11 Ideas For Service Businesses

The best part is that many of these opportunities can begin as part-time money and balloon into a huge source of income. Here are a few ideas:

Day Care-Child care is in huge demand as more women are working outside the home. Because of the going rate of daycare, it is one of the most profitable opportunities for stay-at-home moms, and one of the most popular choices among minorities. In addition to caring for children throughout the day, many parents prefer their children to be supervised after school until they get home from work. Providing an after-school service helps retain customers after younger children start school. For pricing in your area, pick up the phone and call some local daycare centers. You may need to set your prices slightly lower to begin with and be aware of any local laws that govern childcare services.

Cosmetologist-Although a few bucks for haircuts might not sound like a lot, think about how much it costs to have your hair colored. Add that to the occasional nail fill, product sales and think again. Like other service-based businesses, cosmetology is based on repeat business, so the right personality, skills, and location can turn a few bucks on the side into a thriving business. A license is required in most areas.

Call Center-While there are huge outcries about customer service jobs being sent overseas, the trend of corporations shifting this work to contractors working from home has been relatively quiet. This trend helps companies reduce their overhead while you make a healthy living working from home. Google "call center from home" opportunities.

Cleaning Homes and Offices- The Building Service Contractors Association International says that the business of cleaning and maintaining America's office buildings, commercial, industrial, educational and health care facilities is a huge business, estimated at $49 billion per year. That does not even consider the money available by cleaning homes. These services can vary from a basic cleaning to getting down in every nook and cranny, depending on customer needs, wants, and, of course, price. Like other service jobs, cleaning can secure a steady revenue stream through scheduled, repeat business. Check out associations that specialize in this type of service like The Janitorial Store. (Working women, even those of us at home, always need someone reliable, intuitive and trustworthy!)

Knitting, Needlework, Alteration Services-Unless someone invents clothing that is truly 'one size fits all,' this service will always be in demand. Proms and weddings provide many opportunities to alter garments and gain exposure.

Detailing Cars-Far from washing cars for fundraisers, a wash, wax, and thorough cleaning on the inside can bring a hefty price in many areas. If you are in an area where people take pride in their cars, clients can be easily to get. They're likely to come back if your services are worth the price.

Pet sitting-Pet care is an often-overlooked industry. Many pet owners deplore the thought of leaving their pets alone while they are out of town, and taking them to a kennel is even worse. People who are close to their pets are often more than willing to spend a little extra to ensure the animals' comfort. Possible services range from feeding and watering, taking pets for a daily walk, or staying with the animal during owner absences.

Pet Grooming-Grooming can be a lucrative venture, especially if you are comfortable working with animals. Many breeds of dogs and cats can benefit greatly from a seasonal haircut as well as the occasional bath that many owners cannot fit into their busy schedule.

Catering/Food Prep-Catering can be as large or as diverse a business as you want, and can be done full or part time. Many catering services specialize in banquets, but smaller niches, like wedding cakes, can also be very profitable, requiring fewer people and logistical considerations. Likewise, some people make good money by cooking specialty food (like Cajun, Oriental, deep fried, or organic) in their kitchen and delivering to various repeat clients.

The food from this type of home-based operation often rivals the flavor of more expensive restaurants. Finding clients can be difficult, but companies that commonly order food for their employees (check out car dealerships on Saturdays) can be a good source of repeat business.

Personal Trainer-Many of us want to get in shape, but either don't know how or cannot stay motivated. If you're knowledgeable exercise and personal training, and can keep a person's eye on the prize, you can make some serious money. A personal trainer's program can be an aerobics class, weight training, yoga, helping neighborhood kids make the starting lineup, or any mixture of cross training that will help clients see results and keep coming back.

Tax Preparation-Call H&R Block to find out how overpriced tax preparation has become, and you will see the potential to pull in extra income by preparing taxes. If you have been a CPA or an accountant, you probably have all the training you need, but otherwise there are courses available through sources like H&R Block that walk you through the basic tax forms. Many different computer programs do much of the legwork associated with filling out tax forms and calculations, too.

Carrie Wilkerson is the voice of experience. From corporate life to teaching high school to direct sales, she has 'been there and done that' professionally and personally. An 'overnight mom' to 2 toddlers through adoption, her priorities instantly changed and so did her workplace. She's now built several businesses and coached others to do the same while overcoming extreme debt, losing 110lbs and having 2 more children, for a total of 4 children, ages infant through 12!

As 'The Barefoot Executive', Carrie and her network of experts have quickly become the definite resource for helping women achieve extra income and career goals while working from home. Visit http://thebossmovie.com