with headset, ergonomic office furniture, computer with Internet access, suite software, printer, fax, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff:No
Hidden costs:Utility bills, marketing time and materials
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Systems Integrator
Computers are wonderful business tools; few organizations can begin to operate without them today. Yet no one would disagree with the premise that the design and planning of computers, both hardware and software, has a long way to go. Operations and compatibility problems are enormous, and as businesses grow, they must resolve issues related to the necessary growth in their information systems. If you have the expertise to be a systems integrator, nearly every growing company in the United States, possibly the world, needs your services. One successful project should enable you to easily move on to another. You will need some people skills to work with the information systems staff at your clients’ offices.
Most of your work will be carried out at your clients’ premises and on their equipment, so you needn’t spend too much on your own office and equipment. A cell phone would be ideal for handling computer emergencies while on the road. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be familiar with many diff erent types of equipment, some of which you’ll own and some of which you can lease. You’ll need to be billing at a rate of at least $100 per hour.
Many businesses need your service, so if you live within commuting distance of an urban area, you ought to be able to create an excellent and profi table business of your own as a systems integrator. A long-term commitment to a single client, necessary to complete most projects in this field, can limit your contacts. But it should provide you with an excellent referral base. This is an extremely challenging field; however, one problem is that the people making the decision to hire you often have little understanding of what their information system needs. Education, then, is a major part of each sales effort. Systems integration is often carried out under high pressure. Bidding jobs is challenging as well.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $37,500 to $100,000
Typical fees: $150+ per hour
Where to promote: Direct mail, publications, networking, Web site
Qualifications: Technical knowledge and expertise in systems; time- management skills
Things needed: Computer with high-speed Internet access, software, fax, office furniture, letterhead, envelopes, cell phone
Required staff: No, but subcontracting may be required depending on project needs
Hidden costs: Time and expense of staying current in this demanding field
Most of your work will be carried out at your clients’ premises and on their equipment, so you needn’t spend too much on your own office and equipment. A cell phone would be ideal for handling computer emergencies while on the road. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be familiar with many diff erent types of equipment, some of which you’ll own and some of which you can lease. You’ll need to be billing at a rate of at least $100 per hour.
Many businesses need your service, so if you live within commuting distance of an urban area, you ought to be able to create an excellent and profi table business of your own as a systems integrator. A long-term commitment to a single client, necessary to complete most projects in this field, can limit your contacts. But it should provide you with an excellent referral base. This is an extremely challenging field; however, one problem is that the people making the decision to hire you often have little understanding of what their information system needs. Education, then, is a major part of each sales effort. Systems integration is often carried out under high pressure. Bidding jobs is challenging as well.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $37,500 to $100,000
Typical fees: $150+ per hour
Where to promote: Direct mail, publications, networking, Web site
Qualifications: Technical knowledge and expertise in systems; time- management skills
Things needed: Computer with high-speed Internet access, software, fax, office furniture, letterhead, envelopes, cell phone
Required staff: No, but subcontracting may be required depending on project needs
Hidden costs: Time and expense of staying current in this demanding field
Reunion Organizer
Reunions have always been popular, since virtually everyone wants to find out how former classmates have fared over the years since graduation. High school reunions are a major focus of this business and finding the “lost” members is an important part of the process. Your persistence and sheer determination need to be applied to the search process, which usually starts one year before the event. Former employees of some organizations also occasionally hold reunions, and there is a niche market in putting together reunions for today’s far-?ung families. Once you discover everybody’s whereabouts, you may turn your attention to the event itself, arranging the catering, photos, band, decorations, and mementos.
Basic office equipment ($2,000 to $3,000) should get you started, but you will need to get the database program ($175 to $300) as soon as possible. Set your charges differently for the time involved and the number of people you’re expected to locate. Many charge between $5 to $10 per attendee, but others charge a ?at rate commensurate with an hourly fee of $10 to $15 per hour.
Most communities are excellent markets for this service, but many people don’t know that it exists. Consider the organizations and groups in your locale that have reunions, such as schools and colleges. Do one excellent job to get a foothold, and you will find that the referrals will begin to roll in. Your success will depend to some extent on the material and information you have to work with, but once you refine your people-searching skills, you should have a service to offer that can’t be matched by amateurs. One tip: Online phone books or the new telephone directories on disk or CD-ROM can help you locate nearly anyone in the country.
Approx. cost of start-up: $2,000 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $5 to $10 for each classmate who attends
Where to promote: Word of mouth and prospect calling on schools for their referrals to alumni organizations, banner ads on Web sites like Classmates.com
Qualifications: A big network of friends and acquaintances in your community, patience, determination, organizational ability
Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, database and
suite software, fax, copier, office furniture, business cards,
letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Phone calls
Basic office equipment ($2,000 to $3,000) should get you started, but you will need to get the database program ($175 to $300) as soon as possible. Set your charges differently for the time involved and the number of people you’re expected to locate. Many charge between $5 to $10 per attendee, but others charge a ?at rate commensurate with an hourly fee of $10 to $15 per hour.
Most communities are excellent markets for this service, but many people don’t know that it exists. Consider the organizations and groups in your locale that have reunions, such as schools and colleges. Do one excellent job to get a foothold, and you will find that the referrals will begin to roll in. Your success will depend to some extent on the material and information you have to work with, but once you refine your people-searching skills, you should have a service to offer that can’t be matched by amateurs. One tip: Online phone books or the new telephone directories on disk or CD-ROM can help you locate nearly anyone in the country.
Approx. cost of start-up: $2,000 to $3,000
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $5 to $10 for each classmate who attends
Where to promote: Word of mouth and prospect calling on schools for their referrals to alumni organizations, banner ads on Web sites like Classmates.com
Qualifications: A big network of friends and acquaintances in your community, patience, determination, organizational ability
Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, database and
suite software, fax, copier, office furniture, business cards,
letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Phone calls
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Private Tutor
Since classrooms are getting larger and larger, many students’ needs are getting overlooked. Your services may be needed to bring a struggling student up to speed. Perhaps the best part about this type of business is that it is recession-proof! As long as there are students, there will be a strong need for capable individuals to guide them to scholastic success. Determine where your area of expertise lies and meet with teachers in this subject to ask for referrals. Once you get a few clients, word of mouth will grow quickly. You may find that you need to network with other tutors to build referral systems of your own. At any rate, as a tutor you will find out the student’s needs (probably in a written report from her teacher) and develop lesson plans tailored to those specific needs. Try to make the lessons interesting and empower the student so that each success feels like her own.
Purchase a few used textbooks (preferably with teacher’s guides) and buy yourself some good books on learning challenges and motivation to succeed. To be a good inspiration to your student, you’ll need to demonstrate your own willingness to learn. Your only other start-up cost will be advertising, and that will generally stay under $500.
Encouraging a young student’s success while fostering a thirst for knowledge can be richly rewarding if you are genuinely interested in education. Helping a student overcome what seemed like an obstacle offers you—and the rest of the world— optimism about our own possibilities. Aside from an occasional obnoxious child, what’s there to hate about that?
Approx. cost of start-up:$500Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $20,000Typical fees: $10 to $20 per hour
Where to promote: Classified ads, Yellow Pages, word of mouth (school principals would be a good group to network with), banner ads on sites like www.craigslist.org
Qualifications: Teaching experience or degree in area of expertise
Things needed:None
Required staff:None
Hidden costs:Mileage
Purchase a few used textbooks (preferably with teacher’s guides) and buy yourself some good books on learning challenges and motivation to succeed. To be a good inspiration to your student, you’ll need to demonstrate your own willingness to learn. Your only other start-up cost will be advertising, and that will generally stay under $500.
Encouraging a young student’s success while fostering a thirst for knowledge can be richly rewarding if you are genuinely interested in education. Helping a student overcome what seemed like an obstacle offers you—and the rest of the world— optimism about our own possibilities. Aside from an occasional obnoxious child, what’s there to hate about that?
Approx. cost of start-up:$500Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $20,000Typical fees: $10 to $20 per hour
Where to promote: Classified ads, Yellow Pages, word of mouth (school principals would be a good group to network with), banner ads on sites like www.craigslist.org
Qualifications: Teaching experience or degree in area of expertise
Things needed:None
Required staff:None
Hidden costs:Mileage
Outplacement Services
The late ’90s through the early ’00s weren’t exactly kind to much of the workforce. Unfortunately layoffs still abound in certain industries. That is why you need to promote your services, which help displaced individuals find new work elsewhere. Read the business pages daily to keep tabs on local companies. Generally, whenever there’s a bad quarter, a layoff will follow. Your goal is to be the first (or the best) to approach these companies—at a time just before they actually need you. Your services can be in place before the downsizing is even announced to the employees, which is generally the way companies prefer to handle the layoffs. In this way, it will look like they already have a plan for those employees caught completely off guard.
Your start-up costs are likely to be quite high. You’ll need to have a computer system with high-speed Internet access for doing online job searches and similar research. Detailed corporate directories alone could run as high as $6,000 per set. A professional-looking Web site would also be a wise investment. Expect to spend between $15,000 to $30,000 getting started; expect to pull in between $75,000 to $150,000 per year once you’ve established a name for yourself. It’s a business that can be lucrative for those who have a good reputation. Word of mouth travels fast in industry these days (especially via e-mail).
The best thing you can do in this business is stay on top of things. Keep an ear to the ground, perhaps by networking closely with members of the Society for Human Resource Managers. And always get your promotional materials in front of the vice president of operations or other key decision-makers before your competitors do.
Approx. cost of start-up: $15,000 to $30,000
Approx. potential earnings: $75,000 to $150,000
Typical fees: Retainer fees of $1,000 to $3,000 per month
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail to human resource managers, trade shows, promotional items, networking, banner ads on human resource-related Web sites, your own Web site with client company testimonials and your unique selling proposition (i.e., what sets you apart from other outplacement firms?)
Qualifications: A background in human resources
Things needed: Computer with Internet access, fax, phone, letterhead, business cards, corporate directories, career counseling/ skills assessment materials, cell phone
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, phone bills, and time spent with each client (they’ll want more of your time than is profitable for you)
Your start-up costs are likely to be quite high. You’ll need to have a computer system with high-speed Internet access for doing online job searches and similar research. Detailed corporate directories alone could run as high as $6,000 per set. A professional-looking Web site would also be a wise investment. Expect to spend between $15,000 to $30,000 getting started; expect to pull in between $75,000 to $150,000 per year once you’ve established a name for yourself. It’s a business that can be lucrative for those who have a good reputation. Word of mouth travels fast in industry these days (especially via e-mail).
The best thing you can do in this business is stay on top of things. Keep an ear to the ground, perhaps by networking closely with members of the Society for Human Resource Managers. And always get your promotional materials in front of the vice president of operations or other key decision-makers before your competitors do.
Approx. cost of start-up: $15,000 to $30,000
Approx. potential earnings: $75,000 to $150,000
Typical fees: Retainer fees of $1,000 to $3,000 per month
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail to human resource managers, trade shows, promotional items, networking, banner ads on human resource-related Web sites, your own Web site with client company testimonials and your unique selling proposition (i.e., what sets you apart from other outplacement firms?)
Qualifications: A background in human resources
Things needed: Computer with Internet access, fax, phone, letterhead, business cards, corporate directories, career counseling/ skills assessment materials, cell phone
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, phone bills, and time spent with each client (they’ll want more of your time than is profitable for you)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Lactation Consultant
The womanly art of breast-feeding is not always an easy one to master for new mothers. For one thing, many new mothers are frightened by the prospect of having to be completely responsible for another human being; for another, many hospital professionals are simply not well trained in teaching new moms how to breast-feed properly. As a result, there are many young women out there who are breast-feeding incorrectly—and quite painfully so. Your prospects look good for this consulting business if you are patient and caring enough to show them the way, and with hospitals increasingly being forced to release mothers and their newborns in a short period of time after the birth, there will be plenty of room (and need) for outside professionals. Since many new moms like to share their positive experiences, word-of-mouth could bring in quite a few referrals.
Your start-up costs are minimal; mostly, you’ll need to make sure you have an adequate amount of resource materials and dependable transportation. For marketing materials, invest in professionally designed business cards—something that gives off a warm, caring feeling. Your fees should start at $40 per hour, collected at time of service.
It can be stressful dealing with frightened new mothers and helpless fathers; you’ll need a cool head to deliver this service. On the bright side, once you’ve taught the mother how to feed her baby properly, the stress level will sharply subside. And you’ll have at least three happy customers.
Service is what sets apart International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Barbara Taylor’s Breast-feeding Specialties in Lake Jackson, Texas.“I off er the added bonus of breast pump rental services as well as one-on-one work with new moms. Also, I have an extremely high referral rate.”
“My own business line with an answering machine; also, my own office space in my home for professionalism and confi dentiality.”
“Network with other professionals . . . being in a small town, I often feel cut off. Most of my networking involves a long-distance call! Also, you need to find out what mistakes other lactation consultants have made and share ideas with them about how to promote your businesses as an industry.”
“It would be much easier to succeed in this business if I had been a registered nurse.”
Approx. cost of start-up: Under $1,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $40+ per hour
Where to promote:Doctor’s offices, Yellow Pages, visiting nurse centers
Qualifications: State licensing or certification; nursing degree is required in most states as well
Things needed:None
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Mileage
Your start-up costs are minimal; mostly, you’ll need to make sure you have an adequate amount of resource materials and dependable transportation. For marketing materials, invest in professionally designed business cards—something that gives off a warm, caring feeling. Your fees should start at $40 per hour, collected at time of service.
It can be stressful dealing with frightened new mothers and helpless fathers; you’ll need a cool head to deliver this service. On the bright side, once you’ve taught the mother how to feed her baby properly, the stress level will sharply subside. And you’ll have at least three happy customers.
Service is what sets apart International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Barbara Taylor’s Breast-feeding Specialties in Lake Jackson, Texas.“I off er the added bonus of breast pump rental services as well as one-on-one work with new moms. Also, I have an extremely high referral rate.”
“My own business line with an answering machine; also, my own office space in my home for professionalism and confi dentiality.”
“Network with other professionals . . . being in a small town, I often feel cut off. Most of my networking involves a long-distance call! Also, you need to find out what mistakes other lactation consultants have made and share ideas with them about how to promote your businesses as an industry.”
“It would be much easier to succeed in this business if I had been a registered nurse.”
Approx. cost of start-up: Under $1,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $40+ per hour
Where to promote:Doctor’s offices, Yellow Pages, visiting nurse centers
Qualifications: State licensing or certification; nursing degree is required in most states as well
Things needed:None
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Mileage
Draftsperson
You’re detail-oriented and have a ?air for putting the finishing touches on someone else’s work. You’ve also likely studied drafting in college before embarking on this entrepreneurial endeavor, and you have the experience that your customers will eventually come to rely on. As a draftsperson, you will ultimately produce the blueprints that architects and builders need to complete their dynamic new projects. You will make any requested number of copies of each blueprint as well.
Although individuals may hire you for smaller projects, most of your customers will be architects and building professionals, so you’ll need to be well connected to get any share of the work that’s out there. Set yourself apart by adding additional services or special treatment, such as free delivery to work sites.
You’ll need between $5,000 and $10,000 to get started in drafting and blueprinting, primarily to cover your equipment costs for such items as your computer and design software, as well as your blueprint photocopier ($4,000 or so) and drafting table with drafting pencils, and so on. You’ll likely earn between $35,000 and $65,000 for your eff orts.
It’s very precise work you’re doing, and often it’s a thankless job. (Th e architects and builders get all the glory.) Oh, well . . . you should always remember that without you, these projects might not have gotten done. Stick close to the builders and architects, since they’ll ultimately make up your referral system.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$35,000 to $65,000
Typical fees:$150 to $500 per blueprint
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, trade publications
Qualifications: Degree in drafting
Things needed: Computer with large-screen monitor, computer-aided
design (CAD) software, blueprint photocopier, drafting
table, related small tools
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, equipment maintenance and upgrades
Although individuals may hire you for smaller projects, most of your customers will be architects and building professionals, so you’ll need to be well connected to get any share of the work that’s out there. Set yourself apart by adding additional services or special treatment, such as free delivery to work sites.
You’ll need between $5,000 and $10,000 to get started in drafting and blueprinting, primarily to cover your equipment costs for such items as your computer and design software, as well as your blueprint photocopier ($4,000 or so) and drafting table with drafting pencils, and so on. You’ll likely earn between $35,000 and $65,000 for your eff orts.
It’s very precise work you’re doing, and often it’s a thankless job. (Th e architects and builders get all the glory.) Oh, well . . . you should always remember that without you, these projects might not have gotten done. Stick close to the builders and architects, since they’ll ultimately make up your referral system.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $10,000
Approx. potential earnings:$35,000 to $65,000
Typical fees:$150 to $500 per blueprint
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, trade publications
Qualifications: Degree in drafting
Things needed: Computer with large-screen monitor, computer-aided
design (CAD) software, blueprint photocopier, drafting
table, related small tools
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, equipment maintenance and upgrades
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Framing Service
This business is lucrative because many people buy prints and other artwork or want to frame their own pieces. Some people don’t have the time or patience to frame, so the custom aspect should not be ignored. Take into consideration, however, that about 60 percent frame their own, while 40 percent request custom framing. Material costs fall somewhere around 26 to 32 percent and gross profi ts about 68 to 74 percent.
You’ll spend at least $30,000 launching a frame shop, primarily because you’ll need lots of storage space and work area with sufficient lighting. More than likely, you’ll rent space somewhere close to an art gallery. Charges will vary according to size and make of frame.
Be mindful that this is a retail establishment, so take into consideration the size of the shop, location, and rent. You might want to sell some ready-made frames and prints to supplement the custom framing business.
Approx. cost of start-up: $40,000 to $60,000
Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $15 per hour for custom work plus materials; materials only for frame-it-yourself
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers, coupon books
Qualifications: Understanding of operating a retail business plus skill in framing and training a staff, ability to teach customers to frame
Things needed: Framing supplies, special cutters for glass, wood, mats, cash register, retail space
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Insurance, materials
You’ll spend at least $30,000 launching a frame shop, primarily because you’ll need lots of storage space and work area with sufficient lighting. More than likely, you’ll rent space somewhere close to an art gallery. Charges will vary according to size and make of frame.
Be mindful that this is a retail establishment, so take into consideration the size of the shop, location, and rent. You might want to sell some ready-made frames and prints to supplement the custom framing business.
Approx. cost of start-up: $40,000 to $60,000
Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $15 per hour for custom work plus materials; materials only for frame-it-yourself
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers, coupon books
Qualifications: Understanding of operating a retail business plus skill in framing and training a staff, ability to teach customers to frame
Things needed: Framing supplies, special cutters for glass, wood, mats, cash register, retail space
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Insurance, materials
Commercial Cleaning Service
There will always be a need for commercial cleaning services. Offices are only one piece of a prosperous pie: You can also count apartment buildings, retail shops, and even health clubs among your best customers. Starting small with a home-based cleaning business will keep your overhead low, allowing you to reach a break even point much more quickly. You can even branch out to several locations by offering some of your best employees their own territory. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy necessary to continually win new clients (while keeping the old ones clean and happy), you can enjoy a very healthy income doing something that is relatively easy. Best of all, you can set your own hours.
If you want to promote yourself as an environmentally friendly cleaning service, you will likely spend a little bit more for your cleaning solutions; however, you can easily recoup this in charging slightly higher fees for your services. Should you choose a more traditional route, you can get away with a cart of cleaning solutions, one industrial-size vacuum, and a supply of garbage bags (about $500 worth of supplies to start). Don’t forget rubber gloves to protect your skin. If you decide to invest in heavy-duty cleaning supplies that include professional-quality vacuums and power cleaners, expect your start-up costs to be as high as $5,500.
The hardest part of running a successful cleaning business is keeping it running. While that may sound like a riddle, it’s no joke that the turnover in the cleaning business is quite high. So look for innovative ways to keep your employees happy and motivated. Run contests for those who bring in the most business or award time off for those who put in a high number of hours. Also, you should constantly strive to set yourself apart from competitors, especially larger chains with bigger advertising budgets than yours. What you offer is personalized service and attention to detail. With your company, customers are not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Lillian Lincoln, President of Centennial One, Inc., in Landover, Maryland, says her company distinguishes itself from others by emphasis on quality.“We place a great deal of emphasis on giving our clients a comfort level that assures them that their building maintenance requirements will be adequately addressed.”
Vacuums, buffers, scrubbing and shampooing machines.“No equipment is needed until some work has been secured. No lead time is needed unless the job requires specialized equipment, so purchase only the equipment needed for each job as they roll in.”
“Industry knowledge as well as business acumen are great assets. Too many people have the mistaken impression that this industry is a ‘mop and bucket’ business. Far from true! It requires knowledge of chemical and equipment usage, time management, human relations, and a number of other skills. For anyone going into this business for themselves, I advise them to work in the industry for a minimum of six months first.”
“I would spend more time working in the field to learn more about on-site operations. I made some mistakes early on because I was not as knowledgeable as I should have been about the basics of the business.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $700 to $5,500
Approx. potential earnings:$45,000 to $75,000
Typical fees: $25 to $50 per hour or a monthly fee of $500 to $2,500 (depending on size of facility)
Where to promote: Local business publications and newspapers, Yellow Pages, Web site
Qualifications:License
Things needed:Janitorial cleaning equipment and supplies
Required staff:Most likely
Hidden costs: Liability insurance, licensing/bonding fees, high turnover if you employ a staff
If you want to promote yourself as an environmentally friendly cleaning service, you will likely spend a little bit more for your cleaning solutions; however, you can easily recoup this in charging slightly higher fees for your services. Should you choose a more traditional route, you can get away with a cart of cleaning solutions, one industrial-size vacuum, and a supply of garbage bags (about $500 worth of supplies to start). Don’t forget rubber gloves to protect your skin. If you decide to invest in heavy-duty cleaning supplies that include professional-quality vacuums and power cleaners, expect your start-up costs to be as high as $5,500.
The hardest part of running a successful cleaning business is keeping it running. While that may sound like a riddle, it’s no joke that the turnover in the cleaning business is quite high. So look for innovative ways to keep your employees happy and motivated. Run contests for those who bring in the most business or award time off for those who put in a high number of hours. Also, you should constantly strive to set yourself apart from competitors, especially larger chains with bigger advertising budgets than yours. What you offer is personalized service and attention to detail. With your company, customers are not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Lillian Lincoln, President of Centennial One, Inc., in Landover, Maryland, says her company distinguishes itself from others by emphasis on quality.“We place a great deal of emphasis on giving our clients a comfort level that assures them that their building maintenance requirements will be adequately addressed.”
Vacuums, buffers, scrubbing and shampooing machines.“No equipment is needed until some work has been secured. No lead time is needed unless the job requires specialized equipment, so purchase only the equipment needed for each job as they roll in.”
“Industry knowledge as well as business acumen are great assets. Too many people have the mistaken impression that this industry is a ‘mop and bucket’ business. Far from true! It requires knowledge of chemical and equipment usage, time management, human relations, and a number of other skills. For anyone going into this business for themselves, I advise them to work in the industry for a minimum of six months first.”
“I would spend more time working in the field to learn more about on-site operations. I made some mistakes early on because I was not as knowledgeable as I should have been about the basics of the business.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $700 to $5,500
Approx. potential earnings:$45,000 to $75,000
Typical fees: $25 to $50 per hour or a monthly fee of $500 to $2,500 (depending on size of facility)
Where to promote: Local business publications and newspapers, Yellow Pages, Web site
Qualifications:License
Things needed:Janitorial cleaning equipment and supplies
Required staff:Most likely
Hidden costs: Liability insurance, licensing/bonding fees, high turnover if you employ a staff
Book Packager
Book packagers are often hired by publishers whose staffs are too limited to work on a multitude of projects simultaneously; in other words, these publishers are maxed out on projects and need outside help in handling additional ones. Some book packagers handle as much as 75 percent of a publishing house’s projects, allowing the in-house staff to concentrate on future projects and expansion. You would do well as a book packager if you have an editorial background, a knack for organizing and pulling together all the details of a book project, and the foresight to set realistic goals about accomplishing publication. You will likely handle everything from hiring writers and photographers to production and sales/marketing management. You would do well to pick an area of expertise, such as high-quality illustrated books. Many publishers don’t have that kind of expertise in-house and will gladly pay you for yours.
Expect to spend between $1,000 to $5,000 on your start-up, which will cover your initial advertising in addition to your complete computer setup (with printer, Internet access, fax, and desktop publishing software). If you can, develop your own simple, straightforward Web site, complete with samples of some of your work and testimonials from publishers you’ve worked with before. You’ll need to work hard to make $45,000 to $75,000 or more in this field, but it isn’t uncommon (especially for those in close proximity to the publishing capitals of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco).
Things could easily get out of hand when you are pulling together many diff erent creative forces for a special project. Try to work out your worst-case scenarios early enough to form a game plan around them, and set deadlines that are far ahead of when you actually need a project to be completed. You’ll see why after only one project.
Andy Mayer, President and co-owner (with Jim Becker) of Becker & Mayer Ltd. in Seattle, Washington, says the ability to produce very complicated, production-intensive books is what sets his business apart.“My partner and I both have backgrounds in toy invention and design, and we can produce really interesting books as a result.”
“Our staff! We couldn’t do anything without them . . . so many good ideas come from them. From an equipment standpoint, we couldn’t do without a phone, a computer, and a color printer to produce mock-ups for publishers.”
“Bring a lot of who you are to your company. Find out what your passions are and try to put that into the things you produce. Also, don’t listen to people who try to tell you there’s only one way to do something. Freely break the rules and see what happens.”
“I would have focused the business on book packaging much earlier . . . we tried to do both book packaging and toy invention, and that didn’t work as well.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings:$45,000 to $80,000
Typical fees: Sometimes a percentage of total production costs; often, a ? at consultant’s rate
Where to promote: Writers’ and publishers’ directories, industry trade magazines, direct mail, Web site with online portfolio of books you’ve helped produce
Qualifications: Editorial background, top-notch organizational skills, broad understanding of publishing process
Things needed: Computer with printer and Internet access, fax, desktop publishing software, cell phone
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Insurance, cost of generating business (it can take a lot of networking and paid listing on Web sites to get work)
Expect to spend between $1,000 to $5,000 on your start-up, which will cover your initial advertising in addition to your complete computer setup (with printer, Internet access, fax, and desktop publishing software). If you can, develop your own simple, straightforward Web site, complete with samples of some of your work and testimonials from publishers you’ve worked with before. You’ll need to work hard to make $45,000 to $75,000 or more in this field, but it isn’t uncommon (especially for those in close proximity to the publishing capitals of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco).
Things could easily get out of hand when you are pulling together many diff erent creative forces for a special project. Try to work out your worst-case scenarios early enough to form a game plan around them, and set deadlines that are far ahead of when you actually need a project to be completed. You’ll see why after only one project.
Andy Mayer, President and co-owner (with Jim Becker) of Becker & Mayer Ltd. in Seattle, Washington, says the ability to produce very complicated, production-intensive books is what sets his business apart.“My partner and I both have backgrounds in toy invention and design, and we can produce really interesting books as a result.”
“Our staff! We couldn’t do anything without them . . . so many good ideas come from them. From an equipment standpoint, we couldn’t do without a phone, a computer, and a color printer to produce mock-ups for publishers.”
“Bring a lot of who you are to your company. Find out what your passions are and try to put that into the things you produce. Also, don’t listen to people who try to tell you there’s only one way to do something. Freely break the rules and see what happens.”
“I would have focused the business on book packaging much earlier . . . we tried to do both book packaging and toy invention, and that didn’t work as well.”
Approx. cost of start-up:$1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings:$45,000 to $80,000
Typical fees: Sometimes a percentage of total production costs; often, a ? at consultant’s rate
Where to promote: Writers’ and publishers’ directories, industry trade magazines, direct mail, Web site with online portfolio of books you’ve helped produce
Qualifications: Editorial background, top-notch organizational skills, broad understanding of publishing process
Things needed: Computer with printer and Internet access, fax, desktop publishing software, cell phone
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Insurance, cost of generating business (it can take a lot of networking and paid listing on Web sites to get work)
Vacuum Cleaner Repair
How many times has your beater bar been completely fi lled with animal hair to the point where it won’t move anymore? The fact is, we’ve all experienced difficulty with our trusty vacuums from time to time. You’ll have no shortage of customers. Every home has a vacuum cleaner, and all vacuum cleaners occasionally need service and parts. Market your business where most customers will look for you, such as the Yellow Pages or in coupon books. You could also offer a free six-month checkup for early problem diagnosis, and bring in instant business. Diversify as much as you can, too; by stocking replacement bags and commonly used parts you can make a tidy side profit.
You’ll need to set up shop in a comfortable place with adequate lighting and a sturdy workbench. You can do this in your home or spend $300 or more per month renting shop space. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll need to advertise ($1,500 to $3,000) and keep a fairly complete parts inventory. Charge at least $45 per job, plus parts, to be sure you’re covering overhead and expenses.
Supplement that business by installing and servicing central vacuum systems, a feature in many new homes. Cultivate contacts among local developers and builders. Build an inventory of new vacuums and offer them for sale as well. After all, if you own a $100 vacuum cleaner, would you want to spend $45 to fix it or would you just buy a new one? Offering solutions for your customers can ring up more sales for you.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $15,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $45 to $150 per repair, depending on complexity and parts availability
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers, supermarket and community bulletin boards, direct mail
Qualifications: Strong technical knowledge and hands-on ability
Things needed: Parts, including central vacuum systems, from a variety of manufacturers (look for places that sell old vacuum cleaners for parts)
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Shipping parts from overseas
You’ll need to set up shop in a comfortable place with adequate lighting and a sturdy workbench. You can do this in your home or spend $300 or more per month renting shop space. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll need to advertise ($1,500 to $3,000) and keep a fairly complete parts inventory. Charge at least $45 per job, plus parts, to be sure you’re covering overhead and expenses.
Supplement that business by installing and servicing central vacuum systems, a feature in many new homes. Cultivate contacts among local developers and builders. Build an inventory of new vacuums and offer them for sale as well. After all, if you own a $100 vacuum cleaner, would you want to spend $45 to fix it or would you just buy a new one? Offering solutions for your customers can ring up more sales for you.
Approx. cost of start-up:$5,000 to $15,000
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $45 to $150 per repair, depending on complexity and parts availability
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers, supermarket and community bulletin boards, direct mail
Qualifications: Strong technical knowledge and hands-on ability
Things needed: Parts, including central vacuum systems, from a variety of manufacturers (look for places that sell old vacuum cleaners for parts)
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Shipping parts from overseas
Lawyer
Abraham Lincoln did it, so why can’t you? It has been fashionable to mock the “single shingle” lawyer, but opportunities to join huge firms right out of law school—and make huge bucks—have just about vanished today. One way to use the degree you have just suffered through is to start your own business. You create the clientele, you develop the specialty, you do the billing, you reap the rewards. Can you find a way to show total commitment to the success of small businesses in your area? Are you able to disentangle the affairs of wealthy individuals and help to keep them in control of their lives? Can you deal with the anguish of divorcing people and help them manage the separation process through mediation and negotiation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can make a go of your single-shingle.
Many solo practitioners share office space, support staff, and other necessary costs of setting up in business. You’ll need an appropriate and professional-looking space in which to meet your clients, and you must produce and store the paperwork. Spend at least $5,000 on your office and its contents. Include an extra $2,000 for a high-power computer to make online searches less time-consuming and, hence, less costly. Bill out at around $125 to start. After your reputation is as good as old Abe’s, you can start charging like the big boys (and girls) at $200 to $300 per hour.
Probably the most important factor in your success will be your connections to the community you hope to serve. The average Joe tends to have a negative view of all lawyers, and you’re going to need to keep struggling against this stereotype. Building trust is so challenging that you will have little chance for success unless you start with a network of people who know and like you. Eventually you will become known as the helpful, skilled lawyer to go to when a need for work in your specialty arises. Another challenge is that you will be constantly asked to work for free. Everyone needs a lawyer from time to time, but many people are reluctant to pay for a lawyer’s experience, expertise, and legal skills. It will be your job to track hours, send bills, and make sure the funds are collected. This is a tedious, time-consuming process. Consider offering prepaid legal services, which works much like insurance.
Stanford M. Altschul, sole practitioner based in Long Island, New York, says he picked a niche and set about servicing it with free information in the form of marketing materials such as brochures and newsletters.“I market myself regularly to my clients, keeping my name in front of them via newsletters, brochures, and other direct mail pieces I produce myself.”
Altschul could not do without a computer and laser printer, telephone, copier, and fax machine.
“You should definitely be networking with certain industries that will bring you referral business, such as accounting, real estate, and banking. All of these professionals are in regular contact with those who need your services.”
“I made a mistake in being in a partnership that wasn’t a good partnership . . . It took me over twenty years to figure out that I prefer working alone.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $15,000 to $30,000 (less if sharing space and resources)
Approx. potential earnings:$50,000 to $80,000
Typical fees: $125 per hour outside the major cities; $175 to $250 per hour in major metropolitan areas
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, networking, association memberships, Web site with your specialty areas highlighted; many legal restrictions on attorney advertising apply
Qualifications: Law degree, persistence, people skills
Things needed:Office space decorated in a professional (not necessarily ostentatious) manner, access to law library, computer with Internet access, fax, software, laser printer, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: People wanting free advice, insurance, Internet Service Provider fees
Many solo practitioners share office space, support staff, and other necessary costs of setting up in business. You’ll need an appropriate and professional-looking space in which to meet your clients, and you must produce and store the paperwork. Spend at least $5,000 on your office and its contents. Include an extra $2,000 for a high-power computer to make online searches less time-consuming and, hence, less costly. Bill out at around $125 to start. After your reputation is as good as old Abe’s, you can start charging like the big boys (and girls) at $200 to $300 per hour.
Probably the most important factor in your success will be your connections to the community you hope to serve. The average Joe tends to have a negative view of all lawyers, and you’re going to need to keep struggling against this stereotype. Building trust is so challenging that you will have little chance for success unless you start with a network of people who know and like you. Eventually you will become known as the helpful, skilled lawyer to go to when a need for work in your specialty arises. Another challenge is that you will be constantly asked to work for free. Everyone needs a lawyer from time to time, but many people are reluctant to pay for a lawyer’s experience, expertise, and legal skills. It will be your job to track hours, send bills, and make sure the funds are collected. This is a tedious, time-consuming process. Consider offering prepaid legal services, which works much like insurance.
Stanford M. Altschul, sole practitioner based in Long Island, New York, says he picked a niche and set about servicing it with free information in the form of marketing materials such as brochures and newsletters.“I market myself regularly to my clients, keeping my name in front of them via newsletters, brochures, and other direct mail pieces I produce myself.”
Altschul could not do without a computer and laser printer, telephone, copier, and fax machine.
“You should definitely be networking with certain industries that will bring you referral business, such as accounting, real estate, and banking. All of these professionals are in regular contact with those who need your services.”
“I made a mistake in being in a partnership that wasn’t a good partnership . . . It took me over twenty years to figure out that I prefer working alone.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $15,000 to $30,000 (less if sharing space and resources)
Approx. potential earnings:$50,000 to $80,000
Typical fees: $125 per hour outside the major cities; $175 to $250 per hour in major metropolitan areas
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, networking, association memberships, Web site with your specialty areas highlighted; many legal restrictions on attorney advertising apply
Qualifications: Law degree, persistence, people skills
Things needed:Office space decorated in a professional (not necessarily ostentatious) manner, access to law library, computer with Internet access, fax, software, laser printer, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: People wanting free advice, insurance, Internet Service Provider fees
Government Contract Consulting
As companies downsize, they no longer employ people who can thread their way through the complex world of government contracts. Yet these contracts can be a source of business growth to many companies. Potential clients should not be ignored on the grounds that the governmental requirements seem too difficult. Rather, you will guide these organizations into the land of business opportunity that government contracts represent. Your experience with the special language that government agencies use (and the red tape involved in each transaction) plus your contacts in different departments and agencies will help you help your clients in doing business with the government. This is a specialized field, but it can be a very rewarding one. Often, success in gaining one contract will smooth the path for future work. If you can produce the contracts and/or help carry them out successfully with project management skills, you have a very large potential market of companies that would love to hire your services.
Equipping your office is the main expense; expect to spend at least $3,000 to $6,000. Considering that some government contract consultants charge as much as $150 per hour for their valued service, your expenses will be minimal in relation to your earnings.
This is an insider business, so you’ll need to sell yourself as an insider if you aren’t one already. Don’t worry—as you begin to achieve success, you will become more of a real insider. The other factor here is a good business sense. What approach to obtaining a government contract would be most appropriate for each of your clients? How can you guide a specific business organization through the process? You are doing a lot of good for your clients each time you are successful, and that should make up for the frequent need to work under time pressure.
Approx. cost of start-up:$3,000 to $6,000
Approx. potential earnings:$40,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $50 to $150 per hour or a flat rate of $175+ per project
Where to promote: Trade journals, association memberships, direct mail, networking, referrals, Web site
Qualifications: Experience in obtaining government contracts, contacts in Washington D.C., writing skills
Things needed: Computer, suite software, fax, copier, printer, cell phone, office furniture, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Staff required:No
Hidden costs: Internet Service Provider fees, telephone bills
Equipping your office is the main expense; expect to spend at least $3,000 to $6,000. Considering that some government contract consultants charge as much as $150 per hour for their valued service, your expenses will be minimal in relation to your earnings.
This is an insider business, so you’ll need to sell yourself as an insider if you aren’t one already. Don’t worry—as you begin to achieve success, you will become more of a real insider. The other factor here is a good business sense. What approach to obtaining a government contract would be most appropriate for each of your clients? How can you guide a specific business organization through the process? You are doing a lot of good for your clients each time you are successful, and that should make up for the frequent need to work under time pressure.
Approx. cost of start-up:$3,000 to $6,000
Approx. potential earnings:$40,000 to $65,000
Typical fees: $50 to $150 per hour or a flat rate of $175+ per project
Where to promote: Trade journals, association memberships, direct mail, networking, referrals, Web site
Qualifications: Experience in obtaining government contracts, contacts in Washington D.C., writing skills
Things needed: Computer, suite software, fax, copier, printer, cell phone, office furniture, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Staff required:No
Hidden costs: Internet Service Provider fees, telephone bills
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Interior Designer
As more people buy older homes with fix-up potential, there is more work for interior designers who are skilled at filling spaces with dynamic statements. Do you read Metropolitan Homeregularly? Are you addicted to the latest home fashions and accessories? If so, you may make a fine interior designer. But the work is more than plaster-deep; you’ll need the ability to work with builders and contractors if a room is being redesigned with a specifi c aesthetic effect in mind. If you apprentice with an interior designer first, you’ll gain much more detailed knowledge about the intricacies and nuances of this business. Personalities are the most difficult aspect of the job; getting others to cooperate and work as a team with a unifi ed vision is probably your biggest challenge. Keeping up with fast-changing trends is another. But if you like meeting with people and creating the home of your clients’ dreams, you’ll enjoy the challenges and learn to overlook the difficulties.
Your start-up costs for an interior design service will be in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, primarily to cover your first six months of advertising. You’ll need classy business cards and brochures about your service, so set aside between $500 and $1,000 for these items alone. Set your fees at $50 per hour (or a per-job basis for larger work), and re-evaluate your prices after your first year of business. Th e more clients with money, the higher your prices.
If you truly like working with people in their most intimate surrounding, this is the job for you. However, expect there to be challenges. One might be getting too many clients at once. Another might be clients who request too many changes, which could wind up costing you money. Set some policies in writing ahead of time to avoid this situation, such as adding a surcharge for any work that goes above and beyond your initial agreement.
“I seem to be the remedy person,” says Linda Chiera, President of Studio Space Design in Akron, Ohio.“People usually come to me after they’ve experienced a problem elsewhere . . . I’m working on getting them to think of me first!” Chiera feels that her business is unique in that it provides expert service and assistance with complex projects.“We learn a person’s work style and incorporate that into whatever we do for them, whether it be redecorating a home or redesigning their office space.”
Chiera couldn’t do without a computer and CAD system, fax, phone, sample books/resources, tape measure, scale, and business cards.
“Get sales training and get out there . . . join networking organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. And if there’s a mentoring program available in your area, enlist in it. Offer yourself as a speaker, advertise wisely (knowing your exact market), and hire seasoned professionals to do the things you can’t.”“Finally,” says Chiera,“don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
“I would have been wiser about target marketing and advertising. I should have been more careful about selecting the right niche and also should have tried to become more comfortable earlier on about the selling aspect of my job. I’m trained as a designer, and sales and self-promotion have been a bit of a challenge for me until recently.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $3,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $30,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $50 per hour or a ?at, per-job rate
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, newspapers, networking with builders/ contractors, Web site with extensive gallery of your work
Qualifications: Some states require certification; you should be a member of at least one professional association related to this field
Things needed: Swatches, sample books, catalogs, computer, cell phone or pager
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Phone bills, which can run high in the beginning as you get set up with distributors and manufacturer’s representatives
Your start-up costs for an interior design service will be in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, primarily to cover your first six months of advertising. You’ll need classy business cards and brochures about your service, so set aside between $500 and $1,000 for these items alone. Set your fees at $50 per hour (or a per-job basis for larger work), and re-evaluate your prices after your first year of business. Th e more clients with money, the higher your prices.
If you truly like working with people in their most intimate surrounding, this is the job for you. However, expect there to be challenges. One might be getting too many clients at once. Another might be clients who request too many changes, which could wind up costing you money. Set some policies in writing ahead of time to avoid this situation, such as adding a surcharge for any work that goes above and beyond your initial agreement.
“I seem to be the remedy person,” says Linda Chiera, President of Studio Space Design in Akron, Ohio.“People usually come to me after they’ve experienced a problem elsewhere . . . I’m working on getting them to think of me first!” Chiera feels that her business is unique in that it provides expert service and assistance with complex projects.“We learn a person’s work style and incorporate that into whatever we do for them, whether it be redecorating a home or redesigning their office space.”
Chiera couldn’t do without a computer and CAD system, fax, phone, sample books/resources, tape measure, scale, and business cards.
“Get sales training and get out there . . . join networking organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. And if there’s a mentoring program available in your area, enlist in it. Offer yourself as a speaker, advertise wisely (knowing your exact market), and hire seasoned professionals to do the things you can’t.”“Finally,” says Chiera,“don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
“I would have been wiser about target marketing and advertising. I should have been more careful about selecting the right niche and also should have tried to become more comfortable earlier on about the selling aspect of my job. I’m trained as a designer, and sales and self-promotion have been a bit of a challenge for me until recently.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $3,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $30,000 to $50,000
Typical fees: $50 per hour or a ?at, per-job rate
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, newspapers, networking with builders/ contractors, Web site with extensive gallery of your work
Qualifications: Some states require certification; you should be a member of at least one professional association related to this field
Things needed: Swatches, sample books, catalogs, computer, cell phone or pager
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Phone bills, which can run high in the beginning as you get set up with distributors and manufacturer’s representatives
Time-Management Specialist
Bringing relief to people under inordinate stress is just one of the many benefits of being a time-management specialist. In addition to making the workplace a little less of a sweatshop, you’ll be assisting clients with setting goals, developing action plans, defining priorities, and scheduling/delegating tasks. You may decide to work as a consultant, identifying problems for harried company executives in pursuit of higher productivity. But you may also decide to add on additional services, such as seminars for large groups or individual personal productivity training. Th e opportunities to make money from time are there, you just need to send the message out to the many people in need of your services. Quick profitability is a defi nite possibility with this low overhead business, but you need to charge appropriately for your time and expertise. One last tip: Don’t forget to offer periodic refresher courses to former clients; you’d be surprised how many of them would welcome the opportunity.
Word-of-mouth advertising keeps initial costs low in this business, because it is based on credibility and trust of the specialist. To present a professional image, allow a minimum of $250 for business cards, letterhead, and brochures. Computer costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000. Remember that organizational dues will be necessary to continually network and prospect for clients; set aside at least $250 per year for this valuable lead-generator. Charge at least $75 per hour for corporate consulting and $1,000 per day for conducting seminars for groups of professionals.
The art of managing time is relatively new to businesses. Hence, competition may not be a significant problem. If you enjoy leading others to dramatic results in a short period of time, this career can be extremely enjoyable. But you should be advised that this work demands a lot of your own time and energy to get started; are you able to practice what you preach? It may take as much as a year or two before you are able to make a full-time income.
Jennifer Annandono, Managing Partner of the Progressive Leadership Center in Kent, Ohio, says, “I greatly enjoy demonstrating to others how to have a more balanced work and personal life. My feeling is that time management is about setting goals and implementing new tools that will promote achievement.”
Annandono says she could not do without a cell phone, voice mail, computer, and printer.
“It is always more effective to market your service as the ‘benefit’customers will receive rather than focusing on various features you might offer. Much of my marketing success is based in community interaction and word-of-mouth referral. The best advice is: always be a product of the service you provide!”
“I would have spent the months preceding the opening of my business selecting centers of in?uence. If you are not already established in the community, it is never too early to identify and communicate with those individuals who know and trust you and clearly understand what service you provide.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $6,500
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $75 to $100 per hour or $100+ per person for classes
Where to promote: Free workshops/seminars and other public speaking, wordof-mouth, networking, news releases, written articles, Web site with some free tips
Qualifications: High level of organization, analytical ability, punctuality, ability to deliver on your commitments, an open mind
Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, fax, printer, time-management software, handouts
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Preparation time if you are not already using a previously written program, licensing fees if you are
Word-of-mouth advertising keeps initial costs low in this business, because it is based on credibility and trust of the specialist. To present a professional image, allow a minimum of $250 for business cards, letterhead, and brochures. Computer costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000. Remember that organizational dues will be necessary to continually network and prospect for clients; set aside at least $250 per year for this valuable lead-generator. Charge at least $75 per hour for corporate consulting and $1,000 per day for conducting seminars for groups of professionals.
The art of managing time is relatively new to businesses. Hence, competition may not be a significant problem. If you enjoy leading others to dramatic results in a short period of time, this career can be extremely enjoyable. But you should be advised that this work demands a lot of your own time and energy to get started; are you able to practice what you preach? It may take as much as a year or two before you are able to make a full-time income.
Jennifer Annandono, Managing Partner of the Progressive Leadership Center in Kent, Ohio, says, “I greatly enjoy demonstrating to others how to have a more balanced work and personal life. My feeling is that time management is about setting goals and implementing new tools that will promote achievement.”
Annandono says she could not do without a cell phone, voice mail, computer, and printer.
“It is always more effective to market your service as the ‘benefit’customers will receive rather than focusing on various features you might offer. Much of my marketing success is based in community interaction and word-of-mouth referral. The best advice is: always be a product of the service you provide!”
“I would have spent the months preceding the opening of my business selecting centers of in?uence. If you are not already established in the community, it is never too early to identify and communicate with those individuals who know and trust you and clearly understand what service you provide.”
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $6,500
Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $40,000
Typical fees: $75 to $100 per hour or $100+ per person for classes
Where to promote: Free workshops/seminars and other public speaking, wordof-mouth, networking, news releases, written articles, Web site with some free tips
Qualifications: High level of organization, analytical ability, punctuality, ability to deliver on your commitments, an open mind
Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, fax, printer, time-management software, handouts
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Preparation time if you are not already using a previously written program, licensing fees if you are
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Standardized Test Preparatory Services
Thousands of students each year must take standard tests for entry into college, and they usually must spend weeks preparing for these all-encompassing tests. There are sections on math and language usage in most of these tests, and you can help students prepare for each by answering their questions and presenting them with similar questions or problems as practice guides. Perhaps you’ll choose to work with a more specialized test such as the LSAT, which people must pass before being accepted to law school. Whatever area you choose to specialize in, you’ll need to work with groups of students at one time to make it truly profitable.
Your start-up costs will be relatively low, because you’ll only need some workbooks, pencils, and timers. Since your clients will be paying up front for your services, you don’t have to worry about maintaining an inventory prior to accepting clients. It would be great, if you already own a computer, to create your own Web site and give it some value with free study tips and links to related resources. You may have to spend $35 or so per session on space rental; check with local schools for their after-hour rates. At $75 to $175 per student, you can easily see an income potential of $30,000 to $45,000.
If you enjoy repetition, this could be a relaxing and comfortable way to make a living. All you have to do is provide the same services over and over, and collect your checks as you do. On the other hand, it could become too repetitious, and therefore less challenging than most entrepreneurs would like. You decide what your comfort level is.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings:$30,000 to $45,000Typical fees: $75 to $175 per clientWhere to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail to students/parents, Web site
that offers study tips and links to related resourcesQualifications: Familiarity with all standardized tests (including SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT), teaching degree helpful and required in some statesThings needed: Practice tests, pencils, timers, computer with high-speed Internet access
Required staff:No
Hidden costs:Insurance
Your start-up costs will be relatively low, because you’ll only need some workbooks, pencils, and timers. Since your clients will be paying up front for your services, you don’t have to worry about maintaining an inventory prior to accepting clients. It would be great, if you already own a computer, to create your own Web site and give it some value with free study tips and links to related resources. You may have to spend $35 or so per session on space rental; check with local schools for their after-hour rates. At $75 to $175 per student, you can easily see an income potential of $30,000 to $45,000.
If you enjoy repetition, this could be a relaxing and comfortable way to make a living. All you have to do is provide the same services over and over, and collect your checks as you do. On the other hand, it could become too repetitious, and therefore less challenging than most entrepreneurs would like. You decide what your comfort level is.
Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings:$30,000 to $45,000Typical fees: $75 to $175 per clientWhere to promote: Yellow Pages, direct mail to students/parents, Web site
that offers study tips and links to related resourcesQualifications: Familiarity with all standardized tests (including SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT), teaching degree helpful and required in some statesThings needed: Practice tests, pencils, timers, computer with high-speed Internet access
Required staff:No
Hidden costs:Insurance
Repair Services
Do you have a knack for fixing things around the house—a TV, stereo, computer or even lawn care equipment? If so, you can easily launch your own repair service. You can get your start by offering to fix a few items at no charge for your family, friends, and neighbors, in exchange for their testimonials about your talent for repair. Then put together a nice-looking but simple ?yer advertising your services to a larger community group via direct mail or posting on bulletin boards. If you want to partner with others who specialize in different types of repair, you can band together and form your own handyman network. Either way, this is an easy business to break into with little risk. So break out the toolbox and get busy!
Elbow grease and a good set of tools are all you’ll need in the beginning. Once you start handling several repairs at once, you might invest in a tool bench (or build one yourself ). For as little as $350, you can get a repair business off the ground and off to a terrific start if you are a talented fi xer-upper.
Start small, and then build your confi dence as well as your clientele by promoting your business through a track record of fast, economical service. Referrals will truly bring you the most new business, but once you have several jobs under your belt you can start to do a little advertising in community newspapers and the Yellow Pages.
Approx. cost of start-up: $350 to $500
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $25 per hour or quote per job
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, community newspapers, coupon books, bulletin boards
Qualifications: Trade school may be necessary for electronics repair, but otherwise just the ability to fix things
Things needed: A well-stocked toolbox, cell phone, van
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Possibly liability insurance; while it can cost some money, it can also help protect your own assets should a repair fail and a lawsuit arise
Elbow grease and a good set of tools are all you’ll need in the beginning. Once you start handling several repairs at once, you might invest in a tool bench (or build one yourself ). For as little as $350, you can get a repair business off the ground and off to a terrific start if you are a talented fi xer-upper.
Start small, and then build your confi dence as well as your clientele by promoting your business through a track record of fast, economical service. Referrals will truly bring you the most new business, but once you have several jobs under your belt you can start to do a little advertising in community newspapers and the Yellow Pages.
Approx. cost of start-up: $350 to $500
Approx. potential earnings:$25,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $25 per hour or quote per job
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, community newspapers, coupon books, bulletin boards
Qualifications: Trade school may be necessary for electronics repair, but otherwise just the ability to fix things
Things needed: A well-stocked toolbox, cell phone, van
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Possibly liability insurance; while it can cost some money, it can also help protect your own assets should a repair fail and a lawsuit arise
Monday, May 19, 2014
Personal Shopper
Do you consider yourself to be the “shopping goddess of the universe”? Are you able to consistently choose tasteful and well-received gifts? If so, this business could be your dream come true. Many of today’s executives are simply too busy to spend an hour or two shopping for the perfect gift, so you can do it for them by offering your services at an hourly rate. You’ll need to make sure that the client provides you with some method to purchase the gifts or arrange for the items to be held for pickup by the client. Build a strong network of places to shop; familiarize yourself with every gift/specialty store, retail store, and ?orist in your area. You’ll need this vast resource (and plenty of catalogs) to come up with refreshingly new approaches to gift giving. Another part of your business might be purchasing items for busy executives themselves; they could provide you with a personalized size (and preference) card, then send you off on a buying odyssey.
Brochures and personal notes sent to managers of large corporations are a good way to introduce yourself and your services. Be sure to stress the advantages of using a shopping service (chie?y, the time-saving and money-saving factor), and be clear in the beginning about the way you bill. Then you’ll need to start collecting catalogs, visiting malls and unusual shops, and combing the newspapers for sales. Your clients will expect you to know everything possible about shopping, so take the time to prepare!
If you only want to do this job part-time for individual clients, you won’t make as much as you would working full-time for large companies. Be sure that you bill on an hourly rate rather than a per-job basis; otherwise, people may try to take advantage of you. Difficult situations may occur when the client isn’t happy with the purchase, but you should be able to return anything you buy. All in all, the joy of spending other people’s money is hard to resist—it gives you all the pleasure with none of the guilt.
Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings:$10,000 to $25,000
Typical fees: $20 to $40 per hour
Where to promote: Brochures, classified ads, personalized notes to busy executives, Web site with testimonials and rates
Qualifications: An eye for a great deal and the ability to match gifts to personalities
Things needed: Dependable transportation, cell phone
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Mileage
Brochures and personal notes sent to managers of large corporations are a good way to introduce yourself and your services. Be sure to stress the advantages of using a shopping service (chie?y, the time-saving and money-saving factor), and be clear in the beginning about the way you bill. Then you’ll need to start collecting catalogs, visiting malls and unusual shops, and combing the newspapers for sales. Your clients will expect you to know everything possible about shopping, so take the time to prepare!
If you only want to do this job part-time for individual clients, you won’t make as much as you would working full-time for large companies. Be sure that you bill on an hourly rate rather than a per-job basis; otherwise, people may try to take advantage of you. Difficult situations may occur when the client isn’t happy with the purchase, but you should be able to return anything you buy. All in all, the joy of spending other people’s money is hard to resist—it gives you all the pleasure with none of the guilt.
Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000
Approx. potential earnings:$10,000 to $25,000
Typical fees: $20 to $40 per hour
Where to promote: Brochures, classified ads, personalized notes to busy executives, Web site with testimonials and rates
Qualifications: An eye for a great deal and the ability to match gifts to personalities
Things needed: Dependable transportation, cell phone
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:Mileage
Notary Public
Notary publics usually add this service on to a related business. Witnessing signatures and administering oaths will bring you a small fee each time, but you will not become a magnate by this route alone. A surprising number of transactions must be notarized, though, so if you can draw in foot traffic or position yourself next to a business related to your services (such as a photocopy shop, license bureau, or post office), it can be well worth the trouble of obtaining the license. Check the requirements in your area, since they differ from state to state.
Start-up costs are minimal and include only the license fee and your seal (not more than $500). A sign directing people to your location will bring walk-ins to have you witness their signatures. Fees are low, but so is the cost of providing the service.
Why not? What do you have to lose? If people are going to pay notary public fees, why not have them pay you? Creativity in developing an associated service will enable you to make a business enterprise out of the enthusiasm for having things notarized that runs throughout American bureaucracies. Document typing is one possibility. Dreams of glory may pass you by, but the challenges are negligible too.
Approx. cost of start-up:$100 to $200
Approx. potential earnings:$6,000 to $10,000
Typical fees: $10 per requested service
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers
Qualifications: License, usually upon recommendation of two lawyers
Things needed:Seal
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Mileage, if you travel to customer locations
Start-up costs are minimal and include only the license fee and your seal (not more than $500). A sign directing people to your location will bring walk-ins to have you witness their signatures. Fees are low, but so is the cost of providing the service.
Why not? What do you have to lose? If people are going to pay notary public fees, why not have them pay you? Creativity in developing an associated service will enable you to make a business enterprise out of the enthusiasm for having things notarized that runs throughout American bureaucracies. Document typing is one possibility. Dreams of glory may pass you by, but the challenges are negligible too.
Approx. cost of start-up:$100 to $200
Approx. potential earnings:$6,000 to $10,000
Typical fees: $10 per requested service
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers
Qualifications: License, usually upon recommendation of two lawyers
Things needed:Seal
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Mileage, if you travel to customer locations
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Medical Transcriptionist
According to the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT), there is a shortage of qualified transcriptionists. This job is in demand for two reasons. First, many insurance companies are requiring transcribed reports before they will pay doctors or hospitals. Second, transcribed copy provides health care professionals with the necessary documentation for review of patients’ history, legal evidence of patient care, data for research, or to render continuing patient care. Since turnaround time of transcription is a primary concern for health care providers, increase your competitiveness by offering pickup and delivery, sevenday-a-week service, same-day service, and phone-in dictation service.
As many as one or two years of education may be required if you have little or no experience. Computer hardware and software will run you anywhere from $1,900 to $5,000 and a transcriber unit from $200 to $800. Do not forget that this job requires hours of sitting in front of a computer; a good chair and a desk at the proper height are smart investments.
Medical transcribing can become somewhat monotonous. You must possess high levels of self-discipline and focus as you work. In addition, the demand for faster turnaround times occasionally necessitates working nights and weekends. On the other hand, medical transcription work is steady and resistant to recession! Th is field is still expanding; there’s always work for trained transcriptionists.
Approx. cost of start-up: $5,000 to $9,000
Approx. potential earnings: $60,000 to $80,000 (billing 2,000 hours a year)
Typical fees: $30 to $40 per hourr
Where to promote: Publications of local medical societies, direct mail, telemarketing, networking
Qualifications: Excellent listening skills; good hand/eye coordination; ability to use word processing, dictation and transcription equipment; understanding of medical diagnostic procedures and terminology; good typing skills; impeccable spelling; one or two years of higher education
Things needed:Computer, high-speed Internet access, transcriber, word-processing software, reference books, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:None
As many as one or two years of education may be required if you have little or no experience. Computer hardware and software will run you anywhere from $1,900 to $5,000 and a transcriber unit from $200 to $800. Do not forget that this job requires hours of sitting in front of a computer; a good chair and a desk at the proper height are smart investments.
Medical transcribing can become somewhat monotonous. You must possess high levels of self-discipline and focus as you work. In addition, the demand for faster turnaround times occasionally necessitates working nights and weekends. On the other hand, medical transcription work is steady and resistant to recession! Th is field is still expanding; there’s always work for trained transcriptionists.
Approx. cost of start-up: $5,000 to $9,000
Approx. potential earnings: $60,000 to $80,000 (billing 2,000 hours a year)
Typical fees: $30 to $40 per hourr
Where to promote: Publications of local medical societies, direct mail, telemarketing, networking
Qualifications: Excellent listening skills; good hand/eye coordination; ability to use word processing, dictation and transcription equipment; understanding of medical diagnostic procedures and terminology; good typing skills; impeccable spelling; one or two years of higher education
Things needed:Computer, high-speed Internet access, transcriber, word-processing software, reference books, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs:None
Lawn Care Service
Most people can squeeze in time to mow their own lawns, but it’s the weeding and trimming, fertilizing, aerating, and leaf removal that takes up the extra time. By providing these services, you can rake in profits for yourself. Don’t try to compete with neighborhood youth who mow lawns or with professional lawn services that include landscaping and related services. Plant your seeds, develop your niche, and cultivate the business.
You’ll shell out at least $300 for basic equipment, more for a power lawn mower. Double or triple those costs if you decide to have a team of workers mowing a lawn simultaneously (as is often done). You’ll make roughly $50 to $75 per job in a residential lawn care business; more if handling corporate accounts in addition. However, your income isn’t limited to what you charge, because many happy customers also include a tip for your trouble.
By scheduling some or all of these services with the same customers in the same neighborhoods, you will save on transportation, time, and rental costs. One day you might be mowing lawns and another you’ll be aerating. You might have to rent an aeration roller for $25 a day. But if you schedule aerations in one neighborhood for the same day, you’ll easily recoup the investment.
Approx. cost of start-up:$500 to $1,500
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $25,000
Typical fees: $12–15 per hour or a ?at rate of $50 to $75 per job
Where to promote: Flyers left in front doors, ads in local or community newspapers, word of mouth
Qualifications: Love for working outdoors and some knowledge about lawn care
Things needed: Power mower, rakes, power trimmer and spreader, pickup truck or station wagon
Staff required:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, transportation, some equipment rental
You’ll shell out at least $300 for basic equipment, more for a power lawn mower. Double or triple those costs if you decide to have a team of workers mowing a lawn simultaneously (as is often done). You’ll make roughly $50 to $75 per job in a residential lawn care business; more if handling corporate accounts in addition. However, your income isn’t limited to what you charge, because many happy customers also include a tip for your trouble.
By scheduling some or all of these services with the same customers in the same neighborhoods, you will save on transportation, time, and rental costs. One day you might be mowing lawns and another you’ll be aerating. You might have to rent an aeration roller for $25 a day. But if you schedule aerations in one neighborhood for the same day, you’ll easily recoup the investment.
Approx. cost of start-up:$500 to $1,500
Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $25,000
Typical fees: $12–15 per hour or a ?at rate of $50 to $75 per job
Where to promote: Flyers left in front doors, ads in local or community newspapers, word of mouth
Qualifications: Love for working outdoors and some knowledge about lawn care
Things needed: Power mower, rakes, power trimmer and spreader, pickup truck or station wagon
Staff required:No
Hidden costs: Insurance, transportation, some equipment rental
Envelope Stuffing Service
Companies who use direct mail in their advertising or promotional campaigns need help stuffing the envelopes and getting them properly prepared for the post office. If you’re skillful at the manual end of this business (folding/stuffing/sealing envelopes), you’ll be amazed at how much you can earn in only a few hours. You’ll need to market your services well. And if you find that you have too much business, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to hire people with disabilities and retired folks who might be on the lookout for such straightforward, low-pressure work. Make sure you schedule your jobs realistically to allow for quick turnaround, because that is what will likely be expected of you from most of your clients.
You may spend a few hundred dollars or so on items such as letter folders and envelope sealers, but this business still shouldn’t cost more than $500 to launch. Get the word out by networking with small- to medium-size companies, who usually need help on projects of this kind. Charge between 25 and 50 cents per envelope, and try not to quote a ?at rate if you can help it; you may be taken advantage of after the ink is dry on your agreement.
Let’s face it, stuffing envelopes is pretty boring work. If you don’t mind the tedium—if you can manage to do your work and still catch Oprah!when you want to—this could be a perfect way to either supplement an existing income or build a modest base income. However, remember that your success depends largely on your marketing ability.
Approx. cost of start-up: Under $500
Approx. potential earnings:$10,000 to $15,000
Typical fees: 25 to 50 cents per envelope
Where to promote: Flyers and mailings to companies without in-house mailing services
Qualifications: Knowledge of postal regulations
Things needed: Envelope sealer, letter folder
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Clients who seek to pay one ?at fee and then dump extra work on you
You may spend a few hundred dollars or so on items such as letter folders and envelope sealers, but this business still shouldn’t cost more than $500 to launch. Get the word out by networking with small- to medium-size companies, who usually need help on projects of this kind. Charge between 25 and 50 cents per envelope, and try not to quote a ?at rate if you can help it; you may be taken advantage of after the ink is dry on your agreement.
Let’s face it, stuffing envelopes is pretty boring work. If you don’t mind the tedium—if you can manage to do your work and still catch Oprah!when you want to—this could be a perfect way to either supplement an existing income or build a modest base income. However, remember that your success depends largely on your marketing ability.
Approx. cost of start-up: Under $500
Approx. potential earnings:$10,000 to $15,000
Typical fees: 25 to 50 cents per envelope
Where to promote: Flyers and mailings to companies without in-house mailing services
Qualifications: Knowledge of postal regulations
Things needed: Envelope sealer, letter folder
Required staff:No
Hidden costs: Clients who seek to pay one ?at fee and then dump extra work on you
Commercial Photographer
Commercial photography is an ideal business for the individual who can produce. If you can “see” the images needed by a business segment in your community, and produce them on time for a competitive cost, you can probably develop relationships with your customers that will bring you an ongoing stream of business. Photos always seem to be needed, but often at the last minute. You will need to produce under pressure and have a reputation for getting it right the first time. Commercial photography requires an interesting combination of technical, artistic, sales, and business skills. If you have this mix, or can develop it, you can go far.
The photographic equipment you use is, of course, the vital component of this business. (A top-of-the-line digital camera will generally run $3,000.) Having an effective home office is also necessary for supporting the “business” side of your business: receiving assignments, preparing invoices, and so on. You could earn upward of $35,000 in the beginning, and the sky’s the limit once you develop a healthy reputation.
Most successful commercial photographers specialize. And some have gone beyond providing the photographic image alone to off ering related services—preparation of brochures, scanning and retouching images, or working in close association with graphic artists and copywriters to provide a completed piece. If you become known for excellence in photography of construction projects, retail store installations, or company board retreats, you will have a leg up on the competition. Th is is another crowded field with plenty of room at the top.
Approx. cost of start-up: $3,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $35,000 and up
Typical fees: $35 to $50 per hour
Where to promote: Classifieds, trade publications, business groups, direct mail, Web site with online portfolio
Qualifications: Photographic skills, excellent time management skills, ability to market and sell your services
Things needed: Excellent camera equipment including traditional and digital, cell phone, computer with Internet access and photo printer, fax, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Equipment upgrades and repair, travel costs What You Do
Tom Uhlman, owner of Tom Uhlman Photography in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that he stands apart from other commercial photographers by off ering sound editorial judgment in addition to providing quality photographic work. “I’m dependable at finding interesting situations, giving publications the kinds of unusual photos they want and need without having to wait for assignment.” Uhlman’s photos have been picked up by the Associated Press and have appeared in Newsweek,the New York Daily News,and USA Today.
Uhlman says he couldn’t do without top-quality cameras with motor drives, ?ash equipment, better-than-average lenses, and dependable transportation. “I would also buy a police scanner, so you can shoot ‘hard’ news as it happens. It’s the best way to break into newspapers, because they often don’t have the staff or time to get these shots.”
“Look at the work of others and learn from it. But you’ll probably learn the most from being out there and getting your own experience. Find photos that tell good news stories, and you should never have a problem selling.”
“I pretty much did everything in the right way and time. I learned early on that doing is what gets you there.”
The photographic equipment you use is, of course, the vital component of this business. (A top-of-the-line digital camera will generally run $3,000.) Having an effective home office is also necessary for supporting the “business” side of your business: receiving assignments, preparing invoices, and so on. You could earn upward of $35,000 in the beginning, and the sky’s the limit once you develop a healthy reputation.
Most successful commercial photographers specialize. And some have gone beyond providing the photographic image alone to off ering related services—preparation of brochures, scanning and retouching images, or working in close association with graphic artists and copywriters to provide a completed piece. If you become known for excellence in photography of construction projects, retail store installations, or company board retreats, you will have a leg up on the competition. Th is is another crowded field with plenty of room at the top.
Approx. cost of start-up: $3,000 to $5,000
Approx. potential earnings: $35,000 and up
Typical fees: $35 to $50 per hour
Where to promote: Classifieds, trade publications, business groups, direct mail, Web site with online portfolio
Qualifications: Photographic skills, excellent time management skills, ability to market and sell your services
Things needed: Excellent camera equipment including traditional and digital, cell phone, computer with Internet access and photo printer, fax, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Equipment upgrades and repair, travel costs What You Do
Tom Uhlman, owner of Tom Uhlman Photography in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that he stands apart from other commercial photographers by off ering sound editorial judgment in addition to providing quality photographic work. “I’m dependable at finding interesting situations, giving publications the kinds of unusual photos they want and need without having to wait for assignment.” Uhlman’s photos have been picked up by the Associated Press and have appeared in Newsweek,the New York Daily News,and USA Today.
Uhlman says he couldn’t do without top-quality cameras with motor drives, ?ash equipment, better-than-average lenses, and dependable transportation. “I would also buy a police scanner, so you can shoot ‘hard’ news as it happens. It’s the best way to break into newspapers, because they often don’t have the staff or time to get these shots.”
“Look at the work of others and learn from it. But you’ll probably learn the most from being out there and getting your own experience. Find photos that tell good news stories, and you should never have a problem selling.”
“I pretty much did everything in the right way and time. I learned early on that doing is what gets you there.”
Word-Processing Service
Despite the abundance of personal computers, demand for off -site word-processing services has steadily increased. Essentially, word-processing is a fancier (and more technically correct) phrase for typing service. You’ll be doing all the same kinds of work, only you’ll be using a computer instead of the great typewriter dinosaur. Customers will come to you with everything from reports and term papers to resumes and technical documentation. The ability to produce an attractive product with quick turnaround will ensure your success in this fairly competitive field. Remember that just about any Joe with a basic computer system and printer thinks of getting into this type of business. You’ll have to be able to set yourself apart from these folks as well as from the thousands of secretarial services out there (that perform services that go beyond your own). Position yourself close to a university or in a downtown area, and you’ll increase your chances of success by at least 50 percent. Take it a step further and go after publishing companies for extra work.
Your start-up costs are going to be quite reasonable if you already own a computer and laser printer. Most of your initial expense will result from advertising and appropriate software purchases, which will cost at least $3,000. Charge a per-page rate of $5 to $10 or an hourly fee for the larger jobs. It may take you awhile to get a feel for which projects are more labor-intensive than others.
Beware of underpricing your service. Consider adding a surcharge for handwritten or difficult-to-read documents and materials that include charts or tables. If you can stand the repetitive motion of using a keyboard, your income is limited only by your speed and the number of hours you want to work.
Approx. cost of start-up: $5,000 to $15,000
Approx. potential earnings: $30,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $5 to $10 per page
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, focus advertising in a 5- to 10-mile radius of your business location, direct mail, university bulletin boards, networking with business and professional organizations, Web site
Qualifications: Fast and accurate typing skills (at least 65 words per minute), customer-oriented attitude
Things needed: Computer and software, high-speed Internet access, laser printer, copy machine, fax; optional: transcribing machine and scanner
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Equipment and software upgrades
Your start-up costs are going to be quite reasonable if you already own a computer and laser printer. Most of your initial expense will result from advertising and appropriate software purchases, which will cost at least $3,000. Charge a per-page rate of $5 to $10 or an hourly fee for the larger jobs. It may take you awhile to get a feel for which projects are more labor-intensive than others.
Beware of underpricing your service. Consider adding a surcharge for handwritten or difficult-to-read documents and materials that include charts or tables. If you can stand the repetitive motion of using a keyboard, your income is limited only by your speed and the number of hours you want to work.
Approx. cost of start-up: $5,000 to $15,000
Approx. potential earnings: $30,000 to $45,000
Typical fees: $5 to $10 per page
Where to promote: Yellow Pages, focus advertising in a 5- to 10-mile radius of your business location, direct mail, university bulletin boards, networking with business and professional organizations, Web site
Qualifications: Fast and accurate typing skills (at least 65 words per minute), customer-oriented attitude
Things needed: Computer and software, high-speed Internet access, laser printer, copy machine, fax; optional: transcribing machine and scanner
Required staff: No
Hidden costs: Equipment and software upgrades
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