How to Become a Rainmaker

This is one of the best books on selling that I've ever read. You can see portions of it through Google Reader: http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=nVoK8xKDiwkC

Business Idea Center

Find a business that will suit your strengths and interests.

Browse over 970 business ideas that you can start today.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/index.html

The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas

If you are thinking about starting your own home-based business, the available options can be overwhelming. However, there are many tried and true home-based businesses that may be just what you are looking for.

Here are the top 25 home-based business ideas, in no particular order:

1. Personal trainer. If you are fitness-minded, you can start your own career as a personal trainer. Check out the National Federation of Professional Trainers for information about the certification process.
2. Yoga instructor. Begin sharing your expertise with others by teaching yoga classes. There are a number of online resources, depending on the school of yoga that you practice. The Yoga Alliance Web site provides information on yoga schools, certification, insurance, and so on.
3. Tutoring. You can start a business tutoring students by advertising at schools, the local YMCA, and other places frequented by families. If you have children, talk to their teachers and determine the needs of your school district.
4. Business coaching. Have experience with management or some other specialized business skill? Share it with others by becoming a business coach. The International Coach Federation provides certification and a coach referral service for its members.
5. Consulting. If you are an expert in your industry, such as finance, marketing, or mediation, consider beginning your own consulting business.
6. Medical and legal transcription. If you have transcription skills and the necessary equipment, you can easily work from home for a variety of different companies. Check local community colleges or online for transcription training courses.
7. Medical claims billing. This industry is one of the most popular work-from-home businesses — so much so that suspect companies have been popping up on the Internet and in classified advertisements. ELearners.com can help you locate transcription training courses online.
8. Accounting. There are many franchises and opportunities available for certified public accountants. If you are interested in getting certified, take a look at the Web site of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for information on specific state requirements.
9. Web design. If you can design quality Web sites, consider turning your skills into a home-based business. Although the software and hardware costs can be steep, good Web designers tend to be well-compensated for their efforts.
10. Desktop publishing. Do you have a creative flair for putting together brochures and newsletters? You can offer your own desktop publishing services to other small businesses. Software can be expensive, so make sure to give applications a trial run or take a course before investing in one.
11. Photography. If you are skilled with a camera, you can open your own photography studio in your home. Keep in mind that you will need space to shoot the pictures as well as a light-free space for a darkroom if you decide to process your film and print your photographs yourself.
12. Home inspection. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Web site provides information on becoming certified to inspect homes.
13. Remodeling. If you are a gifted carpenter or contractor, you can turn your passion into your own business. The SBA provides loans to experienced contractors looking to renovate homes or businesses in order to sell them.
14. Interior design. If you have a flair for the creative, consider interior design. The American Society of Interior Designers Web site provides resources for aspiring interior designers, including a list of each state's requirements for licensing.
15. Catering or personal chef. Consider starting your own catering or personal chef business. You can set yourself apart from competitors by providing specialized services such as low-carb or vegetarian menus. (Be advised that catering requires a "food establishment" license and catering operations require a commercially equipped kitchen that meets all state and federal health requirements. Contact your local city or county health department for more information.)
16. Gift baskets. Gift basket creation is a popular and creative home-based business. Target both individuals and businesses to increase potential sales.
17. Wedding planner. If you are an ace at organizing important events and have a Rolodex full of contacts, consider becoming a wedding planner. There are numerous online certification courses online, including one from Weddings Beautiful.
18. Personal shopper. If you are a great shopper with an eye for people's personal styles, you can offer your services to those less inclined. In addition, consider providing a gift shopping service for those too busy to shop themselves.
19. Concierge. If you have a lot of energy, a love for the mundane, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks, consider providing a personal concierge to busy business people or parents.
20. Custom jewelry creation. Designing your own custom design jewelry can be a lucrative pastime. Make sure to wear your own creations as a way to drum up business.
21. Computer repair. Are you the person everyone calls when they have a computer problem? Turn this into a business and start getting paid for fixing fatal errors. Check out Geeks on Call America and Rescuecom if you are interested in franchise opportunities.
22. Cleaning service. If you are good at cleaning, consider offering your services to others. One way to go is with a franchise. CleanNet-USA and JaniKing are two of the largest franchisers in the cleaning market.
23. Carpet cleaning service. There are many popular franchises that allow you to start your own carpet cleaning business and receive the equipment and training you need. ServiceMaster Clean and ChemDry are two of the bigger ones.
24. A riding school. If you own your own barn, land, and horses, you can open your own riding school. Equisearch.com offers resources, including some useful articles on liability issues.
25. Child-care services. Turn your expertise with children into one of the most popular home-based business opportunities.

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Alabama Launchpad

The Alabama Launchpad is a not-for-profit consortium of Alabama universities designed to promote entrepreneurship in Alabama. One of the key functions that Launchpad performs is its annual business plan competition. The winning team receives $100,000, second place receives $50,000, and third place receives $25,000. Visit the site to see the "finale video" business plan presentation of the winning team of 2008.

The Allure of Angel Investing

We didn't get to talk about angel investing in class on Tuesday, October 21. Here's a recent article on Forbes.com that describes how this source of financing is doing. Read more...

Wired.com - Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004

According to Wired contributor Paul Boutin, "Thinking about launching your own blog? Here's some friendly advice: Don't. And if you've already got one, pull the plug." I still think that a private blog is a good way to share and comment on course information, though I'm always willing to try something new.

Read more about how Twitter, Flickr, and Facebook are better ways to post your essays and opinions Read on...

Inc Magazine 11 Businesses You Can Start in Your Pajamas 2007

View this slide show on Inc Magazine.