Your Own Business

[Soulpieced]

Anybody out there who runs their own business? If not your own or a small business, something along the lines of an entrepreneurial venture that you do to make money. What is there in the world that you could offer that doesn't currently exist right now? The obvious answer is something on the Internet, but the problem is finding something that people want, but don't know they want, and hope someone else hasn't done it already. Pardon my rambling, but discuss ideas here.

[Sylvan Dreams]

If you're looking for only things someone else hasn't done already, you might be disappointed :) Maybe you could consider doing something that you're already interested in, that someone else is doing, except find a way to do it cheaper/faster/better/more variety/etc.

That being said, I'm involved in a comic book store. Not online, but brick-and-mortar storefront. Does that count for what you're wanting?

[Jayvn]

I want my computer to brew me beer and pour it into a custom mug that always remains frosty.

[Jayvn]

On a side note, if you want to sell something simply develop an australian accent and get an infomercial about it.
Crickey this thing does wondas around tha house!

[Soulpieced]

Something more along the lines of perhaps intellectual property. I have a day job, just looking for something to do when I'm at home doing nothing (as an alternative to playing Gemstone).

[The Ponzzz]

I've done MLM, it's not the way to go. Sure if ya have anywhere between $2,500-$10k to waste before ya make money out of, but the products you sell are generally worse than things at wal-mart.

That's all your Market Americas, Pampered Chefs, Mary Kays and so on.

Personally, where do ya live? I want to in the next few years open a internet cafe/hobby shop. There are 0 in the area and the start up cost is small compared to alot of things.

But real estate, ebay listing and electronic repairs can make ya some decent money if ya know how to do any of that.

[Gan]

Doing something at home would probably belong to either becomming an author, coding/creating your own program that you could market to a target audience that has a specific need, or distribution/re-distribution of goods.

I've run through the gauntlet of trying to 'build a better widget' but for the life of me, I can not think of anything generic that I could create that would address a specific need of society that would be marketable and that already has not been thought up. Someday I'll think of the magical item that will eliminate friction from anything that its applied to and last forever. Or think up the next engine used for transportation that will not involve fossil fuels or explosive hydrogen. Or perhaps discover that mysterious element that negates gravity so we can move around on vehicles that float without engines at all... :thinking:

Is there anything industry specific that you've had to deal with that was a problem while doing your job and yet there was no solution readily available? Could you feasably implement a solution that would not be considered the intellectual property of your current employer and yet stable enough to attract investment capital to get it off the ground? Parkbandit I believe is starting his own company based on his industry specific knowledge or experience. I read in an entrepreneural magazine where a guy who worked for a company who produced ATM machines decided he could do the same but by refurbishment because his current employer just trashed the worn out ones that came back to the shop. He's a multi-millionare now.

The internet has been a boom for distributor/re-distribution efforts in almost all areas of the market place. I never knew there were so many battery distributors for those hard to find batteries, or the same for those hard to find cables.

I'm leaning towards writing a book or going back to school. I play the sax but am light years away from signing any recording contract :lol: .

I like fantasy fiction - but it seems that every base scenario for developing a hero/heroin has been covered... from the boy who would be king, to the unsung hero who discovers that he's got latent magical powers necessary to save the world. I'm currently reading the books by the then teenage author of Eragon and Eldest. This kid lives somewher ein Wyoming or Montana and has written good stuff for his first mass published works. [/envy]

Sorry for rambling, but I hope the thoughts help you in your quest.

[Soulpieced]

Ganalon, as I was taking my shower, I was thinking something along the lines of possibly writing something. But then again, the main thing is coming up with a story/title/marketing etc. that will captivate and cause people to actually buy the thing.

And the other main thing is actually having the drive to sit down and write something that's 20,000+ words that has a cohesive storyline. Keep the ideas coming.

[Edited on 9-25-2005 by Soulpieced]

[Gan]

I totally agree. Self help is a good area to write in because so many folks have problems that need help... but to do that you must have come credibility in the form of specific education, licenses, certifications, etc. Although, I've seen many authors on Oprah that write about dating and yet have no credentials at all, just a wierd or eclectic approach and a catchy title. (OMG I just said I watched Oprah.... well, I watch it with my wife, yea thats it.)

Fiction tends to be the best genre to write in if you are not falling back on your credentials. Then you can decide if you want horror, sci-fi, fantasy, war/combat, etc.

Or you can take the JK Rowling approach and make a children's story that is so captivating that as you write the sequels you write them for the same audience as they grow older... and also capture the adult audience who also loves the story. I have all the hardbacks to HP on my shelf (at $15+ a book), and intend to read them to my son as he gets older and hopefully will watch him as he reads them himself.

I've seen authors who have been published in sci-fi.fantasy magazines for decades with short stories and have still yet to have a break nailing the big book deal that nets millions to the types like Robert Jordan. No doubt it would be a long hard road, but with the advent of books on the internet, and on-demand printing/publishing its alot easier done than before where a huge investment had to be made by the publishing company to put a story to ink and cover. My author/idol has always been Terry Brooks... he wrote an outstand series with the Shannara books then backed it up with his Magik Kingdom for Sale series. He was an attourney until the Shannara series took off.

Yep, someday I'll quit investing so much time into Gemstone and dive headfirst into writing my own book. Perhaps I'll use the antics of my son and his imagination as my muse...

[Warriorbird]

that would address a specific need of society

It doesn't have to actually address a need as much as a want or even a "that'd be cool/fun/exciting" or whatever.

[Apotheosis]

Well, first of all, start with a hobby (besides gaming). What do you enjoy to do?

That's the first start, because if you can base a business on something you actually enjoy, then you have a higher probability of succeeding.

It will take a bit of research, but the ultimate goal is to take something you enjoy, and sell it back with a new or better twist. Chances are, there are plenty of people out there who will buy your product.

[Soulpieced]

Well, if you must know, I work in Contracts, and like editing stuff (because I'm good at finding errors). Don't have many other hobbies of note beyond Gemstone that I would really consider myself proficient in, or that I could offer to others. Guess I should just market myself as an NBA agent and get basketball players paid millions. Mwahaha.

[Apotheosis]

well, the approach I suggested was just one of many things you can do.

Are you more of a proofreader or forensic accountant?

[Soulpieced]

Define forensic accountant.

[Apotheosis]

The basic premise of forensic accounting is that an accountant is able to backtrack records, etc. and identify potential Fraud and other errors. In addition, forensic accountants sometimes go to disaster regions to assess the damage claimed by companies and use records and accounting methodology to properly assess the actual damages incurred in these situations..


Esentially it's investigative accounting.

[Soulpieced]

Moreso the proofreading then.

[Apotheosis]

I guess I should simplify the question a bit:

do you deal with numbers or words?

depending on that answer, I have a few good areas to get you started.


meanwhile, I'm going to check out Stagecoach Island a bit more.. look at my previous thread about Wells Fargo
;)

[Edited on 9-25-2005 by Yswithe]

[Soulpieced]

Words primarily.

[Apotheosis]

ok.. try starting an online proofreading business

[Soulpieced]

Unfortunately, the scope of something like that would likely have to go beyond just me doing it. I'm looking for something that I could hopefully do by myself.

[Gan]

College term paper proof reading? There's a thought, but it sounds labor intensive and the guarantee would be somewhat difficult to word legally.

[Soulpieced]

Right, and there's no real guarantee either, because all professors read stuff differently. Just seems like it would be tough to do, especially under time constraints when I work a normal job.

[StrayRogue]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
Ganalon, as I was taking my shower, I was thinking something along the lines of possibly writing something. But then again, the main thing is coming up with a story/title/marketing etc. that will captivate and cause people to actually buy the thing.

And the other main thing is actually having the drive to sit down and write something that's 20,000+ words that has a cohesive storyline. Keep the ideas coming.

[Edited on 9-25-2005 by Soulpieced]

It seems daunting at first, but when you start doing it for a living it becomes easier. I cracked out 4000 words the other day and I was just being lazy to boot. Freelance writing however is difficult, time consuming and unless you're very lucky, it will be anywhere from 6 months to a year before you see any major money from it.

[StrayRogue]

Originally posted by Ganalon

Or you can take the JK Rowling approach and make a children's story that is so captivating that as you write the sequels you write them for the same audience as they grow older... and also capture the adult audience who also loves the story. I have all the hardbacks to HP on my shelf (at $15+ a book), and intend to read them to my son as he gets older and hopefully will watch him as he reads them himself.



You should have seen how many publishers who turned the first book away. And believe me for every book that makes it out there, theres a thousand just as good that don't.

[Gan]

I bet those publishers are kicking themselves a lot now. :lol: Rowling definately had the last laugh.

[StrayRogue]

In some terms, yes. Financially she's set for a hundred lifetimes. Morally...well she's said numerous times she hates writing children's fiction. Heh, it's just like Star Wars and loads of other amazing yet "too risky" stuff that studio's, publishers and financers passed on.

[Gan]

Same thing happened to the Beatles when they came to the US.

Hindsight is always 20/20

[ElanthianSiren]

If you want to be a writer, find the genre you want to write for and find a book.

Most genres have a specific formula that they require. ie: Romance novels. In romances, the males are NEVER permitted to exhibit any qualities other than the heroic male.

In most gothic horror -- the females are not typically permitted to be sexually promiscuous, as it's often marketted toward younger audiences.

In splatter punk -- you must have the obligatory guts and blood spilling everywhere scene copulated with homoeroticism, in general.

There are a lot of "dos" and "don'ts" in the publishing industry, and what Stray said is absolutely true. The majority of books just don't make it. You have to find a way to write the same theme and make it unique enough to appeal to a broad audience. That's tough.

Most successful writers have a daily writing quota. 2000 words 5000 words. It doesn't matter really; some even use 1000. The point is that you have to write if you're doing novels to exercise your brain.

I have actually read a lot of books on publishing, if you're looking for advice in that vein, in anticipation of the hell of trying to sell the series I'm working on if I ever finish it.

-M

[Soulpieced]

Moving beyond the books, anyone have any other feasible ideas?

[StrayRogue]

Porn is good money.

[ElanthianSiren]

Porn is fun to write.

Or did you mean he should start starring? SP -- exposed and personal. I'm frightened.

-M

[Soulpieced]

SoulPorno?

[Gan]

Gives a new meaning to 'The Juicers'... :whistle:

[Soulpieced]

Certainly does. How about something more legal though.

[ElanthianSiren]

Porn's legal, as long as all participants are 18. I think you mean either 1. moral or 2. less humiliating.

-M

[Parkbandit]

My new business, on hold right now, doesn't "re-invent the wheel". I don't do something or make something never done/made before. I simply have a service that I believe will be done better than the companies before me.

[Apotheosis]

Amen to that PB. And believe me, your clients will love you for that fact alone.

[Wezas]

If you're looking to invent the solar powered flashlight, I've already got a patent pending.

Try again.

[Hulkein]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
Anybody out there who runs their own business? If not your own or a small business, something along the lines of an entrepreneurial venture that you do to make money. What is there in the world that you could offer that doesn't currently exist right now? The obvious answer is something on the Internet, but the problem is finding something that people want, but don't know they want, and hope someone else hasn't done it already. Pardon my rambling, but discuss ideas here.

You don't really need to reinvent the wheel. My friend who started an online computer related company started a Mustang parts company like two years ago. This is far from something unique, yet he makes around 30 grand a week in revenue from it.

[Soulpieced]

Now we're talking :!:

[Apotheosis]

Talk to Electrawn, he has an e-commerce business set up as well.. interesting stuff, as well.

[Hulkein]

Oh, and the friend I was talking about uses Yahoo business, just incase you were wondering.

[DeV]

My friend is the CEO of this company he started a little while ago. http://www.insomni.net

This is his current project which he is extremely excited about. http://liquidtoothpaste.com

It sounds a bit boring but he goes on and on about teeth whiteners and liquid toothpaste as if it's the next best thing since sliced bread. I'm not sure about the market for it but he is convinced it's huge and so are the company's advertisers. Just another idea among many.

[Soulpieced]

Any other ideas from people? I'd probably lean towards the online business realm. But the main problem is finding a specific area to focus on, and what to offer.