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Side Business Ideas (Part VI): Craft and Creative Oriented

DDFD — Sat, 26 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In Side Business Ideas (Part V): Planner/Organizer Oriented, I focused on planner/organizer oriented businesses. Now let's look at craft and creative businesses. If you possess talent and/or crafts skills, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Artwork (Sculpture, paintings, drawings, etc.)
Baked goods
Books (Writing, illustrating, etc.)
Catering
Candles
Christmas ornaments and decorations (other holidays as well)
Clipart and templates
Clothing
Collectibles manufacturer
Collectibles dealer (perhaps more appreciation, than talent)
Decorations
Designs
Event mementos (i.e.: wedding pieces)
Floral designs
Furniture
Gifts gift baskets
Leather goods
Preserves and similar specialty goods
Photography
Soaps
Wood goods

Always be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality.

Next, I will focus on educational businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part VI): Craft and Creative Oriented.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom. He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship. He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.

Side Business Ideas (Part V): Planner/Organizer Oriented

DDFD — Sat, 26 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

In Side Business Ideas (Part IV): Business Services Oriented, I focused on business service oriented businesses. Now let's look at planner/organizer businesses. If you are a Type A, neatnic and have organizing skills, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Basement organizer
Closets organizer
Events planner
Financial planner
Office organizer
Personal shopper
Wedding planner

Always be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality.

Next, I will focus on craft and creative businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part V): Planner/Organizer Oriented.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Side Business Ideas (Part IV): Business Services Oriented

DDFD — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:30:00 GMT

In Side Business Ideas (Part III): Computer Oriented, I focused on computer oriented businesses. Now let's look at business service businesses. If you have business skills, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Accounting
Answering service
Appraiser
Bill auditor
Bookkeeping
Cleaning service
Direct mail service
Info broker
Mailing list broker
Payroll
Real estate agent
Recruiter
Tax preparation
Telemarketing
Trainer
Travel agent
Word processor/data input provider

Always be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality. There is also an investment in office supplies and equipment, a computer, and software.

Next, I will focus on planner/organizer businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part IV): Business Services Oriented.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

Like this post? Check out the related posts for more information. You can also get email notification of new posts in your email by subscribing. Your email address won't be used for any other purpose than to send you notification of a new post.

Related posts:
Side Business Ideas (Part II): Producer/Processor Oriented
Side Business Ideas (Part I): Handyman Oriented
What is Defensive Entrepreneurship?
Why Defensive Entrepreneurship?
Who is the Ideal Defensive Entrepreneur?

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Side Business Ideas (Part III): Computer Oriented

DDFD — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:00:00 GMT

In Side Business Ideas (Part II): Producer/Processor Oriented, I focused on producer/processor oriented businesses. Now let's look at computer based businesses. If you enjoy working with your computer, at any time of day or night, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Blog
Consultant
Desktop publishing
Forum creator
Repair, sales, service
Store front
Virtual assistant
Web designer
Website

Always be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality. There is also an investment in computers, software, and equipment.

Next, I will focus on business services businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part III): Computer Oriented.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

Like this post? Check out the related posts for more information. You can also get email notification of new posts in your email by subscribing. Your email address won't be used for any other purpose than to send you notification of a new post.

Related posts:
Side Business Ideas (Part I): Handyman Oriented
What is Defensive Entrepreneurship?
Why Defensive Entrepreneurship?
Who is the Ideal Defensive Entrepreneur?
What is Multipreneuring?

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Side Business Ideas (Part II): Producer/Processor Oriented

DDFD — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

I thought I would do a few posts on ideas for these sideline or moonlighting businesses.

In Side Business Ideas (Part I): Handyman Oriented, I started with handyman oriented businesses, now I am going to focus on what I call Producer/Processor oriented businesses. I now live in the country-- I don't have to look far to see these types of businesses-- many could still be done by city dwellers. If you enjoy making or growing things, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Bait
Breeder (Dogs, Horses, Fish, Etc.)
Cheese
Christmas trees
Cider
Compost
Cut flowers
Doughnuts
Dump runs and used goods sales
Eggs
Fertilizer
Firewood
Fruit
Guide service
Herbs
Honey
Jams and preserves
Lumber
Meat
Milk
Nursery
Pies
Trapper
Vegetables
Wool

Always be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality. There is also an investment in tools and equipment, property, and supplies to be made in many cases.

Next, I will focus on computer businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part I): Side Business Ideas (Part II): Producer/Processor Oriented .

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Side Business Ideas (Part I): Handyman Oriented

DDFD — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

I thought I would do a few posts on ideas for sideline or moonlighting businesses.

I figured I would start this series with handyman oriented businesses. If you are good with tools and tinkering, and you like DIY projects, here are some ideas (in alphabetical order):

Assembler service
Auto repair and service
Carpentry
Carpet installer
Chimney sweep
Cleaning
Driveway repair
Drywaller
Fencing
Flooring
Electrician
General contractor
General handyman
Inspection
Landscaping
Locksmith
Masonry
Painting
Pest control
Plumbing
Repair service
Roofing and siding
Security
Snow plowing
Windows and doors

Be mindful that you may need special training and/or licenses in your state or locality. There is also an investment in tools and equipment to be made in many cases.

Next, I will focus on what I call, Producer/Processor businesses . . .

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post: Side Business Ideas (Part I): Handyman Oriented.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Self Reliant Alternative Financing for College

DDFD — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Many self reliant people want to get a college education for themselves or others. Today, I thought I would suggest some alternative methods for college education financing.

Working and paying as you go-- May take more than four years, but you have no debt when done
Employer paid-- Usually reimbursed for a certain grade or better
Military paid benefits-- During or after service
Work for the school you attend-- Tuition is usually free or discounted

The bottomline is to "earn" the education as opposed to just financing it. These are a few ways to "finance" an education that help you avoid massive student loan debts.

Another thought might be to skip college for a formal or semi-formal "apprentice" like programs, but that is a discussion for another post.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

Creative Financing for Defensive Entrepreneurs

DDFD — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:30:00 GMT

I like starting businesses on a shoestring (Starting Your Business Fast and on a Shoestring), but sometimes you need financing. As a would be small business owner, you won't be able to have a public offering (sell stock), but you still need outside resources to start the business-- here are some ideas on creative financing:

Barter/Countertrade-- Involves swapping goods and/or services to get what you need. For example, maybe you could trade your computer consulting services for some of your accountant's tax services
Licensing/Franchising-- If you have a brand or system, you could sell licenses or franchises
Suppliers Trade Credit-- You could got to suppliers and as for longer terms before payment is due. This gives you time sell the goods and collect the money before paying suppliers
Client Contracts-- Look to get clients to commit to contracts and possibly give discounts for advance, down, or fast payments
Percentages/Commissions-- Pay your sales force with commissions so outflows of cash are tied to cash inflows
Strategic Alliances/Joint Ventures-- Form alliances or joint ventures to share costs or perhaps provide the financing to your non-financial contribution
Grants/Awards/Programs-- Look for grants or awards, especially if your business is tied to research or is science related
Governmental Incentives-- There may be government incentives available. Investigate programs available for your business

Many times, it pays to use more than one of these approaches . . .

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

This post originally appeared on Defensive-Entrepreneurship.com, here is the link to the original post Creative Financing for Defensive Entrepreneurs.

Three Tips to Avoid Failure When Starting a Business

DDFD — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

When starting a business, failure is not an option, but unfortunately, it is a possibility. I thought I would share three tips to help the budding Defensive Entrepreneur avoid failure. No guarantees, but let's try to stack the deck in our favor . . .

Here are the three tips:

Think it through-- Develop a meaningful, well thought out business plan. You need to have an idea of where you are going and contingencies to deal with the possible surprises and setbacks
Don’t try to do it all-- Get outside professional, managerial, and collaborative help. Take advantage of the synergies of working with others. It can also lead to bigger, faster success
Focus, Focus, Focus-- Have a vision, make a commitment, and stick to it through thick and thin. Persistence can pay big rewards

There other things (luck comes to mind) that can help you succeed, but these are core and critical.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

This post originally appeared on Defensive-Entrepreneurship.com, here is the link to the original post Three Tips to Avoid Failure When Starting a Business.

What is the Fastest Business to Start?

DDFD — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:00 GMT

I think the fastest business to start is an on-line business. Effectively you can start them in a matter of hours.

Starting an on-line business steps are as follows:

Get a unique web address
Secure hosting and site development software
Start building and populating the site with content
Get Google Adsense running (Helps to already have an account)

Easy-- huh? I have accomplished this in as little as two hours.

The real trick comes down to:

Picking the business/topic
Attracting people to the site

This is where the real work comes . . .

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

This post originally appeared on Defensive-Entrepreneurship.com, here is the link to the original post What is the Fastest Business to Start?

Home Security Tips: Wildlife

DDFD — Tue, 22 May 2012 02:30:00 GMT

Wildlife is a home security threat. Wildlife can get into your home and do damage, What can get in?

Birds
Squirrels
Racoons
Skunks
Bats
Rodents

Other wildlife threats:

Coyotes
Bobcats
Bear

Wildlife can be a danger to people and animals outdoors precautions need to be taken. Dealing with wildlife:

Keep your distance
Instruct your kids to respect wild
Monitor kids and small pets
Keep garage and shed doors closed
Use screens or guards on access points
Be careful about bird feeders
Trim trees that could provide access to the roof
Close or seal holes
Use wire mesh to reinforce closures and bury to avoid tunneling
Store garbage containers inside

Go around your home and look for access points:

Pet doors
Vents
Chimneys
Exhaust ports
Cracks
Spaces

Deterrents? What can you do?

Noise
Light
Water
Netting
Cayenne pepper
Ammonia soaked rags
Moth balls
Traps
BB Gun
Strips of foil
Faux predators
Recorded predator calls
Predator urine
Human urine

Remember, they are called wild animals for a reason!

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

Self Reliance Resources: What I Am Looking at Lately (05/21/2012)

DDFD — Tue, 22 May 2012 01:30:00 GMT

Want to know where my head is at? Get inside my head so-to-speak? I thought I would start sharing what I looking at from time to time. I should have done this a while ago, but better late than never.

I am going to deliberately avoid giving descriptions (Providing only a raw link instead) . . . I hope your curiosity is enough to drive you to the link. Here are some of the more interesting sites I have looked at recently:

I tend to drill down into sites and look at related info on some of them. If you know of a site that might interest me based on the above, please drop me a note in the comments section.

My promise, I will do a post like this from time to time going forward . . . I hope you find something good in it!

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

What Can I Do As a Sideline Business?

DDFD — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:30:00 GMT

All of us have thought about what we could do as a sideline business . . .

While I have covered this before . . . it never hurts to revisit this concept. To answer the question, ask yourself-- what do I have to offer?

Skills
Talents
Experiences
Services
Products

Only you can answer this question, but we can all do more than one thing. Sit down and brainstorm-- list ideas on paper. Play with different ideas. Ultimately, you will find the solution.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

This post originally appeared on Defensive-Entrepreneurship.com, here is the link to the original post What Can I Do As a Sideline Business?

Self Reliance and When to Quit Something

DDFD — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Here is a quick idea. On this self reliance site, I champion persistence and determination, but sometimes you do need to quit something. Quit? Quit what? You should probably quit something if it is:

Bad for you
Unproductive
Costing you too much money

Furthermore, it is definitely time to quit if:

You have lost interest in it
You don't believe in it anymore

Put your time, energy, and money into something else . . . something of value.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

Movies for Self Reliant People

DDFD — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Entertainment for self reliant people? Here are some movies with self reliance themes, messages, and ideas:

Castaway
Deliverance
Flight of the Phoenix (Original and remake)
I Am Legend
Jeremiah Johnson
Legends of the Fall
Omega Man
The Matrix
The Book of Eli
The Edge
The Hunted (With Tommy Lee Jones)
The Last of the Mohicans

These are just a few to get started.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.