1. Bookkeeping
You would have gained considerable experience to run this type of business in order to be qualified. Otherwise, a course does not take very long at your local business college or by correspondence. There are plenty of small businesses who can't afford a full-time book-keeper, so you can pick up work from your neighborhood enterprises such as the car repair shop, news agent, grocer, and so on. A computer will be handy where you can install a popular accounting package to store all the necessary information for you and your clients. It can provide relevant data for the accountant or tax adviser for taxation purpose.
2. Calligraphy Service
If you already know how to do calligraphy, there's a market for your talent among those needing special invitations, certificates, personalized greeting cards, diplomas, etc. Your investment will be for the special pens necessary to do the work. A number of library books can teach you this age-old art if you want to know more. Some local colleges also teach courses in calligraphy.
3. Casual Staff Agency
You can start a high-income business with low overheads by setting up an agency that supplies casual staff of all kinds to local businesses. You need to have a contract or hired people who can take on short-term jobs, such as secretaries and domestic staff, at short notice. Employers pay you a rate above what you pay their workers, which gives you your profit in exchange for managing the business. Contact your local licensing authority to check before starting up to operate this business.
4. Computer Consulting
This provides consulting and training services mainly analyzing the computer needs of businesses and advising them about purchases of both hardware and software focusing on the needs of your client. Direct mailing to small businesses is an excellent way to generate clients.
5. Computer Repair
You can repair most personal computers in a home-based workshop, without the need for very sophisticated or expensive tools, because in most cases you simply replace, rather than actually repair faulty components. Community colleges or corresponding schools offer training programs that qualify you and let you keep up to date with the latest technology. You can offer service contracts t o local businesses.
6. Computer Training
You can set up training courses in various aspects of computers, for example, learning specific programs. Check with local authorities to see if there are ordinances limiting the number of students you can accommodate at one point. Then you have to consider how many computers you will need for each hands-on experience. Advertising in your local newspaper is one way of getting clients. You can also offer a discount if your customers enroll a certain number of pupils.
7. Consulting
A freelance consultant can make money as there are businesses around. Whatever your skills or interests, chances are you can use them to set up your own business as a consultant. They key to success is offering specialized knowledge that clients are prepared to pay for, something that will help improve their business and their income. Consulting areas include: Advertising, Business Management, Data Management, Direct Marketing, Graphic Arts, Interior Design, Internet Marketing, Office and Home Organizations, Strategic Planning, Publicity… the list is endless.
8. Craftwork
There is a market for every kind of craftwork, from hand knitted rugs, knickknacks, furniture and lamps, to dolls and toy – anything you can make at home and sell through art fairs, gift shops, local markets, and in direct sales from your home-based gallery. One of the best ways to market your work is to join forces with other craft persons to form a crafts cooperative. Co-ops can then provide services to members and put together a package deal including your offered products.
9. Desktop Publishing and/or Typesetting
Anyone who has the interest and has the ability to typeset magazines, books, reports, newsletters and newspapers in a small office at home, can setup his/her own desktop publishing and/or typesetting services. There are many desktop publishing and typography courses available. Inquire about the going rate for such services so as to be competitive. There are businesses and individuals who need typesetting or brochures and newsletters. Advertise through instant print shops or contact local businesses, your social contacts, perhaps direct mail houses.
10. Market Research
Organizations, companies, and even entrepreneurs want to know what people think of products, be it their own or not, and would like to measure attitudes towards certain products before launching them. There are many market research courses available at colleges and by correspondence. Once you have the necessary skill, you can conduct surveys for companies, by telephone or by calling personally on potential clients. When all the data has been collected you evaluate the findings for the company and present a report.
