 |
Related Reading
|
 |
Starting
an Online Business For DummiesŪ Budding entrepreneurs
will find everything it takes to launch the next "dot.com"
success story in this newly updated title. (Edition 2) From
writing a business plan and getting financed to the ins
and outs of server hardware, readers get both the technical
tips and the business strategies they need to succeed.
|
|
Start Your Own Business
|
|
If you've ever aspired to be a work-at-home parent, dreamed
of turning a hobby into a career, or wanted to own a company,
here are some links and tips to get you started. And if you're
just looking for a weekend gig to earn extra cash doing something
you love, check out the job descriptions below to find out
how to profit from "work" you call "fun!"
Love to shop till you drop? Enjoy spending other people's
money as a personal shopper. Specialize in finding the perfect
gifts, travel deals, or fashion accessories for time-starved
business execs. Or cater to senior citizens who have trouble
doing their own shopping because of health problems or a lack
of transportation.
Curious about your roots? Turn genealogy research into
a weekend job. Interest in family history is something many
people share. Time to research it isn't. Help others discover
the richness of their family heritage using your home computer
and charging for your time.
Can you turn junk and scraps into masterpieces? Try
selling your works of art online or at craft fairs. What you've
called a hobby could be an untapped revenue source that can
supplement your income.
Do you know the difference between salmon pink and coral?
Share your expertise as an interior decorating consultant.
Remodeling keeps Home Depot and Lowes in business, so grab
a piece of the pie! If you know how to hang pictures or match
paint samples, you can help others find the perfect designs
for their homes.
Do you enjoy entertaining others or figuring out how many
people a two-pound pot roast will feed? Maybe it's your
destiny to become a party planner or event coordinator! Start
out with a children's birthday bash, and work your way up
to cocktail parties, grand opening celebrations, and weddings.
Have you ever found yourself critiquing a Web site's navigation
or graphics? Try your hand at Web design. Nowadays, everyone
and his brother wants a Web site. With a couple courses in
Web design and a home computer, you can turn their dreams
into a virtual reality.
Has anyone ever told you that you have a way with words?
Put your eloquent thoughts down on paper as a freelance
writer, and help others express themselves. The Web has opened
up a whole new avenue for writers to sell their wares. Take
a look.
Do you enjoy antiquing? Give furniture restoration
a try. Seek out interesting old treasures at flea markets
or thrift stores. Then, take them home, restore them, and
sell them on the Web.
Written by Iris Wolfe
Questions or comments about this story? E-mail
us!
|
|
On the Web
|
|
• eLance
• Entrepreneur.Com
• Bloomberg
Network
• YoungEntrepreneur.Com
• U.S.
Small Business Administration
• inc.com
|
Those Tough Ones
|
|
Tips on Starting a Business
1) Conduct some market research on your idea. Investigate
the competition, and make sure there's a demand for the product
or service.
2) Draft a business plan.
3) Consult an accountant and attorney for advice.
4) Look into government funding or incentives to help your
business grow.
5) Consider building a Web site to promote your new company,
and print the address on business cards.
6) Seek out free marketing opportunities, win-win partnerships,
or bartering arrangements for advertising space.
|
