Ever dream of running a part-time business while keeping your day job?
Want to operate a sideline business along with your current business? Or are you
simply curious about entrepreneurship, and want to test the waters before you
commit to the world of commerce? Whatever your reason, here are 25 sure-fire
ways to get started today with your own part-time business.
Antiques Make new money from old treasures and have fun
doing it! Scout garage sales, estate auctions and flea markets for great buys on
antique furniture, toys, clothing and other treasures from the past. Rent space
at antique cooperatives, or set up booths at weekend fairs to sell your
antiques.
Computer Tutor Whether you're an expert at Windows or
Linux, desktop publishing or Web research, HTML or word processing, you can help
anyone enhance their computer skills. Start promoting your computer-training
services by teaching classes through organizations in your community which offer
adult education courses.
Custom Jewelry and Accessories Put your creative talents
to work designing custom jewelry and accessories. Whether you work with sterling
silver or recycled metals, clay or papier-mache, there's a market for your
custom earrings, pins, bracelets, necklaces and belt buckles at art shows,
crafts fairs and holiday boutiques.
Espresso Cart Brew up profits day after day! Specialty
coffee drinks generate gross profits of 55.1 to 61.5 percent per cup, says the
Specialty Coffee Association of America. So brush up on your coffee drinks, buy
or rent an espresso cart, and head for sporting events, concerts and farmers'
markets in your community.
Garage and Attic Cleaning/Hauling Service Nobody likes to
spend a weekend cleaning out the garage, attic or garden shed--it's dirty and
time-consuming, and when it's done, there's still the task of hauling off all
that discarded junk. But if you don't mind putting in the physical labor, a
cleaning and hauling service can be a lot of fun. You can usually find a few
treasures among the trash which most people are delighted to give away, and you
can add to your income by recycling bottles, newspapers and metal castoffs.
You'll need a pick-up truck or other vehicle capable of carrying everything from
cast-iron sinks to old timbers.
Handyman If it's broke, you can fix it. Your phone will
ring off the hook with calls from homeowners, senior citizens and others who
don't want to fix it themselves. Advertise in shopper publications and on
bulletin boards, and drop off fliers at real estate offices. Then start
repairing everything from leaky faucets to broken windows.
Home Inspection Buyers need not beware when they hire a
home inspector to conduct a complete physical checkup on their dream home.
You'll inspect the house for structural problems and refer your clients to the
contractors or handymen who can make the repairs. Knowledge of construction and
your local building codes will get your business off the ground.
Medical Transcription Work as an important member of a
medical team without leaving your homebased office. There's big demand by
hospitals, doctors, dentists, chiropractors and veterinarians who need outside
help transcribing patient medical records. Training in medical terminology and
linguistic skills will keep your business healthy.
Mobile Home-Entertainment Service When it's dirty,
disconnected or in need of repair, you'll save the day for homeowners who want
their stereo, compact-disc player or videocassette recorder in working order.
Brush up on your electrical and wiring know-how. Door-to-door fliers and calls
to retail-store managers about your services will get your business off to a
great start.
Mobile Window Tint With some training and basic
equipment, you'll be seeing plenty of green with your mobile window-tinting
business. For best results, have a pager and van ready to help car, van and
truck owners prevent heat damage to their vehicles' interiors. Other hot
markets: homes, high-rise condominiums and office buildings.
Office and Home Organizer Attention all neatniks: Help
packrats, overworked executives, and other organizationally challenged
individuals clean out messy closets, straighten files, and throw out the excess
clutter. Putting your knack for neatness to part-time business use is bound to
arrange some tidy profits for you.
Personal Chef What's for dinner, honey? Great home-cooked
meals for working parents and busy professionals who hire you as a personal
chef. There's plenty of demand for this specialized service. So plan your menu,
make out your shopping list, and go to work to satisfy your hungry
clientele.
Personal Trainer Pumping iron; pumping profits. Americans
of all ages, sizes and shapes want to keep fit, trim and healthy, and they're
willing to hire their own personal coach to exercise correctly. Spread the word
about your physical-fitness expertise at health spas, running, swimming and
biking clubs, and other athletic outlets.
Picture Framer Get in the frame with a picture framing
service. You can work with gallery owners, artists, portrait photographers and
individuals who've purchased a print, painting or fine photo. If you aren't
already a framing expert, read up, take classes at a local college or community
center, then assemble your tools--including clamps, saws, miter boxes, glue, and
a pneumatic or hand stapler. Establish relationships with local artists' groups,
galleries, photographers and print shops that can give you their business or
refer their customers to you.
Plant Leasing And Maintenance Got a green thumb and a
delivery van? You're all set to service corporations, home builders, health
clubs and other businesses who want fresh greenery. Develop a steady clientele
with a regular watering, pruning and fertilizing program and a full replacement
guarantee.
Records Search Using specialized databases, you'll search
public records on your computer to help your clients find lost loves, check out
questionable suitors, track down debtors, verify a contractor's track record, or
dig up facts on a business opportunity. Clients include attorneys,
businessowners and individuals.
Restaurant Delivery Whether it's macaroni and cheese or a
five-course gourmet meal, at-home meal replacement is fast becoming the newest
way to dine. When customers want their restaurant orders "to go," you'll be "on
the go" with your restaurant delivery service. A great way to make your late
afternoons and weekends extra-profitable!
T-Shirt Design If you're an artist in search of a medium,
why not make T-shirts your canvas? Paint, draw, bead or applique your designs on
plain T-shirts, and spend your weekends showcasing your art-to-wear at farmers'
markets and crafts fairs.
Wallpaper Hanging Help residential and commercial clients
turn drab walls into works of art with your wallpaper-hanging skills. Build a
growing business with great referrals and repeat customers. Drop off fliers at
paint and wallpaper stores; also, advertise in shopper publications, in
homeowner-association newsletters, and on bulletin boards at local supermarkets
and malls.
Yoga and Tai Chi Instructor In today's hectic, fast-paced
world, parents, business owners and students alike can benefit from the
deep-breathing, relaxation and centering techniques you can teach them. Get
started by offering classes at health clubs, through your city's recreation and
parks department, or on your own.
Copyright © 2006 Entrepreneur.com. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission from Entrepreneur.com
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