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