I just came across this article and you have to read here. A person took the simple idea of having a garage sale and turned it into a million dollars. Does it make a bigger impact if you see the number $1,000,000? Pretty good number, huh?
He started when he was only seven years old by going to garage sales. But, he believes any time is a good time to start. He gives advice on how to have a successful garage sale. BIG tip: Lot's of signs. You've got to let folks know where they can buy, right?
Then, it's a matter of turning the money made from your garage sale into more. Can it be a cool million dollars? That's not the question. The real question is what are you going to do with it?
I know I will get into this in a later post, but I had to share it with you asap.
You can do this - really!
Showing posts with label easy money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label easy money. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Easy Solutions - Making Money #2
People
love their dogs - that is just a fact. And, they want them to be cared for and
cared about.
What else can do with dogs? Walk them.
Walking dogs is a big business in some major cities like New York. We've all seen pictures of a person walking what looks like 12 dogs at once. It does not have to be that way. You can walk fewer dogs and still make decent money.
Why walk dogs? Because, like people, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. They need to get out and see what's going on in the neighborhood. And, people's workdays are getting longer so the time to walk their dog is really limited. Enter a dog walker.
What will you need? A love of dogs - all kinds of dogs. A few strong leashes, unless the leash is provided by the dog's guardian. Decent shoes - you will be walking a lot. A sense of adventure - because like mail delivery you will be walking dogs in all sorts of weather. And, be a good neighbor - pick up after the dogs. Oh, yes, don't forget to keep dog treats with you at all times in your pocket or a bag - remember to keep your hands free.
Figure out how much you want to charge. Start a bit low so you can get some first clients. You will probably know your first clients, so start by calling friends and neighbors, let them know you are going to walk dogs.
Remember to meet the dogs you will walk - literally interview them. Make sure you get along with the dog before committing to walking it. Also, find out what training the dog has had and what words they respond to. You can walk dogs in the morning and in the afternoon.
Again, I found a book you might want to consider if you want to walk dogs. It's titled The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business. There are also articles available on the internet that have valuable information.
The money? Figure about $10.00 to $20.00 per dog per walk. And, that is with a group of dogs. For a private walk think around $20 or $30 – and higher in some areas. I'd think about giving a discount if you take the same dogs out twice per day, but that's up to you. However you price your service, be very careful not to price it too high.
Be selective in the dogs you choose to walk. Make sure you get along with the dog and the dog likes you. If you think there will be a problem - don't take the dog. Being selective can be a very good thing for your business.
If you take two or three dogs out - make sure they get along!
Think about add-on services you can offer clients. Training is a natural if you know what you are doing and have experience. Grooming is another - even just bathing a dog is an add-on service.
You can live in the city or in a suburb. Almost anywhere people have dogs as pets. In fact, I was just talking with a friend the other day who lives in a middle class section of Southern California. I would have never expected a dog walker to be active in his neighborhood, but what do I know? He told me about seeing a woman walking several dogs twice a day and that he had talked with her. Why was she walking the dogs? She had a business - it was her job to walk them!
What else can do with dogs? Walk them.
Walking dogs is a big business in some major cities like New York. We've all seen pictures of a person walking what looks like 12 dogs at once. It does not have to be that way. You can walk fewer dogs and still make decent money.
Why walk dogs? Because, like people, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. They need to get out and see what's going on in the neighborhood. And, people's workdays are getting longer so the time to walk their dog is really limited. Enter a dog walker.
What will you need? A love of dogs - all kinds of dogs. A few strong leashes, unless the leash is provided by the dog's guardian. Decent shoes - you will be walking a lot. A sense of adventure - because like mail delivery you will be walking dogs in all sorts of weather. And, be a good neighbor - pick up after the dogs. Oh, yes, don't forget to keep dog treats with you at all times in your pocket or a bag - remember to keep your hands free.
Figure out how much you want to charge. Start a bit low so you can get some first clients. You will probably know your first clients, so start by calling friends and neighbors, let them know you are going to walk dogs.
Remember to meet the dogs you will walk - literally interview them. Make sure you get along with the dog before committing to walking it. Also, find out what training the dog has had and what words they respond to. You can walk dogs in the morning and in the afternoon.
Again, I found a book you might want to consider if you want to walk dogs. It's titled The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business. There are also articles available on the internet that have valuable information.
The money? Figure about $10.00 to $20.00 per dog per walk. And, that is with a group of dogs. For a private walk think around $20 or $30 – and higher in some areas. I'd think about giving a discount if you take the same dogs out twice per day, but that's up to you. However you price your service, be very careful not to price it too high.
Be selective in the dogs you choose to walk. Make sure you get along with the dog and the dog likes you. If you think there will be a problem - don't take the dog. Being selective can be a very good thing for your business.
If you take two or three dogs out - make sure they get along!
Think about add-on services you can offer clients. Training is a natural if you know what you are doing and have experience. Grooming is another - even just bathing a dog is an add-on service.
You can live in the city or in a suburb. Almost anywhere people have dogs as pets. In fact, I was just talking with a friend the other day who lives in a middle class section of Southern California. I would have never expected a dog walker to be active in his neighborhood, but what do I know? He told me about seeing a woman walking several dogs twice a day and that he had talked with her. Why was she walking the dogs? She had a business - it was her job to walk them!
It
just goes to show you that this can be done almost anywhere.
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Easy Solutions for Making Money - Garage Sale
You know, like everything else in life, having a successful garage sale takes a bit of preparation, but it can be time well spent when you are counting money at the end of the day.
Everyone seems to have extra 'stuff' they are willing to part with for a price. And, when times are tight, you might even part with more stuff to make some extra money.
How much am I talking about? Well, that all depends on what you have for sale, your neighborhood, if you do a bit of advertising, how you display your items, and whether or not you know your market. Lots to know to have a successful garage sale, huh?
Here are a couple of books about having a garage sale:
Everything You Need to Know...
Garage Sale Magic
And there is information available on the Internet:
About Garage Sales
Plus a whole lot more. But please remember, just because it's on the internet it isn't always right. Always evaluate what you are reading and the information you are receiving.
The Basics
Decide what you want to sell.
Decide when you want to sell it - weekends work best.
Post signage where it will be seen. don't be afraid to post signs on streets that get enough traffic so you will let people know you are having a sale. Post signs at least one day, and two days are better, before you have your sale.
If you have valuable items for sale, think about posting to Craigslist.com to let folks know about your garage sale (it's free) and putting flyers up where people will see them. The more people that know about your sale, the more people will come by.
Watch the weather as the day gets closer. If it gets bad, at least post a sign that the garage sale was postponed and let people know the re-scheduled date. That's just being courteous.
Decide the prices ahead of time. And, decide on a pricing strategy - what offers will you take? What if people buy several items - will you provide a discount?
Price items before you put them out - several days in advance of your sale. There will be enough to do just setting up your items - don't think you can set-up and price on the same morning.
Be set-up on time. Remember, it's your store and you posted hours of operation. Be ready to go on time which means everything is out and displayed.
Speaking of display. Take a bit of time to think about how you want to display your items. I have seen items neatly displayed - almost as if it were a display in a store. And, I have seen items that seemed to have been thrown out there in piles. Both methods can be successful depending on what you have for sale and who you attract as customers. If you have time, take a look at several garage sales and see how they are displaying items, hang around long enough to see if they are selling items, and talk with the people having the sale.
The Big Day
It's here. Your big sale day. The signs are out. You have even posted some flyers. You have some great stuff for sale. And, you are ready to make several hundred dollars, or more. Just do one thing - Show Up. It's kind of important that you are out to greet potential customers and are available to take their money. Don't laugh. I don't know how many garage sales I have driven by and seen a lot of stuff, but nobody around to take money. Show Up.
Be ready to sell. Know where you will deal and how you are going to deal to make sure you make money. Have a few dollars in your pocket for change - $1's, $5's and maybe a $10. If you can't make change, maybe you can offer something extra to sell you don't have to make change.
Have fun. Be kind. Smile. Don't bother people as they look. If an item has a story that might influence a sale, tell them the story, but keep it short.
Make money.
It might sound a bit more involved and take a bit extra planning, but that is the difference between a successful garage sale and just sitting in your driveway for an entire day and have nothing to show for it.
Good Luck and God Bless. Let me know how you do.
Everyone seems to have extra 'stuff' they are willing to part with for a price. And, when times are tight, you might even part with more stuff to make some extra money.
How much am I talking about? Well, that all depends on what you have for sale, your neighborhood, if you do a bit of advertising, how you display your items, and whether or not you know your market. Lots to know to have a successful garage sale, huh?
Here are a couple of books about having a garage sale:
Everything You Need to Know...
Garage Sale Magic
And there is information available on the Internet:
About Garage Sales
Plus a whole lot more. But please remember, just because it's on the internet it isn't always right. Always evaluate what you are reading and the information you are receiving.
The Basics
Decide what you want to sell.
Decide when you want to sell it - weekends work best.
Post signage where it will be seen. don't be afraid to post signs on streets that get enough traffic so you will let people know you are having a sale. Post signs at least one day, and two days are better, before you have your sale.
If you have valuable items for sale, think about posting to Craigslist.com to let folks know about your garage sale (it's free) and putting flyers up where people will see them. The more people that know about your sale, the more people will come by.
Watch the weather as the day gets closer. If it gets bad, at least post a sign that the garage sale was postponed and let people know the re-scheduled date. That's just being courteous.
Decide the prices ahead of time. And, decide on a pricing strategy - what offers will you take? What if people buy several items - will you provide a discount?
Price items before you put them out - several days in advance of your sale. There will be enough to do just setting up your items - don't think you can set-up and price on the same morning.
Be set-up on time. Remember, it's your store and you posted hours of operation. Be ready to go on time which means everything is out and displayed.
Speaking of display. Take a bit of time to think about how you want to display your items. I have seen items neatly displayed - almost as if it were a display in a store. And, I have seen items that seemed to have been thrown out there in piles. Both methods can be successful depending on what you have for sale and who you attract as customers. If you have time, take a look at several garage sales and see how they are displaying items, hang around long enough to see if they are selling items, and talk with the people having the sale.
The Big Day
It's here. Your big sale day. The signs are out. You have even posted some flyers. You have some great stuff for sale. And, you are ready to make several hundred dollars, or more. Just do one thing - Show Up. It's kind of important that you are out to greet potential customers and are available to take their money. Don't laugh. I don't know how many garage sales I have driven by and seen a lot of stuff, but nobody around to take money. Show Up.
Be ready to sell. Know where you will deal and how you are going to deal to make sure you make money. Have a few dollars in your pocket for change - $1's, $5's and maybe a $10. If you can't make change, maybe you can offer something extra to sell you don't have to make change.
Have fun. Be kind. Smile. Don't bother people as they look. If an item has a story that might influence a sale, tell them the story, but keep it short.
Make money.
It might sound a bit more involved and take a bit extra planning, but that is the difference between a successful garage sale and just sitting in your driveway for an entire day and have nothing to show for it.
Good Luck and God Bless. Let me know how you do.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Easy Extra Money
Need a little easy extra money? Just a few more dollars a month, maybe? You are not alone.
You know, unemployment is still up around 10 or 11% - probably higher since so many have become ineligible to collect benefits. If you include 'under-employment' - those folks who are working but earning much less than they once did,or are working in a job for which they are way over qualified, and the number gets to be somewhere around 17% - at the low end. Truthfully, nobody really knows how many are unemployed or under-employed.
From time to time I am going to offer easy ways to make the bit extra you need. And, the great thing is that almost any idea I offer can be expanded into full-time. Be your own boss. Build your own business and you can never be laid-off. Wow!
My oldest son has several dogs. He might even be called a rancher. And, while he loves his dogs; he does not love picking up after them. Which means there's an opportunity for you!
There's gold in that poop!
Yep, you got it. Picking up dog poop in someone's yard can mean real money. Look, a lot of people are working 10 to 12 hours a day and really don't want to come home to clean-up after their dog, or dogs. So,what do they do? They leave it until the weekend. Just think of the job they are confronted with. A week's worth of dog poop. I just can't think of a thing I would rather be doing on a Saturday than cleaning-up after my dog. Even little dogs can poop in prodigious amounts!
Do you like dogs? Do you want to make folks' lives a little better? Do you want to earn a little easy extra money? Well, start a neighborhood poop patrol.
What will you need? Gloves, scooper (obvious, huh?), bags for poop, and a keen eye. Let your friends know what you are doing and put out flyers in your neighborhood - make sure you give it a chance and hand out several hundred. More on flyers in some future blog - just keep them simple for now. The service you offer. Your name. Contact information.
How much to charge for this service? Find out what the national companies are charging. (Yes, there are franchises available for this service so you have to know there is money in it.) Charge less than they do. In fact, give your first customers a real break in price - the are going to become your best advertisers if you serve them and their dog(s) well.
You want a little easy extra money? This is as easy as...well, poop.
You know, unemployment is still up around 10 or 11% - probably higher since so many have become ineligible to collect benefits. If you include 'under-employment' - those folks who are working but earning much less than they once did,or are working in a job for which they are way over qualified, and the number gets to be somewhere around 17% - at the low end. Truthfully, nobody really knows how many are unemployed or under-employed.
From time to time I am going to offer easy ways to make the bit extra you need. And, the great thing is that almost any idea I offer can be expanded into full-time. Be your own boss. Build your own business and you can never be laid-off. Wow!
My oldest son has several dogs. He might even be called a rancher. And, while he loves his dogs; he does not love picking up after them. Which means there's an opportunity for you!
There's gold in that poop!
Yep, you got it. Picking up dog poop in someone's yard can mean real money. Look, a lot of people are working 10 to 12 hours a day and really don't want to come home to clean-up after their dog, or dogs. So,what do they do? They leave it until the weekend. Just think of the job they are confronted with. A week's worth of dog poop. I just can't think of a thing I would rather be doing on a Saturday than cleaning-up after my dog. Even little dogs can poop in prodigious amounts!
Do you like dogs? Do you want to make folks' lives a little better? Do you want to earn a little easy extra money? Well, start a neighborhood poop patrol.
What will you need? Gloves, scooper (obvious, huh?), bags for poop, and a keen eye. Let your friends know what you are doing and put out flyers in your neighborhood - make sure you give it a chance and hand out several hundred. More on flyers in some future blog - just keep them simple for now. The service you offer. Your name. Contact information.
How much to charge for this service? Find out what the national companies are charging. (Yes, there are franchises available for this service so you have to know there is money in it.) Charge less than they do. In fact, give your first customers a real break in price - the are going to become your best advertisers if you serve them and their dog(s) well.
You want a little easy extra money? This is as easy as...well, poop.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)