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Freelance and Service Business
"He who wishes to be rich in a day will be hanged in a year." - Leonardo da Vinci 
I spent about a year freelance writing (primarily with Elance) and I enjoyed the experience....mostly. The biggest problem I encountered in the freelance world was dealing with clients' unrealistic time guidelines (I worked a ton of nights and weekends), but the variety of the assignments was both challenging and mind-expanding and it was fun. What killed my interest was the offshore outsourcing phenomenon - I found myself bidding against freelance 'writers' who charged a fraction of my fees - and what was most frustrating was that many (if not most of them) clearly had challenges writing in English. Since product quality is paramount in my world, I moved on. But I'm convinced that if you have superior skills to bring to the table and you're focused on building medium to long-term client relation ships, there are solid opportunities available to you.
Here are some great freelance opportunities to consider: P.S. I've included links for Business Plans where I've found them; I'll add other helpful info links as I come across them. 1. Salon operator, hair stylist or day spa operator: With the right space and equipment, you may be able to bring your loyal clientele from your current employer over to your home based operation. Business plan...Click here to view more details 2. Yoga Instructor or Personal trainer: Into fitness? Become a personal trainer or Yoga instructor visiting clients in their home or office Business Plan...Click here to view more details 3. Home services: with the skills, know-how and tools, you can parlay your experience in home inspection, plumbing, carpentry, contracting, etc. into your own small business. 4. Personal shopper or concierge: Busy business people and upscale clients are in the market for personal assistance. .If you have an eye for style and can tune into people's wants and needs, you may find your place offering your services as a personal shopper or gift buyer. Or if you have lots of energy, love multi-tasking, want to exercise your organizational skills, you may want to hang up your shingle as a personal concierge. Business Plan...Click here to view more details 5. Gift baskets: Creating gift baskets for personal or corporate gift-giving might be for you – you can sell online to maximize your potential sales. 6. Pet services: If you love animals and have the know-how, consider opening a pet grooming studio in your home. Perhaps better still, equip a van to take your services on the road, or offer a doggy daycare service for people who are gone from home for extended periods of time during the day. Business plan...Click here to view more details 7. Freelance Freelance Tutoring: If you’re more into mind than body, you can tutor students at home, at school, or at the local YMCA or other neighborhood organization. Business Plan...Click here to view more details 8. Business coaching: if you want to share your business skills and experience, or if you’re an industry expert in marketing, finance, mediation or public relations, consider starting your own consulting business. 9. Web and graphic design: Highly skilled web designers are always in demand in this constantly evolving field. Business Plan 1...Click here to view more details Business Plan 2...Click here to view more details 10. Legal or medical transcription and claims billing: Search online or check out local vocational or community colleges for transcription training courses. With the right skills and equipment, there are many opportunities for work in this field. 11. Bookkeeping and Accounting: From small home business bookkeeping to Certified Public Accountant level, many small businesses are looking to outsource this aspect of their business. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or its Canadian counterpart, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada are good places to start to learn about certification, etc. 12. Interior design or redesign services: If you have the flair and credentials, this may be the opportunity for you. The American Society of Interior Designers provides resources, including a list of each State’s licensing requirements. 13. Computer repair: Are you the one everybody runs to when they have a computer problem? Turn your knowledge into a paid service - target individuals or small businesses to market to. 14. Personal chef, bakery, caterer: Target a niche for your own catering business – consider low-carb, diabetic, or vegetarian menus to make a name for yourself. Check with your local health department for licensing and kitchen-standards requirements. Business Plan 1...Click here to view more details Business Plan 2...Click here to view more details 15. Wedding, party or event planner: If you are an organizational genius, have the panache, and lots of contacts, consider becoming a wedding or event planner. Check out Weddings Beautiful as a useful place to start. Business Plan 1...Click here to view more details Business Plan 2...Click here to view more details 16. Custom crafts and jewelery creation: Sell your creations locally at special events, home parties, and trade fairs or consider marketing online at crafter’s sites like Etsy. 17. Commercial or residential cleaning: any kind of cleaning service is well-suited as a home based operation. Business plan...Click here to view more details 18. Childcare provider: If you love kids and want to open your home to provide daycare services, this can be very satisfying. Check with local authorities about licensing requirements. 19. Gardener/landscaper: Are you happiest outdoors? Do you love watching plants grow? Do have an eye for design? Maybe 'something horticultural' is the niche for you. Business Plan 1...Click here to view more details Business Plan 2...Click here to view more details 20. Photography: Equip a home based photography studio in your home. Consider specializing in family portraits, kids, or pets to streamline your operation. Business Plan...Click here to view more details
Interested in writing as a work-at-home business, but don't know where to start? Maria Pease knows the ropes and wants to share.
Go from 'Freelance' to 'Choose Your Biz'
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