New Home Business Ideas

How to Create Your Own Work at Home Job - Seriously

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

In today's economy, it can be wonderful news to find out that you've just landed a job. For some of use, working at home would be ideal, but these jobs seem few and hard to find. But wait, there's good news! It's becoming easier to create your own work at home job.

What?

Now, creating your own work from home job does not mean enrolling in the latest home business opportunity. Nor does it mean launching a time-consuming and expensive start-up. An easier option that many entrepreneurs are now taking is freelancing or working as an independent contractor. You don't have to come up with your own product or service to sell - nor do you have to have a boss looking over your shoulder.

So what's this all about?

Like many individuals these days, the majority of companies are looking for ways they can cut their costs. One way they can do this is to outsource jobs that aren't required to be done on-site. The company then doesn't have to pay for things like office space or health benefits for the employee and that's what makes outsourcing so attractive.

OK, this makes sense, but what do I need to do to get started?

Read how and get instant easy resources: Create Your Own Work at Home Job

Need Funding? Look No Further Than Your Neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Are you a neighborhood retail business in need of some financing? Well, lucky you.

There's a new service in town called Lucky Ant that is helping small retail companies get the funding they need to grow their businesses - but this is no ordinary loan.

Let's say you own a restaurant or shop. You have customers who know you, like you and use you service. Lucky Ant rounds up people in your local neighborhood who would be interested in helping you grow your business. Through this crowdsourced financing method, the "locals" supply the funds in exchange for some VIP treatment, rewards or perks from you. Not too bad.

Small business are increasingly using crowdsourced financing as a way to fund their start-ups and growth. It can be much easier than getting a loan, especially if you don't need a lot of money and have a great idea with business plan in place.

"How Can I Get Customers to My Restaurant?"

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:56:00 +0000

For a new restaurant, offline marketing is the way to get started. That is not to say that you should ignore the internet. However, I think many eaters look for a restaurant online only after they know it exists. An online presence is good for displaying things like menu items, ingredients, location, hours, prices, events, etc..

Getting Started with Offline Marketing

I think reaching out to your target market as a group will get you the best results for the least amount of advertising dollars. Contacting only the people who will appreciate what you have to offer (instead of advertising to everyone) will save you money, and getting in front of a larger group at once will deliver more bang for your buck.

For example, if your restaurant is a great place for business people to meet with clients, contact local businesses and offer to deliver some sample lunches to their office for free (along with a stack of coupons that say why your location is a great place to conduct business).

Another example is a restaurant that serves quick healthy meals may be a great candidate to advertise to triathlon race competitors. You can pay to include coupons in race goodie bags, and this can be an easy way to introduce your restaurant and menu to local health fanatics.

A cheap way to make your own professional-looking coupons is to use an online print service like VistaPrint.com or Simpleprint.com to and design your coupon on a smaller business card or postcard.

Once you've started establishing your restaurant's offline presence, it's time to get the ball rolling with local search marketing online.

4 Ways to Make and Sell Your own Gift Cards Online

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

We can all agree that gift cards sell. Plus, without having to create an entirely new product or service, a business owner can quickly add more income to his or her bottom line. Almost any type of business can benefit from selling its own gift certificates, and with very little investment or risk, this marketing tool is a no-brainer.

Keep in mind that you are not only making your business more money, you are doing your customers a favor. How many times have you found yourself in a bind needing to get a last minute gift? Gift cards are a perfect solution. It's also a painless way to increase customer referrals without having to ask for them ("What's that?... Free advertising?").

You may look at a gift card or gift certificate from a local business and think, "How can I do that? I don't need more work!" But what most people don't know is that these little income generators are really simple to make and sell...

See the 4 ways you can cheaply create and sell your gift certificates online using gift card software and templates.

Naming Your Business... the Opposite?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Trying to come up with a creative name for your business?

Instead of the standard "Jack's Shoes" or "Salon 123", why not name your business after what it is NOT. That's what snowboard company Never Summer did.

Although this tactic may not work for every business, it can be a good way to come up with creative business names that you may never have thought of. And a unique company name says a lot about a company - and inspires curiosity.

Won't it be confusing if your business name doesn't describe your product or service? Not if you include an image in your logo that shows what you sell. And if you are still concerned, you can include a descriptive keyword in the name (i.e. Never Summer Snowboards).

Do You Need Customers?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:11:00 +0000

OK, which business doesn't?

However, you're probably really busy and don't want to spend a lot of time, money and effort finding those customers. So why not let them find you?

There's a new online service called OpenChime.com that helps customers find businesses via their website. It's free for shoppers to use, and businesses don't have to pay any money up front either. A business owner can add his company listing to the site for free and simply pay a commission whenever he receives a client lead through the site.

And get this - the business owner gets to choose the commission he pays per lead. This is a useful marketing tool for reaching local prospects, especially if you are on a tight budget.

OpenChime's Director of Corporate Development Hunter Hillenmeyer adds, "We go to great lengths to ensure we work with only the highest quality businesses." Shoppers can search by major city and in a variety of different categories, including home and garden, pets, lessons, health and beauty, business, tech, travel and more. Due to the quality and organization of the site, shoppers can find the vendor they need without having to even pick up the phone.

This platform makes the buying and selling process faster and easier for both buyers and sellers, so I suspect this service will attract more and more visitors over time. This, of course, is good news if you are a seller.

"Do I Really Need a Business License?"

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:01:00 +0000

One of the most common questions entrepreneurs have when starting a small business, especially a one-person home-based business, is "Do I need a business license?".

The answer will depend on where you live and what type of business you will be starting, but the application process is really quite simple for a standard business license. In fact, mine was a whopping 2-page application that I downloaded from my county's website, filled out and then dropped off at the county along with a check for less than $50.

The first step to obtaining a license is to contact your county. This can be through their website, by phone or walking into the office. They will be able to supply you with the application form and tell you the requirements, procedure and cost for a license in your particular city and county. They can also tell you whether your specific business will require any special licenses or permits.

Continued: How to Apply for a Business License

How to Start a Business with No Money

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

You may be surprised to find out that there are actually several ways you can start a business for free.

If you are willing to think outside the box and invest a little more time and effort, you can start your business on a shoestring budget and be just as successful as the entrepreneur with a bag full of cash.

Begin by listing the items that will be required to launch your company. In some situations, you can borrow the tools or equipment needed, finance these items with a credit card at 0% interest or even better - get the customer to supply them.

But what about advertising? Placing ads costs money. How do you get around that? The article, How to Start a Business with No Money explains 5 different techniques - including free online resources - than make advertising easy (not to mention free!).

The key thing to remember when you starting a business with no money is to start small. You can always purchase additional merchandise and higher quality equipment after you have achieved a steady revenue stream. By thinking "on a budget", you will also develop some awesome frugal habits which will help you keep more of your revenue during the entire life of your business.

Funny Sells 15,000

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

If you're trying to come up with a business idea, think funny. Funny sells.

Well, not all funny. But it's pretty interesting how you can take an ordinary product and create a humorous version of it - and all of the sudden people are searching to find out where they can buy it.

This is the case for knit caps made by Beard Head. A knit cap is nothing new. In fact some people have several of them - why would they want another?

However, Beard Head decided to create knit caps with mustaches. If that isn't a funny enough visual for you, they took it a step further: knit caps with interchangeable mustaches. Yes, you can switch out your knit mustache depending on what mood you're in.

If you don't see yourself wearing one of these beauties, you probably already know someone it would look beautiful on. And who wouldn't want to be the proud gift-giver of this item?

See what just happened here?

Funny sells. The hat isn't warmer, cheaper, softer or more convenient. It's just funny. And the company sold 15,000 last year, according to Entrepreneur Magazine.

Product Packaging Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000

When it comes to marketing, most of us think "ad copy" or "sales pitch" or "running ads", etc... However, one facet of marketing that is equally as important is your product packaging.

Not only can packaging grab a shopper's attention and persuade him or her to buy it - it can also increase the perceived value of the item. No wonder some companies place a small product inside a large box...

This doesn't mean that creating a case or holder for your merchandise has to be fancy or expensive. It can be simple and elegant at the same time. You want your customers to trust that what is inside the container is a good value and will give them what they want.

Product packaging also says a lot about you as a company - your creativity, your professionalism, your simplicity, your sense of humor, treatment of the environment, etc.. This can both attract and repel potential buyers, so you want to think about what your target market likes and wants.

Does your target market recycle everything? Use eco-friendly containers. Do your customers want to get the most for their money? Include labeling that explains different ways they can use the product. Would people prefer clear casing where they can see the product? Do they value convenience in either transporting the item or storing it?

Here are 3 resources for packaging your products:

For basic containers, like boxes, bags, tubes or other vessels, check out JC Danczak.They sell packaging supplies and also shipping materials.
For custom-designed cases or holders, Bert Co. has a design team that can help you develop unique housing for your products. Their service includes design, production and printing - at wholesale prices.
If you sell digital information products online, product packaging is even more important. This is actually something you can do yourself with simple software, and the process is much more affordable. Read more here: How to Make Your Own eBook Covers.

Should Online Businesses Market Locally?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

If you are starting an online business, you may not have considered advertising to your local community - but are you slowing down the growth of you business by doing so?

Many entrepreneurs start online businesses because the number of customers they can reach is significantly bigger than who they can reach in their own city. This, of course, is advantageous. However, your local community should not be overlooked.

Whether people in your local area know you or not, they already have something in common with you simply by living nearby. They drive on the same freeways, they watch the same news shows, they experience the same weather patterns, etc.. It may seem strange, but there is already a certain level of trust already established - even if you've never met.

Take advantage of this.

Even if you sell to an international market, list your company in local directories, advertise locally, get involved in local charity work and join your local Chamber of Commerce. Network with other business owners in your area - especially if they may have a need for your product or service.

Although not as big as the World Wide Web, the locals can turn into a great asset, starting to spread the word about what you offer. Don't forget - they can reach an international market too.

How to Sell Your Product When You Can't Compete on Price

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

Price comparison websites and mobile phone shopping apps have made it so easy for consumers to locate the lowest price - you could easily run yourself out of business trying to compete on price. For many of us small businesses, we'll have much greater success if we simply avoid the price contest.

Many companies that cannot compete on price - or simply don't want to, they focus their efforts on advertising their product's value. By this, I mean the value that the product (or service) provides to the buyer. This is usually explained in terms of benefits that they customer receives from buying and using the product.

Yet, you can't simply lists the benefits that your product offers. You can't ignore the elephant in the room - your competition. You've got to understand your competitors' products and what your product has that they don't.

Continued: Value Selling: How to Sell Value Over Price

Teach Your Favorite Hobby to Others - and Get Paid!

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Do you have a hobby, skill or interest? Why not make some extra money teaching it to others?

Seem hard? It doesn't have to be. There's a website called Skillshare.com that connects teachers with students in a variety of different areas.

You can teach virtually anything - from crafts to finance. In fact, here is a short list of categories listed on the site:

Music
Fashion
Interior design
Photography
Cooking
Business development
Personal finance
Sports
Health
Programming
Electronics and more

This is a great way to get started working for yourself without all the risk that goes along with starting a traditional business. You can gain valuable experience working for yourself which you can then use when launching your own company. On the other hand, teachers can easily work part-time using the service if they choose - or turn it into a full-time teaching career.

Whether students want to learn in order to excel in a career, improve a skill or simply learn a new hobby for fun - teaching is a great market to get into because "information" is always in demand. Using Skillshare.com, teachers have the ability to gain lots of exposure to potential students and grow their businesses faster than if they were to go it alone.

The Residual Income Formula - for Virtually Any Business

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:14:00 +0000

When starting a business, smart entrepreneurs think about how they can generate the most amount of income with the least amount of work and cost.

A simple way to achieve this is to sell more products or services to a smaller amount of customers. This way, you can cut down on the time, money and effort it takes to locate customers. For example, instead of finding 100 customers to buy a $50 product, wouldn't it be easier to find 50 customers and sell them a $100 product?

Of course, you may be thinking, "Won't it be more difficult to sell a $100 item than one that sells for half that price?"

That's where the residual income model comes in. Read more: The Residual Income Formula

The Success of the NFL Green Bay Packers Cheesehead

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

On the pre-game show for the Giants - Packers game today, they showed a clip on the guy who started the whole Cheesehead Hat thing. It was pretty interesting how it started out as a lark and then evolved into a world-famous product.

Initially, founder Ralph Bruno had no intention of starting his extremely successful business Foamation. Yet, he was open to opportunity and went with his gut when he noticed that other game-goers were digging his foam creation.

It's a great inspiring story of how a successful entrepreneur got started, but what really got my attention was how Bruno expanded his product line. Sure, the NFL Green Bay Packers foamheads took off, and he could have stopped there, but Foamation went on to create other crazy products that ended up being equally successful.

Many entrepreneurs (myself included) will say that it's a good idea to keep a narrow focus when starting a business and don't try to sell lots of different products to a large general market. However, if you have a winning product, it can be a great time to expand on your product line, creating new items your market will like while keeping your offerings new and exciting.

In Foamation's case, they now have a variety of hats, including the Cheesehead Fedora and Cheesehead Police Hat - but they also make more Cheesehead products including belt buckles, ties, cup holders, earrings and more.

How can you give your customers more and grow your profits?

The Easy, Fast, Cheap Way to Put Together a Marketing Plan

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Most business owners aren't marketers. In fact, even if you are a multi-talented business owner who is a marketing pro as well - you probably don't have time to take on the job of advertising on top of all of the other tasks you have to do.

What's more, many small businesses, especially those which are new (who typically need advertising the most), don't have the cash to hire an in-house marketer or even pay an advertising firm to take on the job. Most entrepreneurs think they are stuck having to figure out the marketing themselves and work long hours while doing so.

At the end of the day, they are probably exhausted and have achieved minimal results.

The key is to take advantage of software programs that make the job easier and eliminate the need to hire extra staff. This gives you better control over your promotions and will save you tons of money. In reality, no one knows your products and services better than you.

Find out how to craft your own marketing plan - plus see sample marketing plans for free.

Figure Skating, Losing Weight & Succeeding in Business

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:31:00 +0000

This morning I watched a video about a woman who lost over 100 lbs and became a competitive figure skater at the age of 40. Although it's an inspiring and heart-warming story, what does this have to do with business?

The story somewhat parallels the life of an entrepreneur. The figure skater story talks about how a woman, Sandra Chambers, was living one lifestyle - and then mid-way through her life decides to take a risk and change it up.

By doing so, she "accidentally" found something she was passionate about (figure skating) and was able to lose over 100 lbs in the process. She commented that she had become so passionate about figure skating that the exercise part of it didn't feel like work to her.

Similarly, the "work" part of a business often doesn't feel like work to entrepreneurs because they are so passionate about what they're doing. That's the key to success.

Find something you're passionate about that you forget you're even "working". That passion can be an activity you like to do or a cause you want to promote. You don't have a product to sell to start a business - there are plenty of people ready and willing to pay for someone to teach them new skill, valuable information or simply entertain them.

Do you know what you're passionate about? It my be something you're already doing as a hobby - or it could be something you know a little bit about but not enough to have discovered your passion for it. The way to find out is to get out and explore, try new things and meet new people doing different things. And keep your eyes open.

You can also use the Small Business Finder to give you a better idea of the type of businesses that best suit your personality.

Childcare Licensing and Other Day Care Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:36:00 +0000

I received a question today about requirements for opening a home-based childcare business. It's a very good question, and I thought I'd cover these guidelines here as well.

Besides the basic procedures to starting a business (seen here: Business Start-up Checklist), there are certain steps that apply specifically to childcare businesses. Requirements, of course, vary by city and state, so you will get instructions specific to your area when you contact your local authorities.

First, get a copy of the licensing standards from your state's Department of Children and Family Services. The standards will explain the regulations that will affect your childcare business (ie. safety, utilities, food prep, staffing, etc..). After you have reviewed the standards, request a license application, complete and submit it.

Next, your home will also have to meet building safety standards and comply with zoning laws in your area. Contact your local city office to find out if you can operate a childcare business from your home in your neighborhood.

Finally, after you have completed your business plan, obtained financing, hired staff, prepared your care site, etc.., your facility will need to be inspected. These generally include the Department of Children and Family Services, your local health department and fire department.

How to Learn Secrets like "Undercover Boss" - Without Going Undercover

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:53:00 +0000

I just read an article on a hotel chain owner going undercover on the TV Show "Undercover Boss". I've never watched the show myself, but I think that any boss who went undercover to learn more about his or her business would stand to gain at least some insight into his or her company.

This idea is really essential for any business owner, but I don't think that you need to go undercover to obtain valuable information that can help you.

Like "researching" employees undercover, it's important to get inside the customers' shoes to find out what they like and dislike about your company. This applies even if products are selling like crazy. (For example, customers may like the products, but do they like the way it's delivered to them or how employees interact with them?)

Of course, most shoppers won't automatically divulge their opinions directly to business owners. That said, if opinions can be given anonymously, and there is significant incentive to do so (a free gift), owners are likely to get some really good company-changing feedback.

For example, if your business has a website, you can encourage feedback from visitors by offering them a free product or information download in exchange for their opinions.

If you don't have a product of your own to give, you can find downloadable ebooks with master resale rights* that allow you to give the ebooks away for free at website like Tradebit.com. These items will cost you, but you can usually find several under $10 - and that's a cheap price to pay, considering you don't have to undercover....

*Make sure you read the terms of the item you wish to purchase to make sure it allows you to give the product away for free first.

Need Business Forms? .... Business-in-a-Box

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Although not glamorous or exciting, every business needs business forms.

Sure, there are your basic forms that you can create on your computer. However, we are talking about legal forms - the ones you pay a lawyer to draw up for you - and more complicated forms developed by professionals.

Business forms are so non-exciting that some small business owners go without them until an issue comes up where they need a formal document. Then they don't know what to do, so they call a professional and pay a lot of money. There's no problem with that, but if you want to save money, there are many forms you don't need a pro for.

If you're ready to save your business some money, get ready for some glamour.
It's called Business-in-a-Box.

All you do is download the professionally written document library to your computer - it takes 1 minute. Then, you're all set! No more wasting time trying to put together your own contracts. You don't lose sleep over whether or not your documents contain all the necessary information.

And best of all - you don't have to pay expensive lawyer's fees. All the forms are on your computer, ready to use.

Need to put together a client contract? Use a form!
Need to apply for a grant? Use a form!
Need to write a press release? Use a form!

Need to hire an employee? Lease an office space? Rent vehicles or equipment? Set up your website's Terms of Use and privacy policy?....

That's right. Use a form.

But wait! there's more. Business-in-a-Box has fill-in-the-blank forms with auto-fill features that's regularly updated and available in 7 different languages. In fact, these forms are trusted by over 3,000,000 users worldwide. But who cares about them, we're talking about your business.

Speaking of which, Get Yours Now while they're still on sale - or you'll be kicking yourself on your next trip to the lawyer's office.

Retailer Opening 625 Stores in 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:42:00 +0000

That's right. I read it today.

Dollar General, one of the dollar store chains is opening hundreds of stores an hiring like mad. And as the economy struggles, other discount stores like Walmart are experiencing growth in sales as well, so this may not be such a big surprise. Shoppers are going for the cheap stuff.

However, at the same time, discount retailers Kmart and Sears are closing over 100 locations as their sales deteriorate. So what gives? Kmart's not cheap enough?

Although I have not done an in-depth analysis on the situation, my initial thought is that the dollar stores are giving consumers what they want. People apparently do not want what Kmart and Sears are trying to give them.

As mentioned in this article, the Targets and Walmarts of the world tend to be cleaner and better stocked than the Kmarts, so why would you go to Kmart if you had the choice? I don't know if all dollar stores are clean and well-stocked, but maybe shoppers are so distracted by all the surprises they can get for $1 that they really don't notice.

My point is, it's not all about the money, the discount I mean. Shoppers are in it for the experience. They may not know it, but a large part of where consumers decide to shop involves the experience they receive from the retailer.

Take eBay for instance. Sure, people go there to get a deal, but it's the game of the auction (the experience) that gets some people addicted to buying there. Turn your online or offline business into an experience that consumers want if you want to automatically attract customers and have them returning again and again.

If you like the idea of raking in the profit from your own dollar store like General Dollar is, here's a way you can do it - online. Dollar Days is an online wholesale distributor where you can get thousands of items to re-sell in your own online dollar store - which they will help you set up. Pretty good deal, huh?

Home Office Furniture Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

The top priority and function of a home office is to help people who work from their homes carry out their work so they can make money. The obvious factor is that we need a home office "space" - but don't forget about (1) the comfort of the space, (2) how easy it is is to work in and (3) if the space motivates you to work.

Having worked out of my home for 15+ years, I have learned that your work space is extremely important, especially for entrepreneurs that need to be self-motivated and creative thinkers.

Your work space, including furniture, organization, lighting, sound, etc.. can has a significant impact on how much business you actually accomplish - not to mention the quality of your work. Slapping together a quick workspace without much thought may not be in your best interest.

Many home offices begin out of a small area or part of a room. If we want to accomplish a lot in a small confining space, we need to get creative. Some people don't even need a desk - or have space for one.

Laptop computers make getting around this obstacle a little easier, as do cell phones, wireless printers and working "in the cloud". That said, keep in mind that wherever you work you want to create your ideal space that is easy, comfortable and motivating. Remember, the goal is to make money!

See the 11-step home office furniture checklist here.

Girl Scout Cookies and Entrepreneurship

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:26:00 +0000

Today, the Girl Scouts announced that they're coming out with a new cookie to celebrate their 100th year.

Although I try to keep cookies away from my waistline and out of the house, I'm a full supporter of Girl Scout cookies. Their annual cookie-selling program is a great way to introduce kids to business, selling and entrepreneurship.

It's unusual to find an entrepreneurship class taught in grade school, and many kids aren't exposed to running a business unless they've got a family member who owns his or her own company.

Whether or not these kids end up starting their own companies or not doesn't really matter. However, the selling experience and knowledge they gain are things that can help them build confidence, overcome challenges and have a sense of achievement in the "business" world. Education like this can follow them through life and help them in virtually any career field they pursue.

So if you're in the mood for a cookie or need to buy a gift for someone, remember Girl Scout cookies. You'll be investing in more than just a box of treats.

Getting People to Pay for Something They Can Do Themselves?

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:08:00 +0000

That's exactly what Steve Miller did with his TicketBust.com website. He helps California drivers fight tickets for traffic violations - something they could do themselves, but they are happy to pay him to help them.

Why?

He makes the task easier, but also - many people don't even know that they can get some speeding tickets dismissed or reduced. It's the "fine print" written on the back of every ticket, and it's likely there are plenty of fine print opportunities ready to be discovered and turned into businesses.

Miller launched his million-dollar company as a one-person business. This is another good example of how large successful companies can start with minimal resources and a simple business idea.

Of course, there are lots of services that entrepreneurs can provide that consumers can easily do themselves - mowing lawns, manicures, making coffee, etc.. But as we all know, we don't want to do all that stuff ourselves - it would be great to have someone do all of our errands and chores for us.

Technology has only spurred this mode of thinking. We want instant access to information and we have shorter attention spans. Heck, you expect me to completely read and understand an entire traffic citation - including the fine print?

Are there fine print opportunities that you are missing out on - that could be turned into a one-person business and then a million-dollar company?

Some people, like Nicole Dean, are sharing their knowledge to others for free and making money from advertisers. This way, if you don't want to develop a product or service, you don't have to.

You simply share your tips and advice or experience through a blog-type format online, and you can make money while helping others. More information on Nicole's business ideas

An Easier Way to Get Your Product to Market

noreply@blogger.com (News Update) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Have a product idea but not sure how to get to consumers? GeniusCrowds.com is a website that uses crowdsourcing to help entrepreneurs launch their products by getting feedback from members. They then have a panel that reviews and chooses the "Genius Product", which they then build.

In short, this is a turn-key operation where Genius Crowds oversees product design, packaging, creating a prototype, product testing, manufacturing and distribution. They have a variety of different product areas - from pet products to kitchen items to sporting goods to vacation products to toys and more.

On top of making it easier for entrepreneurs to get their products into the marketplace, the feedback you can get from your peers is really priceless. If your business idea is a flop - you'll know long before you invest lots of time and money into developing it. This takes a significant amount of risk out of launching a product.

So if you think you have an idea - share it!

More information on How to Develop a Product.