Selasa, 11 Maret 2008


Sabtu, 01 Maret 2008

A Highly Profitable Home Business

Let’s face it. America’s health consciousness has catapulted during the last five years. Foods low in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, have topped the must-buy charts. Gyms and fitness clubs have sprung up. More and more Americans at the rate of 10% per year are booking spas and massage parlors. With such a growth, offering a massage “delivered to your door” is not such a bad idea. In fact, it can be a very profitable idea.

For starters, you need not spend on expensive “spa” set-up and equipment because the massage will be done at your client’s home. Most of your staff will be direct labor; meaning most of them will be a massage therapist. You will need only one overhead staff, a telephone operator that can double as a therapist scheduler. You may also choose to do this yourself, to ensure proper handling of customer calls.

Spend a little on fluffy towel, good and fragrant oils and training for your therapists and you’re on your way to start the business.

You may charge an average of $30- $40 per hour. Out of that, $3 will go to supplies, while $10 will go to the therapist. The rest is profit for your home business. Here are two types of massages that you can offer that your clients should love.

Acupressure

A massage based on a traditional Chinese method of cure, acupressure is the massage version of acupuncture. Acupressure massages the body in a way to redirect the flow of energies, releasing blocked energy centers or “chi,” and thereby achieving balance between yin and yang.

To perform acupressure, finger pressure is used on points on the body to stimulate them. This type of massage is ideal for tension and stress pain, constipation, menstrual cramps, bloating and any need for stimulation and rejuvenation. Charge $30 - $35 per hour.

Reflexology

When you see a massage parlor that has a map of the feet displayed outside, chances are, their specialty is reflexology. This type of massage is administered on the feet as it is based on the different reflex points on the feet, which affect major organs of the body. Light to medium pressure is used in reflexology and that in it relaxes the subject.

This is ideal for tension pain and tiredness and helps your clients’ over-all well being, when done regularly. Before starting the reflexology, throw in a shoulder or head massage while soaking the feet in warm water for more relaxing session. Without the soak, charge $40/hour and throw in another $5 for the foot soak.

With minimal set-up and profits as high as 50% shouldn’t you be opening up your dial-a-spa soon?

Being an Entrepreneur as a Young Forever

Summer days literally means dry days for teens. Being out of school means being out of the allowance roster, reason why teens engage and consider getting summer jobs.

For those too young to be employed are most affected. That’s why come spring time, teens scheming for a summer businesses takes place.

Here is a list of small business ideas.

1. Lawn-mowing Services. Grown people sometimes are too tired to mow their own lawn and are happy enough to rid of the heavy work. If the price is right and their yard looks like it has received a lot of TLC, repeat customers are likely to be at hand.

2. Baby-sitting Services. This is a service that never fails. Most working moms and dads would really appreciate this help, specially for those who have home businesses themselves.

3. Semi Day Care Center Services. Teens, with the permission of their parents (and help from some friends), can make their homes a day care center. Imagine the convenience of having to stay home and earning dollars for a few hours.

4. Car Wash Services. People would find it more comfortable to be home and have service come right into their doorstep to wash their cars and be given the service-with-a-smile advantage.

5. Techy Services. Teens are literally whizzes when it comes to computers and it is an advantage. Many people need help with various works such as burning CD’s, converting tapes to DVD formats or even putting up a web site.

6. Pet Grooming Services. Pet lovers can now take advantage of their interest and earn money by walking dogs, grooming or sitting. The local vet may have ideas as to who needs these services.

It is an important reminder that in any endeavor, the teens must consider their safety with the chosen business. It is also wise to make sure that it is done legally, or if any license or permit is needed.

They must also know the basics of setting a business for them to know how to charge properly for their service rendered. And of course, advertise; flyers and word of mouth is sufficient.

Like the adults, teens should also assess themselves as to which activity interests them. Doing yard work isn’t exactly every teen’s cup of tea. Talent is also something that can be taken into consideration. Those that do what they like at their most convenient time will last longer.

Earning some green isn’t the only valuable thing that teen business ideas has to offer. The likelihood of learning people skills, time management, business and financial skills are high. Experimenting with work at a young age leads to a successful future.