Best Money Making Ideas

Motivate with Cards

The cards that are often searched for and popular are the ones that are both motivating and inspirational. You could motivate other people with a few well-chosen words, or famous quotes with original designed cards. If you think that you could possibly inspire people, lift their spirits, and make them laugh, you have what it would take to start a business like this.

The more variety you are able to offer in your assortment of various greeting card types, the better your business will be. Try to offer cards that can be difficult to find in most stores. If your business is on the Internet, you could even offer to print the cards with personal names included inside of them. Your service could also include a program where people can submit designs to be printed up in their cards so that the final product is entirely personalized and unique to them. The more options that you have to offer your customers, the more popular your business will become.

Remember that you will be competing with the typical greeting card companies, so if you are able to offer your cards at a better price this will make your cards more attractive to buyers. You could offer packages of six cards for $10. This would be a great value. As long as you are able to print up your cards for a reasonable price, you should still be able to make a good profit from your card sales.

This would be a great ‘business idea’ to start on the Internet. A Web-store would offer you a large number of customers. This would also offer you the ability to customize cards for your customers. These types of cards would offer much more than the typical run-of-the-mill cards offered in brick and mortar types of stores.

If you choose to start your business much smaller, you could print up your cards and offer them to your local small individual store and boutique owners. This is an excellent way to start a business with faithful customers that will enjoy your special cards. However, it will take a while for customers to become familiar with your cards and look for them on a regular basis. The other problem with offering your cards to merchants is that by the time they are sold to customers, their prices will be much higher. If you are able to by-pass the middleman, your cards will sell at a more attractive price.

Make sure that your cards stand out as unique; this will assure you of regular customers that will expect the unusual and special cards that you offer them. Once you establish your brand of cards, people will seek them out to represent them when sending cards out to inspire people, lift their spirits and make them laugh or feel more understood or loved.

Resources:

http://why.openoffice.org/

http://www.graphic-design.com/

http://www.pumpsgreetings.com/

http://www.cardstore.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Start-Greeting-Cards-Home-Business&id=38590

http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/ideas/greeting-card-business.htm

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/guide/cases/cheryl.htm

http://www.bizine.com/garden.htm

Motivate with Cards

The cards that are often searched for and popular are the ones that are both motivating and inspirational. You could motivate other people with a few well-chosen words, or famous quotes with original designed cards. If you think that you could possibly inspire people, lift their spirits, and make them laugh, you have what it would take to start a business like this.

The more variety you are able to offer in your assortment of various greeting card types, the better your business will be. Try to offer cards that can be difficult to find in most stores. If your business is on the Internet, you could even offer to print the cards with personal names included inside of them. Your service could also include a program where people can submit designs to be printed up in their cards so that the final product is entirely personalized and unique to them. The more options that you have to offer your customers, the more popular your business will become.

Remember that you will be competing with the typical greeting card companies, so if you are able to offer your cards at a better price this will make your cards more attractive to buyers. You could offer packages of six cards for $10. This would be a great value. As long as you are able to print up your cards for a reasonable price, you should still be able to make a good profit from your card sales.

This would be a great ‘business idea’ to start on the Internet. A Web-store would offer you a large number of customers. This would also offer you the ability to customize cards for your customers. These types of cards would offer much more than the typical run-of-the-mill cards offered in brick and mortar types of stores.

If you choose to start your business much smaller, you could print up your cards and offer them to your local small individual store and boutique owners. This is an excellent way to start a business with faithful customers that will enjoy your special cards. However, it will take a while for customers to become familiar with your cards and look for them on a regular basis. The other problem with offering your cards to merchants is that by the time they are sold to customers, their prices will be much higher. If you are able to by-pass the middleman, your cards will sell at a more attractive price.

Make sure that your cards stand out as unique; this will assure you of regular customers that will expect the unusual and special cards that you offer them. Once you establish your brand of cards, people will seek them out to represent them when sending cards out to inspire people, lift their spirits and make them laugh or feel more understood or loved.

Resources:

http://why.openoffice.org/

http://www.graphic-design.com/

http://www.pumpsgreetings.com/

http://www.cardstore.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Start-Greeting-Cards-Home-Business&id=38590

http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/ideas/greeting-card-business.htm

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/guide/cases/cheryl.htm

http://www.bizine.com/garden.htm

Millionaire Yellow Pages

Doesn’t this sound like a fun directory to put together? Let’s face it; it sure wouldn’t resemble that giant phone book that lands on our front porch each year, crammed full with every phone number in the region, no matter how unlikely it is that we will call it. The hardest part of putting this together would be thinking like a millionaire and figuring out the kinds of things that they might typically want to find in their directory.

Combing through several phone books from your area would be a good place to start. Filter through all of the various companies that offer high-ticket items and services. Where would you make the money from this? By offering advertising space in your elite directory, you should make a sizeable amount of money on a regular basis. Our regular yellow pages are typically updated on a yearly basis, but you might want to offer your updated version every 3 - 6 months. This will assure new companies a chance to include themselves in your directory.

This type of directory might also include companies found worldwide. You can show advertisements for Lear jets, Rolls Royce Company, International Museums, Hummer limousine services, elaborate security services, Yachts, elite vacation spots, exclusive caterers, etc. This would also be an excellent directory to offer on the web.

If you decide to offer your directory service on the web, offer your directory to those millionaires that would like to subscribe on a monthly basis. Include tasteful advertising, and articles about various new and old members in the directory service. You might even include background information about various companies that are part of the directory, their customer service values, and customer satisfaction statistics.

With the type of technology we have at the tips of our fingers at all times, your directory could be a welcome place to visit for quick and in depth decision making. You will have to realize that it will take a while to be trusted by your subscribers and users. Once they find your service reliable and helpful they will be happy to pay for your services.

This touches on another subject when building your business, you may want to have a way for those using your directory to offer complaints about various businesses you may direct them to. If for some reason, you find too many complaints about any company included in your directory you may want to drop them. In turn, if you receive a lot of positive feedback from those doing business with various companies in your directory include some of the positive feedback; maybe choose these to write an article about for your website business.

Resources:

http://www.robbreport.com/

http://www.millionairesconcierge.com/

http://www.mauiconcierge.com/vacation/

http://www.luxurydirectory.org/

Memoirs for the Family and More

In times long past, it was tradition to pass on stories of the family’s history to each generation so that the family accounts and important information would not be lost. Unfortunately, the custom has lost its importance with some generations and many of these vital stories have been lost over time. Those that stayed close to their grandparents, or sometimes even great grandparents, often times were able to listen to these stories and would like to be able to write them down before they forget them. This is where you can be of great help and importance to these families; by compiling their family accounts for them in to a book.

You can also interview people who have had interesting lives and write books about them as well. If you have the skill to put the information in a book or memoir, they will be relieved to have you do it. It will relieve them of the responsibility of remembering them all and trying to verbally pass them on to the next generation. Your ability to compile the information, keep it organized and interesting will be an accomplishment much appreciated by them.

You have the option of deciding if you want to specialize in one, or both. At first until you are established as an author, you may want to do both. Once you are well established in your field and sought after by many you can decide to do only one and should have plenty of work ahead of you. If you like doing both types of writing to have some variety in your work, that is great too.

Create books from other’s life stories and charge them for it. Isn’t that a perfect idea to work from? They give you the real life stories; you just have to write them down, arrange them in book form, and then make money from the book. You will never be wrestling with ‘writers block’ for an interesting or exciting twist to a story line to invent.
You will be dealing with real life stories that need to be saved for future generation™s sake.

How do you start a business like this? Maybe contact people that live in areas like retirement communities, convalescent homes, etc. Advertise in your local newspapers. Let people know that your services exist; many will be surprised and may find your services appealing. Do some writing about your own family and show your future customers that you have the ability to accomplish this task for them.

Once you get your foot in the door with this business, word-of-mouth advertising will bring you many of your customers. Remember too, when your customers see the final work they have paid you for, they will probably want you to print more copies for their other family members. You should be able to make a profit from these copies also. Make sure that you write up a good contract with all these options covered and have them agree with the fact that you will be the writer and you have rights when it comes to reprints. Protect yourself and show that the contract is also a protection for them too.

Resources:

http://www.treasurechestproducts.com/

http://www.cyndislist.com/writing.htm

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq87-1.htm

May It Please the Court

Have you ever fantasized about having a career in the judicial system? Does working with attorneys and judges sound like a dream job? Well, there is a way to make this dream come true that doesn’t require a law degree, a black robe, or a gavel. You do, however, get to use some pretty snazzy equipment. In addition, you will be playing a vitally important role in our justice system.

Becoming a court reporter requires specific training. Some colleges offer two or three year programs. There are also many home schooling programs available online. A basic web search should get you in touch with dozens of helpful sites. Some states require testing and certification even after you complete your education. Make sure you check with the proper governmental agencies before going into business.

Another step before hanging out your shingle is purchasing equipment. You will need not only an electronic stenographer writer, but also a computer with special software and a good quality laser printer. Again, stenographer equipment, both new and used, are available on-line.

Once you have your education and your equipment, you can begin moving up the ranks of court reporting. You may start with simple depositions, but with perseverance and improved skill you can quickly become a vital resource for big time lawyers and judges.

The courts especially like reporters who are accurate and prompt. Build a reputation of efficiency and you’ll soon have more business than you can handle. As a matter of fact, many freelance court reporters hire out certain parts of the job to professional scopists. A scopist is someone who translates the reporter’s rough translation into a final draft. This leaves the reporter free to do more recording. Actually, working as a scopist is another way to produce income while making a name for yourself as a professional in the courthouse and legal circles.

The National Court Reporter Association is one of the best resources for information, education, certification, and even technological news. Visit them at www.ncraonline.org to get started to day.

Those who succeed in this field are trustworthy, detail-oriented, and confident. If this describes you and you desire a career that puts you in the middle of legal battles, you may have found your calling. And, if you please the court, you might just make a killing as a freelance court reporter.

Resources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm

http://edu.programadvisor.com/

http://www.courtreporterjob.com/

http://jobprofiles.monster.com/Content/job_content/copy2_of_JC_LegalServices/JSC_LegalGeneral/JOB_CourtReporter/jobzilla_html?jobprofiles=1

http://www.diversityworking.com/career/Legal_Services/Court_Reporters/Court_Reporter.html

May It Please the Court

Have you ever fantasized about having a career in the judicial system? Does working with attorneys and judges sound like a dream job? Well, there is a way to make this dream come true that doesn’t require a law degree, a black robe, or a gavel. You do, however, get to use some pretty snazzy equipment. In addition, you will be playing a vitally important role in our justice system.

Becoming a court reporter requires specific training. Some colleges offer two or three year programs. There are also many home schooling programs available online. A basic web search should get you in touch with dozens of helpful sites. Some states require testing and certification even after you complete your education. Make sure you check with the proper governmental agencies before going into business.

Another step before hanging out your shingle is purchasing equipment. You will need not only an electronic stenographer writer, but also a computer with special software and a good quality laser printer. Again, stenographer equipment, both new and used, are available on-line.

Once you have your education and your equipment, you can begin moving up the ranks of court reporting. You may start with simple depositions, but with perseverance and improved skill you can quickly become a vital resource for big time lawyers and judges.

The courts especially like reporters who are accurate and prompt. Build a reputation of efficiency and you’ll soon have more business than you can handle. As a matter of fact, many freelance court reporters hire out certain parts of the job to professional scopists. A scopist is someone who translates the reporter’s rough translation into a final draft. This leaves the reporter free to do more recording. Actually, working as a scopist is another way to produce income while making a name for yourself as a professional in the courthouse and legal circles.

The National Court Reporter Association is one of the best resources for information, education, certification, and even technological news. Visit them at www.ncraonline.org to get started to day.

Those who succeed in this field are trustworthy, detail-oriented, and confident. If this describes you and you desire a career that puts you in the middle of legal battles, you may have found your calling. And, if you please the court, you might just make a killing as a freelance court reporter.

Resources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm

http://edu.programadvisor.com/

http://www.courtreporterjob.com/

http://jobprofiles.monster.com/Content/job_content/copy2_of_JC_LegalServices/JSC_LegalGeneral/JOB_CourtReporter/jobzilla_html?jobprofiles=1

http://www.diversityworking.com/career/Legal_Services/Court_Reporters/Court_Reporter.html

May It Please the Court

Have you ever fantasized about having a career in the judicial system? Does working with attorneys and judges sound like a dream job? Well, there is a way to make this dream come true that doesn’t require a law degree, a black robe, or a gavel. You do, however, get to use some pretty snazzy equipment. In addition, you will be playing a vitally important role in our justice system.

Becoming a court reporter requires specific training. Some colleges offer two or three year programs. There are also many home schooling programs available online. A basic web search should get you in touch with dozens of helpful sites. Some states require testing and certification even after you complete your education. Make sure you check with the proper governmental agencies before going into business.

Another step before hanging out your shingle is purchasing equipment. You will need not only an electronic stenographer writer, but also a computer with special software and a good quality laser printer. Again, stenographer equipment, both new and used, are available on-line.

Once you have your education and your equipment, you can begin moving up the ranks of court reporting. You may start with simple depositions, but with perseverance and improved skill you can quickly become a vital resource for big time lawyers and judges.

The courts especially like reporters who are accurate and prompt. Build a reputation of efficiency and you’ll soon have more business than you can handle. As a matter of fact, many freelance court reporters hire out certain parts of the job to professional scopists. A scopist is someone who translates the reporter’s rough translation into a final draft. This leaves the reporter free to do more recording. Actually, working as a scopist is another way to produce income while making a name for yourself as a professional in the courthouse and legal circles.

The National Court Reporter Association is one of the best resources for information, education, certification, and even technological news. Visit them at www.ncraonline.org to get started to day.

Those who succeed in this field are trustworthy, detail-oriented, and confident. If this describes you and you desire a career that puts you in the middle of legal battles, you may have found your calling. And, if you please the court, you might just make a killing as a freelance court reporter.

Resources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm

http://edu.programadvisor.com/

http://www.courtreporterjob.com/

http://jobprofiles.monster.com/Content/job_content/copy2_of_JC_LegalServices/JSC_LegalGeneral/JOB_CourtReporter/jobzilla_html?jobprofiles=1

http://www.diversityworking.com/career/Legal_Services/Court_Reporters/Court_Reporter.html

Reading, Writing, and Negotiating

“I™d like to thank my agent.” How often have you heard those words? You may be surprised to learn that the sentiment isn™t gushed exclusively at Hollywood awards shows. You hear them at book awards ceremonies, too.

Who are these secret agents anyway? And what exactly do they do that places them in such high esteem? Believe me- authors love their agents just as much as actors; maybe even more so.

Reading, writing, and negotiating make up the majority of a literary agent™s work.

If you want to be a literary agent, first of all, you must love to read. I mean really, really love to read. And even though there are no educational requirements for becoming a literary agent, you must be well read coming into it. If you don™t have a vast array of reading experiences to compare submissions to, you™re done before you even start.

Even more important, you must be able to read with a discerning eye. Not only do you have to distinguish the good, the bad, and the ugly writing for yourself, you must also appreciate public trends. You have to know a hit when you see it, even if it isn™t your cup of tea. Some agents even go so far as to offer basic editing advice in order to help a story fit a certain market.

Marketing a manuscript is where the negotiating comes in. In order to negotiate with editors successfully you will need inside information and connections in the publishing world. This may take some time to acquire, but it isn™t impossible. Working in publishing or for another agent first is helpful, but not necessary. You can make your own way if you are consistent and persistent.

Membership in the Association of Authors Representatives is a big credibility booster. Even before you become a member, however, make sure you practice their code of ethics. For example, never charge a reading or submission fee. Instead charge a 15% commission. Reputation is extremely important in this business. Check out www.aar-online.org for more helpful tips and membership registration.

The idea that you must live in New York to be a literary agent is a myth. Successful agents can be found anywhere. And yes, you can do it from home. Sometimes you will want to travel in order to attend writer™s conferences or workshops, though. Also, make sure you have plenty of room to stack up those incoming manuscripts.

As a literary agent, getting established is the hardest part. Once you™re over the hump you™ll have no shortage of potential clients. After all, everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone can sell it. They need an agent for that.

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_agent

http://www.adlerbooks.com/mostask.html

http://www.publishingcentral.com/subject.html?sid=16&si=1

http://www.ehow.com/how_2121717_become-literary-agent.html

Reading the Stars

Everyone wants to know what his or her future looks like. They want to know if the decisions they make are right, and if there is any form of bad luck lurking in their cards. All of this is thought to be found through astrology; which proves to be a form of entertainment for some, and a serious matter for others. Whatever the reason, writing horoscopes proves to be one great way of making money for you, so just look at the right market to sell all of your daily horoscopes.

The secret to being successful in writing daily horoscopes lies in writing horoscopes that sound specific and, at the same time, sound vague. They should be written in such a way that the person reading the horoscope should feel that the horoscope has some relevance to their lives. This is the only way that you can actually satisfy over 1/12th of the world with your common horoscopes!

When writing statements for the horoscopes, it is better to use words that are not specific, but instead are vaguer in their meanings. Instead of using the phrase “you will have a windfall of money”, you could say “A financial deal is coming your way.” This type of statement allows them to consider any sort of financial transaction, as people tend to rationalize the horoscope they read, on a subconscious level.

It is always better to use incidents that cannot be confirmed so that the reader will think back on the day, and try to relate him or herself to some incident that could have an ulterior meaning. Like if you mention that the reader may meet someone who likes them throughout the day, they will feel that the casual smile from the passer-by was more than just a casual smile. However, if you write that something romantic is about to happen, and then the reader will be waiting for something definite to happen. If nothing happens, then they will not believe your horoscopes! It’s of no use writing long horoscopes; keeping one-liners are far better and simple.

If you are still not too sure on how to begin writing horoscopes, there are astrology classes in colleges starting up all the time. With these classes, it is possible for you to improve your style of writing and to provide better horoscopes for the reader to enjoy. Whichever method you employ to write your horoscopes, it is very important that the horoscopes turn out to be as interesting as possible, with general statements. This way, all readers will correlate themselves with the matter provided in the horoscopes.

To succeed as a horoscope writer, it is very important that you approach a newspaper or magazine that is well read, and in much demand. This way, you will receive much more returns for the horoscopes you write for these print media. Once your horoscope is accepted by the newspaper or magazine’s readers, you are sure to develop a long list of fans waiting to read their horoscopes being written by you!

Resources:

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Horoscope

http://www.ehow.com/how_2259519_write-fake-horoscopes.html

Query Writing Basics: How to Write a Successful Query

Learning how to write a fantastic query letter may be one of the most important things to learn to become a successful freelance writer. Many publications want to see a short one page query letter (basically a sales pitch) to decide if they would like you to write the article or not. It saves both you and the publication time and energy, because you won’t have to write the whole article only to have it rejected from every market you try. By writing a query, you’ve only lost an idea and your sales pitch. You can refine and revise your query letter and resend it later to the same or other publications. The only types of writing you won’t need a query for are for essays. Usually, publications will want to see the entire essay. Query letters have three paragraphs, and are usually under one page in length. It needs to be short, sweet and to the point. Editors are busy, and you want to catch their eye with your query letter. It needs to stand out from the others.

The 3 Important parts of a Query Letter:

1. The Introduction
This is the most important part of your query letter. It can mean the difference between getting an assignment or receiving a rejection. Most editors will read just this part to see if you have what it takes to write an outstanding article that fits well with their publication. These few sentences need to catch their eye, make them think - keep them away from the delete button! You need to really sell your article here. Here’s an example from a query letter I recently wrote and received an assignment from:

Sure, you take some time out for yourself once in a while: you take a bubble bath, get a massage, watch a movie, etc. But is this really enough for your body and mind? Studies show that this type of inconsistent relaxation does not help you manage stress better. You should be relaxed for most of your day, and make more time for it each day - even 5 minutes can help. Stress and anxiety is a serious problem, causing exhaustion, and even physical ailments over time. Learn how to easily manage your stress and anxiety levels on a daily basis for a more relaxed, better, healthier life!

This was a pitch to a magazine that was looking for various topics, and one of them was health. I chose that category and sent off this first paragraph. Notice how it speaks directly to the Editor? You want them to feel the need for it and that it fits their publication. They also look at your writing skills in this first paragraph. They want to make sure that your writing skills also fit their publication. Always personally start off by addressing the Editor appropriately, such as “Dear Ms. Editor:”. If you are not sure of what Editor you should address it to, simply call the publication and get the Editor’s name (make sure you spell it right!) and the correct email address.

2. Are You the Right Writer for this Article?
In this paragraph, you want to sell yourself. What work have you done that can prove to them you can write well, and write on this topic? This was my paragraph selling myself and my work:

I propose to you this article, and can write many more. My schedule is open now, and I would be happy to help with articles! If you would like to complete one at a time, that’s understandable. However, I can also work on more than one at a time if it’s acceptable for you.
Samples of my published works are available for reading at http://nicoleallard.bravehost.com

I am the Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Success, a free online resource and weekly newsletter for freelance writers. I have written on a variety of topics including health, women’s issues, beauty, fitness, writing, automotive, animals, and more. I have also written a lot of web content, a business plan, an executive summary, and several e-books.

Since they were looking for many different topics, I made sure they knew I could write to them on a consistent basis. I also included the link to my online portfolio that neatly contains all of my published work. I also told them about the topics I have experience with, and that I write a weekly newsletter and maintain an online resource for writers.

3. The Closing
Once again, short and sweet. Always be professional throughout your query. This should simply state:

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your time and consideration! (Or something to that effect).

Don’t forget to include all of your contact information: your name, address, phone number and any other contact information should be at the end so the Editor has different options to contact you. You never know when an Editor may call you!

Resources:

http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/

http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/apr98/keegan7.htm

http://www.charlottedillon.com/query.html

http://www.writing-world.com/basics/query.shtml