by Curtis D. Tucker

The recession is here and many hard working people are losing their jobs. This is not a time to feel glum and wonder where your next job might be. This is the time to become an entrepreneur and start your own thriving business!

Control your own destiny and earn as much money as you possibly can. A recession can be a great time to start a new business. Many people that would never go out on their own are now being forced to find other avenues of income. Even if you have job you might want to consider starting one of these businesses on the side. You never know when "the man" might let you go.

These are just ideas to get you started. I will try to come back soon with more detail on how to start many of these business ventures.


1. Residential and commercial cleaning. Individuals and businesses need their stuff cleaned. We currently have a housekeeper that drives a nicer car than I do. Hook up with some small businesses or a network of households. A well organized, reliable cleaning service will attract great viral marketing and can grow very quickly.

2. Professional organizer. This is not about straightening a closet. This is like being a personal assistant. Help busy people take care of their dry cleaning, shopping and bill paying. Set up a schedule to meet with several clients a week and work out a system to help them stay on schedule and get things done.

3. Home improvement. This is a great business and an easy start up. Most everyone needs a fence fixed, a faucet washer replaced or a room painted. Get the word out that you do handy man jobs and your business will grow into a full blown home improvement company in no time.

4. IT services. If you know a bit about computers your skills are needed! I don't know how many times I am asked to help people set up their email accounts. Help people hook up their computers, teach companies how to network their computers and even teach a class on how to surf the Internet.

5. House or pet sitting. If you are reliable and honest you can make money just house sitting. This is a great part-time job and especially works for singles. Get the word out to family ad friends and start your business today!

6. Second-hand goods. Find a really inexpensive location and sell used merchandise. The more unique your items the more word will spread. Keep your inventory changing and you'll have many return shoppers. Auctions, garage sales and eBay are great locations to find second-hand goods.

7. eBay seller. Expand on the idea above and sell on eBay. Although eBay is not what it once was it is still a viable place to start a niche business. Find a product you are passionate about and you should do fine. Create an easy to follow procedure for packaging and shipping and things should run like clock work.

8. Secretarial services. Many individuals now have a computer, printer and e-mail – which makes a perfect situation to help businesses with typing, newsletter writing and many other small office projects. This is a job you can do at home and send everything electronically.

9. Tutoring. If you know something about something this can be a great job for you. Teach students and prepare them for college or teach adults that are lacking in certain business skills. The door is wide open and you can pick your own niche.

10. Web design. If you know the slightest thing about web design you should be able to start your own business. The majority of companies in the U.S. still do not have their own websites! Help businesses create simple brochure websites and charge for updates. Learning HTML is not that difficult and this is a great home based business.

Start your business today! Just talking about it won't get it done. Immediately go to Google and start researching your business idea. Come up with a name for your company before the end of the day. When you wake up tomorrow you'll be enthused and you'll know that you now control your own destiny.

Good luck!

Labels: Business Start-Ups