Start Your Own Biz
KidBiz
February 25, 1998

1. Child Care (a.k.a. Baby-Sitting) -- Rumor has it that this is a hot, hot field. Why? Good old supply-and-demand. No one wants to do it, and families need it more than ever. One Fool says that in his neighborhood a baby-sitter can command $10 an hour on a Saturday night. For more help in starting this business check out The Super Sitter for tips on the ins and outs of what you'd be getting into.

2. Yard Care -- You can mow lawns, trim hedges, and rake leaves. Especially now, with so many people having so little time, this is another kid biz that's in demand. Ask around to see what other people are charging in order to set your rates. Then network to get more business. If a family is happy with your work, ask them for referrals. You'll need a lawn mower and some other tools. If you live in a house, your family probably already has these. Ask your mom or dad if you can use them. If not, offer to do people's yards with their own equipment at a discount. Then save up to buy your own tools.

3. Food Delivery -- Many offices are so busy that it's difficult for employees to leave their desks for lunch every day. Start a delivery service for busy people. Start taking orders at 10 in the morning and promise to be back by noon with meals in hand. Charge for the food and add a $1 delivery charge per person. If you time it right, you could make $30 to $40 a day. You might also offer a "coffee break" service where you bring in pastries and drinks in the morning and afternoon. Also, if you do business with a few select restaurants, you might be able to negotiate a cheaper rate or at least get your orders processed more quickly.

4. Flunkies-R-U -- With the recent success of the small business owner, an entire new niche has been created for people who can do small jobs requiring few skills. Most people who work at home or have small businesses don't have secretaries or assistants, but they almost always have odd jobs that they need help with. Things like stuffing envelopes, making copies, or taking boxes to the post office are all tasks that you could do easily that would give the owner more time for more important things. The key to success for your business would be to have several people for whom you provided these services. If you do a good job for one person, ask if they know of anyone else who might need your help. Lots of times these people belong to trade associations of other small business owners and they might be able to hook you up with others who could use your services.

5. Web Page Maintainer  -- How many times have you been to a web page that hasn't been updated since 1995? If you know how to make a web page, you can offer your services to local businesses that never quite understood that the a successful web site needs to change every so often. Look for businesses in your area and pitch your skills to them.

6. Computer Tutor -- Offer to teach the old fogies in your neighborhood (you know, those people your parent's age) how to use their computers. While you've grown up with them and know all about how to do everything, some people are afraid of computers and don't know where to start. If you're friends with your local computer store, ask if they'll hand out your card to anyone who buys a new computer. Again, network and ask for referrals from happy customers.

7. Coach/Tutor -- Are you really good at something and able to teach someone else how to do it? I learned to play tennis, after I had grown up, from a girl who was on her varsity tennis team. I got great instruction, someone to practice with, and it was cheaper than paying for a class. Maybe you're really good at music. Could you teach a younger kid how to play piano? Think of the things that you're good at that other people might want to learn.

8. Pet Care -- In families where everyone works or where there are people who are still single, it's often difficult for them to leave their dogs alone all the time. Offer to walk and feed their dogs for them. Also, offer a play time so that their pets don't feel so lonely. Advertise at your neighborhood pet stores or in apartment buildings where single people with pets are likely to live.

9. Graphic Designer -- If you are good at art and have a computer, offer to do things like party invitations, certificates of achievement, and banners for people. Schools always need certificates made at the end of the year, and summer is a big time for parties too. Make a portfolio of the kinds of things that you can produce to show prospective clients.

10. Marketing Distributor -- People who work on sales commissions need to have information about their businesses distributed to customers. Real estate brokers are one example -- offer to distribute flyers to nearby apartment buildings telling about how it's now cheaper to buy a house than it is to rent. Or help a stock broker put together a list of people who might be interested in his IRA information seminar. Then stuff and address the envelopes for him. Offer to stand on a busy street corner and hand out coupons for a local sandwich shop.

-- Trudy Bowen ([email protected])