| k"> | | | | targeting a mid- to high-end market, she offered |
| Most of the big companies we know and respect | | | | a home-based business providing both wine |
| today started small. Banana Republic, Microsoft, | | | | tastings and relaxing massages. Food and |
| McDonald'sÖ Even Coca-Cola started out as a | | | | something moreEverybody eats. This is why no |
| concentrated drink dispensed from drug store | | | | matter how badly the economy is doing, there's |
| shelves. But look at how far they've come! So | | | | always someone somewhere starting a food or |
| if you're someone dreaming of owning a big | | | | restaurant business. You donít have to start |
| corporation someday, donít be afraid to be the | | | | big at all. This is a small business opportunity you |
| little guy. There are small business opportunities | | | | can start right in the comfort of your own home |
| you can start today that you can build on later. | | | | if you want to cut down on the rent and other |
| Take a look at some of these opportunities that | | | | overhead expenses. To compete, offer |
| just might be the ticket to success and wealth | | | | something with a twist ñ something that is |
| for you:DesignDesign can cover different | | | | yummy but different, something that will stand |
| industries ñ arts, music, media, advertising, even | | | | out. Matisse and Jack's in San Francisco, for |
| construction. If you have an eye for detail and a | | | | example, is a small business that offers delicious |
| creative mind, you could start a small business as | | | | baked snacks using healthful, organic and all-natural |
| a designer. You will need to invest in some | | | | ingredients. Or if you prefer good old comfort |
| equipment and materials, however, such as a | | | | food, do so with a blast. Reese's Chicken Pot |
| computer, design software, scanner, color printer | | | | Pies in Detroit uses chunky cuts of chicken |
| which can handle high resolutions and paper | | | | breast, a flaky, light outer crust and gravy so |
| materials. For clients, you can target | | | | special, its recipe is kept secret.Job network and |
| neighborhoods, communities or even companies. | | | | placementAs a small business, a job network and |
| Michael Fallone and Doug Bartow co-own id29, a | | | | placement agency can offer plenty in terms of |
| small design company but they werenít afraid | | | | revenue. Plus, you'll be doing a great service |
| to take on the big guys. Their chutzpah worked. | | | | both for your clients and the people for whom |
| In 2007, the firm (which has only four | | | | you help find jobs. To succeed in this business, |
| employees) announced that they were looking at | | | | you need to have a strong network of contacts |
| $1 million in sales.Personal care serviceYou could | | | | among companies, an understanding of the |
| sell personal care products that people can use by | | | | industry and lots of business savvy.One of the |
| themselves but you can also sell a service that | | | | more successful of companies that took this small |
| takes that responsibility away from them. Yup, | | | | business opportunity is MSI (Medical Solutions |
| people like to be pampered, regardless of their | | | | International). This is a nursing placement service |
| age, gender or background. And if you throw in | | | | that provides short-term jobs for nurses in |
| something extra, something that will make it | | | | medical facilities. It now operates in the U.S. and |
| more luxurious for them, they'll come running. | | | | internationally and currently has over 10,000 RNs |
| Take for example Kelly McElroy, owner of | | | | in its network. It has grown phenomenally, |
| Massage & Merlot in Colorado, who started her | | | | grossing over $3 million in 2005. In 2006, its |
| small business by combining two of her interests: | | | | gross revenue went over $11 million. So who |
| wine consultancy and massage therapy. By | | | | says small can't get bigger? |