A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained 

“It is a function of government to invent philosophies to explain the demands of its own convenience.”

Murray Kempton (1917-97) US journalist, America Comes of Middle Age (1963) 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here 

There is such a wealth of information on the Internet that it can often be hard to find what you are looking for or to know whether the webpage that you eventually find is actually any good. A website which reviews other websites is useful for people who are navigating the Internet in search of information. You will find that once you reach a certain level of success then you will have corporate clients prepared to pay you for a professional review of their website. This will involve a formal report featuring recommendations about things which need to be changed.  

Skills needed: You will need to have a good understanding of the way in which search engine optimisation (SEO) and online marketing operates. A background in website design will be important for establishing your credentials as someone with enough experience to criticise the work of others.  You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to explain your recommendation to clients without using confusing technical jargon.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  The main barrier to having international clients will be the language differences. However, this is a service that is in demand all over the world and therefore you could get work from abroad. If you already own a good computer then this business can be set-up for very little cost. However, if you wish to offer very in-depth reviews complete with statistical analysis then you may have to purchase specialist software. Some money will need to be set aside for a marketing budget. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £5,000 (2,000 - 6,500 EUR, 3,000-10,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Generate reciprocal links with related websites
• Use viral marketing techniques such as ‘Tell a Friend’ buttons to get clients to inform their colleagues about your services
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could offer consultation relating to online marketing and other promotional activities.  

Notes: You professional review will be (if you are doing your job correctly!) critical in nature. Due to the subjectiveness of this type of work, the client may not necessarily agree with your verdict. It will be essential that you can back up what you are saying with examples. Also, remember not to give the client any information until you receive the full amount for the work you have completed.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Review Centre
• KillerSites
• Webcredible

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

Association management refers to the handling of administrative functions such as bookkeeping and accounting, or more mundane tasks such as taking minutes at meetings or distributing newsletters. These are repetitive tasks which do not take up large amounts of time so if you are well organised it will be possible to have a number of clients without a negative impact on your quality of work.  

Skills needed: The most important skill you will need is the ability to stay extremely well organised when dealing with multiple clients. In addition, it is important that you are able to communicate well with all your clients. Some basic administration skills would be helpful.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There is not a lot of potential for international business because you will need to work closely with clients. It is likely that only firms in the local area will be your customer. This is an inexpensive business to set-up as no inventory is needed to begin. The overall start-up cost will range from £500 to £5,000 (650 - 6,500 EUR, 1,000-10,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Use strategic banner advertising to target appropriate businesses in your local area
• Become actively involved in mailing lists and discussion groups for business in your local area, remembering to include an eye-catching signature linking to your website
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could also offer to handle promotional services for your clients such as newsletters. If you can attract advertisers to the newsletter then you will generate extra revenue.  

Notes: To avoid confusion or disputes you will need to have a clear contract with each client detailing the services that you will provide and the timeframe in which they must be completed.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Association Management Resources
• Virtual, Inc
• LoBue & Majdalany Management

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

It can be difficult for a small business to know how to get their press release seen by the right media outlets. This can result in the business wasting valuable money on a press release which nobody ever sees. Therefore, many businesses make use of a press release distributor (otherwise known as a wire service) experienced in handling the media. If you have experience of doing this previously or have many contacts in the media then this business could be right for you.  

Skills needed: You will need to be familiar with the press release procedure and have some kind of background in journalism.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  It is possible that you will have international clients who want to outsource their press release distribution, either because they cannot handle it themselves or because they want to test the market. This business is fairly inexpensive to start if you already own the basic equipment (computer, printer & scanner). The main cost to you will be information you might need to purchase regarding media contacts and media research. This kind of information can be quite costly but it will be a necessary purchase if you do not have a media contact database already. The overall start-up cost will range from £2,500 to £12,500 (3,000 - 15,000 EUR, 5,000-25,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Use viral marketing to get people to let their friends and colleagues know about your website
• Promote your service through your own press release distribution channels
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could offer a service which tracks the exposure of your press release across the media.  

Notes: The success or failure of this business depends mainly upon the accuracy of your media contact information. You must also be able to target the appropriate contacts for each press release or else you run the risk of annoying them with irrelevant information.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Express Press Release
• PR Web

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

A monogram is an overlapping motif which forms a symbol. If you are good at embroidery then you could sell your monogram designs online. You can place your entire catalogue online so that customers can easily browse it. The majority of your sales will come from corporate clients who want their logo on clothing; therefore if you impress them then you are likely to get repeat business.  

Skills needed: You will need monogramming experience in order to make the products. It will also be important for you to have an eye for selecting high quality clothing suppliers, as poorly made items will reflect badly on your company. It would be helpful if you had basic web publishing skills so that you can update your website easily.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  The items you will be producing are quite lightweight and therefore can be shipped internationally without incurring massive postage costs. If you own all the standard equipment (computer, printer, digital camera & scanner) and specialist embroidery equipment already there is not a huge cost to start this business. You will need to pay for a professionally designed website and online storefront. The overall start-up cost will range from less than £2,050 to £12,500 (2,500 - 15,000 EUR, 4,000-25,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Reciprocate links with marketing agencies due to their strong links with corporate branding
• Set up a mailing list to communicate with your clients in the future
• Have a ‘Featured Product’ page on the site to encourage repeat traffic
• Develop an affiliate network to generate income from referrals
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: The other main outlet for your products (other than corporate) is the gift market.  You could offer a gift registry service for special events and add-on services such as gift wrapping.  

Notes: You must be competent at pricing your products well and also able to manufacture whilst working within a tight budget.  

Online examples & resources:  

• STITCH
• Bishop Embroidery
• Three Hip Chicks

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

Here are some more business ideas that cost nothing (or very little) to start-up. 

1. Costume Supplies – If you are talented at sewing then you could design and make costumes to order.
2. Car Detailing – This service includes a thorough car wash (by hand) and waxing.
3. Lighting Design – This business involves choosing and installing the appropriate lights for both residential and commercial customers.
4. Special Events Videos – If you have an expensive high quality video camera and enjoy making home movies, you could earn some extra money by filming corporate events, weddings or gigs in the local area.
5. Pool Cleaning – If you live in an affluent area with a lot of private swimming pools then you could start a pool cleaning business. Many people already own the cleaning equipment but do not have the time to clean them properly.
6. Gift Baskets – Customised gift baskets are an excellent present to give. The profit margin is also quite high for the seller.
7. Herb Garden – You could build and stock a herb garden for clients. They may also want you to come back and maintain it.
8. Knife Sharpening - Many people have blunt knives which they never get round to sharpening. This business could work just through knocking on doors and offering the service
9. Computer Tutor – If you are knowledgeable about computers then you could teach novices.
10. Meal Delivery – This business involves taking food orders (such as freshly made sandwiches from a local deli) and then delivering them.

The traditional art supply store is becoming a rarity as more people start to buy their supplies online. The convenience of the Internet allows artists to easily purchase the supplies they need. This is especially useful for people who require uncommon or niche supplies that would be hard to find in most art shops. All you need to run this type of business is a website with an integrated online shop.  

Skills needed: It will be helpful if you are familiar with the products which you sell so that you can deal with customer enquiries.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  This business has potential for being successful in other countries, especially if you sell a diverse range of products. The cost to start this business is relatively low. You will need to pay for the design and hosting of your website and online shop, plus the initial cost of purchasing an inventory.  The overall start-up cost will range from less than £1,250 to £2,500 (1,500 - 3,000 EUR, 2,500-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Become active on the art newsgroups and discussion forums that potential customers are likely to frequent, remembering to include a signature linking to your website
• Have a mailing list which informs your customer base about new additions to your product catalogue
• Regularly write some original content for your website such as art tips in order to attract repeat visits
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could work in partnership with your artist customers to help them sell their artwork. This could be achieved through listing classified adverts or by running an auction.  

Notes: As with every online shop, it is essential that your inventory is kept up to date. If you are out of stock then your website must display this immediately because it is very unprofessional if a customer orders something you do not have.  

Online examples & resources:  

• London Graphic Centre
• Jerry’s Art Supplies
• Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

A who’s who directory is an acknowledgement of an individual’s achievement in their career or within the community. Revenue comes from industry professionals finding your directory and wishing to be listed alongside their peers for a small fee. This is often a way for them to generate business.  

Skills needed: You will need to have knowledge of online marketing techniques, as driving high levels of traffic to your website is essential. If you choose to focus on particular industry it would be helpful if were familiar with it already.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There are no real barriers to this business being successful internationally if the industry you specialise in is global. This business can be started fairly cheaply if you already own the equipment (computer, printer and scanner). You may wish to invest in mailing list management software to keep track of all your customers. The overall start-up cost will range from less than £1,500 to £10,000 (2,000 - 12,500 EUR, 3,000-20,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Become active on newsgroups and discussion forums where potential customers are likely to frequent, remembering to include a signature linking to your website
• Have a mailing list which informs your customer base about new additions. Also allow website visitors to subscribe to this list as it may eventually convince them to become listed also
• Become mutually linked with link directories and websites related to your chosen industry
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could offer your entire listings for sale on an annual basis to buyers who want to make contacts in the industry.  

Notes: There are already a lot of directories online so it can be hard to make a success of this business. In order to keep your directory relevant and elite you may actually need to turn away customers who are not qualified.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Who’s Who
• Marquis Who’s Who in America
• Who’s Who Among Students

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

In the first of a new series of posts, here are some business ideas that cost nothing (or very little) to start-up.  

1. Pet Sitting – For an animal lover this business would be ideal. Often people prefer to hire a pet sitter than place their pet in a kennel.
2. Hot Tub Maintenance – It only takes around 15 minutes to clean a hot tub properly. This is also a good add-on to an existing pool cleaning business.
3. Closet Renovation – People are always looking for more closet space and you could take advantage of the best organiser systems and put up shelves etc.
4. Welcoming Service – If you live in an area with an influx of new homeowners then you could start a service which welcomes them to the area. You would work in conjunction with local businesses to inform the newcomer about the best shops in the town.
5. Flea Market Entrepreneur – Even in the age of eBay, car boot sales are still popular. If you have possessions or even a product to sell then you can be successful
6. Lawn Service – Cutting the lawn is something every homeowner has to do. Many people lead very busy lives and some people are unable to do physical work. If you can establish a customer base then they will keep coming back to you.
7. Childproof Homes – Every parent worries about whether their child could come to harm in their own home. This business would involve studying their home and then eliminating potential risk.
8. Sport Equipment Refurbishment - This could range from buffing golf clubs to waxing surfboards.
9. Computer Expert – If you are knowledgeable about computers then you can make money by doing the things that you find simple such as performing maintenance or installing software.
10. Balloon Delivery – Balloons are a popular alternative to sending flowers. You need only purchase the balloons and a helium tank.

An ezine is an online magazine featuring content written by you in order to attract a regular readership. If you are able to build up an audience then you can sell advertising space within the ezine. The choice of content is up to you, but do make sure that the subject you choose has the potential to be profitable. Many ezines make use of Web 2.0 technology in order to make them fully navigable in the style of a traditional magazine. Subscribers generally receive a link to the newest issue via e-mail.  

Skills needed: You must have excellent writing skills and a passion for the subject you choose (or else it will quickly get boring!). A familiarity with HTML and web publishing programs is necessary – however this is easily learned with the aid of a ‘Dummies’ guidebook or similar.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There is some international potential for you due to the amount of people worldwide who can speak English. You could reach even more people if your ezine gets big enough to warrant translation into other languages. Other than consuming a large amount of your time, this does not have to be an expensive business to start if you own the basic equipment (computer, printer, scanner and digital camera). Your ezine will likely start off looking relatively basic but if it is successful then you can invest further in getting it professionally designed and paying for contributions from guest writers. The overall start-up cost will range from less than £1,500 to £10,000 (2,000 - 13,000 EUR, 3,000-20,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Pay for strategic banner advertising on websites related to your topic of choice
• Become active on newsgroups and discussion forums related to your topic, remembering to include a signature linking to your website
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You are free to sell re-publishing rights to other ezines or traditional magazines. Your writing may also get you freelance work with other publications.  It is possible to generate extra income by becoming an affiliate of a big store such as Amazon.  

Notes: Encourage feedback so that you can better understand what your readers like or dislike about the ezine.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Money Saving Expert – A small ezine which has grown into a huge community
• Zinester – An ezine directory
• Best Ezine – A web award given to the best ezine

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here