10 Businesses You Can Start For $500 Or Less!

By Carol Denbow

Long time statistics have shown that 9 out of 10 new businesses fail in their first year. Lack of planning and financial ruin is one of the most common causes. Starting small is a way to insure minimal risk in new business. The founder of Dell computers was a college dropout on a shoe-string budget who started his business out of his garage. One in three computers sold today is a Dell.

The following is a list of just some of the businesses you can start for $500 or less.

1. Housekeeping - Requirements/ household cleaners, mop, broom, vacuum, towels, bucket, business cards - approximate cost $150.
Molly Maids is a multi-million dollar business started with a broom, a mop, and quality and reliable service. I can guarantee you that the CEO of Molly Maids doesn't clean houses any longer.

2. Gardening or landscaping - Requirements/ mower, edger, blower, rake, shovel, clippers, business cards - approximate cost $450.
Some education won't hurt you here, but even without it, how much money did you make mowing the neighbors yard when you were young?

3. Internet sales - Requirements/ computer - approximate cost $500.
It's likely you already have a computer at home so this just might be the cheapest and easiest business to start. It has been estimated that by the year 2020, nearly all retail purchases will be done over the World Wide Web. Getting on the bandwagon now may set you up for a prosperous internet business in the near future. Look into working with "drop ship" companies to avoid up front expense and storage fees.

4. Mobile food service - Requirements/ business cards - approximate cost $30.
With a half hour lunch break, employees at many companies have little time to leave work and order lunch. Providing a morning menu for lunchtime delivery can be helpful to these people and provide a good source of income for you. Your job? Call in the order, pick it up, and deliver it; for a fee of course. Delivering 15 lunches to one company at $3 to $5 profit apiece can add up quick. Or how about a hot dog cart at special events?

5. Pool service - Requirements/ pool cleaning supplies, start-up chemicals, brush, net, hose, business cards - Approximate cost $400.
States with warmer climates have many homes with swimming pools needing weekly care. Service to numerous homes in the same area can net you a small fortune. Business cards on the door or mailbox lets the homeowner know you are available. It may take some time to get a solid clientele, but be patient; established pool service routes can be very valuable if and when you decide to call it quits.

6. Consulting service - Requirements/ know-how, business cards - Approximate cost $30.
What do you know that might be of monetary value to others? Sell your smarts!

7. Delivery service - Requirements/ the car, scooter, or bicycle you may already have/ business cards - Approximate cost $30.
A great business within large city limits. Corporations, small businesses, restaurants, etc. may be in need of delivery services. Whether it is paper documents, payrolls, food, or other items, delivery services can be a steady and profitable business.

8. Painter - Requirements/ brushes, rollers, edger's, towels, tarps, business cards - Approximate cost $200.
Visit local hardware stores to let them know you are available for work and will purchase paint through their stores. Their referrals may keep you busy for months at a time.

9. Handyman - Requirements/ basic tools, business cards - Approximate cost $500.
Depending on they type of jobs you acquire in this business, a contractors license may eventually be required. Check with your local and state government offices to determine at what point you will need one.

10. Daycare - Requirements/ toys, educational materials, bedding, a safe and clean home, love - Approximate cost $300.
This business requires patience and child care experience. If you care for more than three children at one time, it's likely you will be required to be licensed. Check with your local and state government offices for restrictions and requirements.

Most of these business start-up ideas will require an additional two items you likely already have; an automobile and a telephone. But otherwise, they are super simple and easy to start new businesses suitable for nearly anyone wanting to become self-employed.

The key to having a successful business is to do what you would enjoy doing anyway. Make a list of the things you like to do and follow that with an extended list of ways to make money in a related business. Be creative with your business idea, there are many more options available for you than you probably realize!

Learn more about starting a business at
http://www.booksbydenbow.weebly.com/business-books.html

Carol Denbow is a business start-up expert and the author of several on-line publications and books including "Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss?" a 144 page, easy-to-read and comprehend business start-up book. See more about Carol and starting a business at http://www.booksbydenbow.weebly.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Denbow
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Home Based Business - Be a Personal Trainer and make money online

By Yasir wazir

Employ yourself, be your own boss. Do something that you really like. Work at the comforts of your own home. Have more time for your family or do more work as you convert wasted time used in traveling from work to home and vice versa. Among the popular home based business today is becoming a personal trainer.

A personal trainer is a professional who teaches people about physical fitness. Assess individual’s training needs. Design an exercise program to meet these needs. Recommend a diet that is best suited for the individual. Trains people with muscular dysfunction, trains to improve strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility. The trainer ensures that clients executes the movements and exercises properly and safely, monitors the client’s progress and implement changes accordingly.

Obviously, people expect personal trainers to look in shape. Trainers should walk the talk, their image and lifestyle should reflect what they teach. They themselves are the advertisement for their business. This would give them the credibility necessary for clients to trust them. Personal trainers are teachers passing on instructions and knowledge in an understandable manner. One problem with people starting fitness programs is that their interests gradually decline throughout the program. Especially true, if they have pressing schedules or the program gets too challenging for them. Thus, the trainer should be a good motivator, be ready to inspire the client until they reach their fitness goals. Get updated with the latest in fitness and diet. Attend related seminars and training. Read fitness books or surf the net.

To start your home based business, choose a place in your house, which you could turn into an exercise studio. Invest in basic fitness equipment like, free weights, treadmills, exercise balls, and resistance bands. Additional equipment can be acquired one at a time dependent on the needs of the clients. Get certification, there are associations out there providing such and continuing education credits. After certification and setting up your own studio, now you are ready for that first client. Offer your services to acquaintances and friends. If they are satisfied with your services, ask for referrals. Better yet, ask for writing like a testimony, very useful in advertising your services. Get creative with marketing. Give discounts for clients with referrals. Put up a fitness program for corporate people meet up with human resources department of organizations.

As a personal trainer, you must also be skilled in first aid and CPR. Training places undue stress on the client that may cause harm. It is best to be prepared for unlikely but possible events such as ankle sprains or other injuries sustained when falling off balance. Safety is a paramount concern when conducting fitness training.

If you are a fitness enthusiast and you like teaching other people. This maybe the appropriate home based business for you. Transforming out of shape, obese clients to fit individuals is a source of joy and fulfillment not only for the client but also for the personal trainer himself.

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What You Should Ask Before Buying a Franchise

By Sebastien Page

Buying a franchise means putting big dollars on the line, and, for better or for worse, your success doesn't entirely depend on you - the quality of the company behind your franchise also matters. It is therefore important to learn as much as you can about the parent company before you make an investment.

Consider asking the following ten questions:

1) Is it a "package franchise" or a "product franchise"? The majority of franchises are "package franchises" - businesses such as fast-food restaurants, muffler shops or motels that come complete with a laid-out business model covering everything from financial controls to hiring guidelines. "Product franchises," on the other hand, include businesses such as car dealerships and gas stations that exist primarily to distribute the parent company's goods. Understandably, product franchise owners have more control over how they run their businesses than package franchise owners.

2) Does the business lend itself to the franchise model? For example: fast-food businesses greatly benefit from their associations with the brand name and products of the franchisor. Don't take it for granted that this holds true for another kind of business, such as, for example, a car wash.

3) Take a look at the offering circular: What does it say? According to the Federal Trade Commission, franchisors are required to provide prospective franchisees with an offering circular that contains basic facts about the company. Be sure to read the UFOC document; it contains invaluable information about the firm's legal history, business experience and other franchisees.

4) What is the number of franchisees in the organization? The more franchisees there are, the more successful and established the business is. Be aware, however, that if a firm's other franchises are located near yours, you could end up competing with a nearly identical business.

5) What's the franchise fee? According to the International Franchise Association, 95 percent of franchise fees were less than $40,000 as of 1996. However, you could end up paying more for a franchise affiliated with a blue-chip national chain.

6) How much will you end up paying in royalties? Generally, franchisors charge royalties equal to 3-6 percent of each franchise's revenues. However, some firms charge much more, and still others charge flat fees on an ongoing basis.

7) How much money will your business bring in? Usually, the parent company's projections are optimistic. Franchisees may have different opinions, however - the UFOC will tell you how to get in contact with them.

8) Are these people you can work with? Franchising is a long-haul kind of commitment, and quite expensive, too - so you'd better get along with your bosses. Visit the company's home office, regardless of how far from you it is, and ask other franchisees about their experiences with the parent company.

9) How is the franchisor going to help you? A franchisor may negotiate a lease, select a site for your business, advertise for / interview prospective employees, finance the franchisee fee or equipment costs, get business licenses, or provide other services. What will your franchisor do for you? Get it in writing.

10) How legitimate is the franchise company? Occasionally, franchisors will try to bilk new entrepreneurs. Look to other franchisees, the FTC, and the Better Business Bureau to determine just how legitimate your franchise company is.

Sebastien Page is Director of Marketing for WorldFranchising.com, a website that provides franchise opportunities information to potential franchise buyers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sebastien_Page

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Scrapbooking: From Hobby to Business

Author: Santo Gallo

You know that you love scrapbooking as a hobby, but have you ever considered scrapbooking full time, as a business? Statistics show that the most successful businesses are those in which the owner of the company thoroughly loves and enjoys what they do. If you've been looking for a way to create additional income and are a scrapbooking enthusiast, you may want to consider merging the two ideas and begin scrapbooking for both fun and profit.

Some of the benefits involved in running your own scrapbooking business are that the only qualifications that you need are to be an expert in scrapbooking. If you are skilled in scrapbooking, then you have already gained the majority of the experience that you need. If you have never run your own business, you may want to take a business course. This will help you understand the legal, financial, and marketing aspects of your business. You can contact your local Small Business Administration for more information, but you will also find much of what you need available online for free.

There are a number of different scrapbooking businesses or services that you can choose. First, if you are an experienced scrapbooker, you may want to consider teaching others how to scrapbook. This is an excellent business and could be held in your home, or you may prefer to provide instruction in the student's home. You can charge a set fee for the classes, determine how many classes you will give, and also determine a material list that the student will need to purchase.

Since many people love scrapbooks but simply don't have the knowledge, time, or the desire to learn how to create these memory holders themselves, you may find that it is more profitable for you to create scrapbooks for clients. In this type of business, you will need to invest in software, a website, business cards, and materials. Since the scrapbooks will be created according to the client's preferences, you will most likely need to choose the materials with the client. You may require the client to pay for the materials before the scrapbook is complete as well. There are a lot of different marketing and advertising avenues out there, but studies show that the best form of advertising is word of mouth. Create beautiful scrapbooks for clients, and you'll find that business will increase simply by satisfied clients telling others who created their scrapbooks. Make sure to always have sample scrapbooks on hand for display and advertising purposes.

Some people prefer to run a direct sales scrapbooking business. In this type of business, you would sell scrapbooking materials, kits, and supplies to other scrapbookers. There are vendors that provide these materials and many find that these are very profitable businesses to run.

No matter which type of scrapbooking business you choose, one thing is certain. Scrapbooking is here to stay and it is becoming increasingly more popular daily. New shows, magazines, and books are continually being produced that attest to scrapbooking's popularity. Those who choose to turn their hobby into a business are rewarded with earning a profit from a craft that they are passionate about.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/scrapbooking-from-hobby-to-business-356959.html

About the Author:
I have been enjoying the world's greatest hobby,scrapbooking,for many years.To view more articles,resources and tips about scrapbooking visit my website http://www.funscrapbookshop.com.

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Home Based Business Options for Moms

Author: Bizymoms.com Management

Why start a home based business?

It is the dream of many moms to start a home based business. Reasons are many but usually it is because you want to:

· Spend more time with family & kids
· Save on exp. Otherwise spent on commuting, office attire etc.
· Be your own boss

If you’re doing a regular 9-5 job you wouldn’t be able to spend much time with your kids as you like. You will also be stressed out after coming back from your office. It is in such a mood that you attend to the house work and as such your focus will be shifted away from the actual tasks itself. Also there is very limited time to attend to your kids under such a situation. You’re caught in the rat race of life.

· You want more quality time to spend with your kids.
· Set your own (flexible) working hours
· While also making a contribution to your family’s income.

Then starting a home-based business is the best thing for you!

WHAT'S A BEST HOME BUSINESS FOR MOMS?

Licensed Day Care Center Operator

Just one thing before you start this kind of business. You have to comply with the local day care licensing home business regulations. Provided that you do and it’s a field where you have had some experience or were planning to get into this may just be the right home-based business opportunity for you.

Become a Distributor

Many national companies offer distributor or affiliate programs. For a reasonably small fee, the company provides you with the marketing tools you need to sell their products to others. Many moms just like you have found business success through companies like Avon, Tupperware, Watkins and other distributors, direct selling companies.

Pet services Business

There is a growing demand for pet services from pet sitting, doggy day care (while owners are on vacation) pet grooming, dog walking to almost any kind of pet services.

Selling Homemade Baked Goods

If cooking is your forte selling your own homemade baked goods is the right thing for you. Yummy! You may also want to consider offering your services as a personal chef. You will be interested to know about the story of Giada De Laurentiis of Food Network before she became a TV hit.

Image Consultant

This kind of business is suitable for those having a feel for balance, color and psychological impact along with a strong desire to help others achieve a positive image with their targeted audience.

Independent Wine Consultant

If you enjoy being amongst people and are the sociable type then being an independent wine consultant is the vintage home-based business opportunity for you.

Online home business

Last but not least you can start an online (internet based) business. This is fast becoming a very popular means of business and there are a great number of opportunities available in this field. You could start earning through selling goods on e-bay, by affiliate marketing, writing etc. in most cases this could act as a kind of supplementary venture in addition to your primary business as having an online presence or website is almost essential irrespective of what kind of business you undertake.

It’s really simple to start a home business and what you need most is the determination and motivation to succeed. These two factors play an important role and as long as you have plenty of these you are sure to succeed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/home-based-business-options-for-moms-354664.html

About the Author:
Bizymoms.com has been dedicated to helping moms work from home for over 10 years. Visit today to enjoy free resources including interactive message boards, informative articles, Work At Home Internet Business Opportunity, hundreds of work at home ideas, and of course help and advice from the Bizymoms’ Home Business Support Team!

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10 Work At Home Jobs You Can Do

By Kenneth Shorey

With more and more companies trying to cut costs, the number of people turning to home based jobs is also increasing. Search on the Internet for home jobs and you will be rewarded with ample information and links to various websites, citing about the various advantages of making money online. Most of these sites would require you to pay a small fee, while some don't. Either way, working from home has been increasingly popular. Sick of searching for the right kind of job? Here, we have 10 work at home jobs you can do, especially recommended for all stay home moms or those who are just in need of extra cash.

Book keeping is a legitimate Work at home job that is gaining popularity recently. Small companies are finding it increasingly more economical to outsource their bookkeeping needs to contractors.

The most common ones would be data entry jobs. These jobs would require you to process data into a program. You will be required to enter information into a database. It seems pretty easy to go about doing it, but this job would require some level of precision and speed.

It seems almost impossible to get yourself hired for the purpose of shopping. But nowadays, Mystery shopping is another popular option in the list of legitimate work from home jobs. These mystery shoppers would visit businesses, acting as ordinary customers and then provide detailed evaluations of their experience in report form.

Billing is also one of the popular jobs available over the Web. It has quite a broad scope, comprising of hospital collection clerks, and medical billing clerks for example.

They also offer Internet research as legitimate work at home. You just need to do simple research assignments. For instance, your task would require you to visit a particular website and collate info that is relevant to the given assignment.

At-home telemarketing jobs are best suited for those who feel at ease speaking to customers and selling goods and services over the phone. Some companies might only be hiring employees that have telemarketing or sales experience, but some are willing to train the right people.

As for work-from-home customer service position, it will require some prior customer service experience. You will be required to answer customer questions, take note of reservations, etc. As such, it is necessary that you have excellent data entry and typing skills.

Typing jobs are also popular. You are sometimes required to type out articles that are to be posted on a web page or blogs. This job is definitely recommended for stay home moms. You have enough time to write nice stories and poems to be published over the Internet.

Online surveys. This job would require you to fill in survey forms. Fast and easy. The more you fill, the more money you will get. If you recommend it to your friend, your income will double. Depending on which website you sign up with.

Lastly, there are also tutor coordinators that allow you to match tutors and tutee, at the comfort of you own home.

There are loads more options for you to choose from. This list is definitely not exhaustive. Try looking for a job that suits your interest the most and you will find working it a breeze.

Kenneth Shorey is an expert providing valuable advice at http://ez-work-at-home.net. He has been teaching thousands how to work at home on the internet to earn a good income. Click Here to get FREE business tips on making money at home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Shorey

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Low Cost Home Based Business Ideas

Author: Brice Mattson

Home businesses can be expensive, but there are businesses that don't cost much to start as well. Here are a few ideas.

One inexpensive way to start a home business is to set up a website. The site can be used to sell a product or to give information. With an information site, you can make money by joining an affiliate program. Setting up a website can cost well under $100, and can even be free, but you will spend a lot of time marketing your site. If you know nothing about internet marketing, there are websites and books that can help.

Another home business idea on a budget is selling at online auctions. If you start small, the cost in both time and dollars is minimal. Begin with items you don't want around your house anymore, or buy a few items at garage sales. Sell a product you make if that appeals to you. Eventually you can connect with a wholesaler, possibly one who will dropship items. This takes away all the work of wrapping and shipping your products.

If you have typing skills, offer them to local businesses. Often there is a need, and businesses can get it cheaper paying you by the job rather than hiring an employee and paying benefits.

Consider tutoring on a subject you know well. This can be an academic subject or a creative subject, such as music. If you do this in your home you will have very little, if any, startup costs.

Think of what you know and like to do best. Then find a way to offer these services or information to the public. Find a home business idea on your budget and start doing what you want to do.

About the Author:

To Get the Best Home Based Business Ideas, Opportunities and Articles visit: http://www.siriusfreehomebiz.com

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