95 Best Home Businesses of the 90's reviewed for the Noughties - [61-70]
If this is your first day here you might want to check out the introductory page and also [1-10], [11-20] , [21-30], [31-40], [41-50] and [51-60].
61. Calendar Service
A calendar service keeps an updated diary of events that is distributed either to the public or just for business networks. Businesses pay either a subscription fee to include their events over the year or just per item.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Prior to the community side of the internet becoming so exploited this was a viable business however there are many online options that now offer these services for free. One great example is Simone's Event Calendar powered by Google's calendar service.
Expected Lifespan
Defunct.
62. Computer Bulletin Board Service
A bulletin board service, commonly referred to as forums, are a great business to allow users to interact with each other, ask questions and get answers to their queries.
Relevancy in the Naughties
There are very few forums that can successfully charge money for subscribers these days as forums and their associated software are appearing ad nauseum. However, there are still a few niches that can continue to make money from this service such as WebmasterWorld but they are not the norm. To make this business successful in the Noughties you would need to have found a niche that hasn't been exploited and users would be willing to pay to use.
Expected Lifespan
As a concept: Indefinitely. Making money from it: very hard.
63. Disc Jockey Service
A DJ is often employed at proms, parties and weddings providing entertainment playing canned music. The DJ will have all their own music and also their own equipment and be mobile enough to move around.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Even with the leaps in music technology it is still surprising how many DJ's are still making money from this service. However, now that mp3 players are becoming the norm and they can be shuffled through literally thousands of songs, most party organisers are providing their own.
Expected Lifespan
Very limited.
64. Duplicating Service
A duplicating service is one where CD's and DVD's are copied in bulk amounts.
Relevancy in the Naughties
This service has been fairly resilient to technological change having transitioned from audio tapes, video, Super 8 reels etc but I would assume with the digital era upon us it won't be able to transition through the stage of digital media. Most software producers are opting for online downloads and it won't be long before this is how we will also source our video entertainment. Music has already gone this way with the success of iTunes and other online mp3 stores.
Expected Lifespan
<2-3 years.
65. Fitness Trainer
A fitness trainer can either offer a personal service to individuals or offer classes for a group of people. Offering training in body toning, weight loss, exercise regimes and dietary intake the fitness trainer helps people get in good physical shape.
Relevancy in the Naughties
People are becoming more and more health conscious in the Noughties and acknowledge their own lack of discipline. So many turn to fitness trainers to give them the advice they need and provide accountability to staying fit. This business will continue to boom no matter how many infomercials we see with new body sculpting apparatus'.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
66. Hauling Service
Often people need things removed from their workspace or homes such as old refrigerators, lounge suites etc. This is where a hauling service comes in handy and this home business can earn an income from charging the customer to haul the item but also from on-selling it.
Relevancy in the Naughties
I can't see this type of business disappearing in the short term but it is certainly threatened by Ebay and Craigslist where people can offload items they no longer want and earn their own money for it plus the hauling lies with the buyer.
Expected Lifespan
Limited.
67. Home Tutoring
Students who are unable to grasp the intricacies of calculus or who may just be struggling to keep up with the rest of the class often turn to help from home tutors.
Relevancy in the Naughties
There is little concern that this home business won't be required in the Noughties and beyond. While software companies try their best to emulate the home tutor they still fail on the personal help and accountability that many students require to move on and succeed.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
68. In-Home Health Care
Many patients who become bed-ridden or unable to care for themselves opt for in-home care rather than sit in a hospital bed. A carer is able to come into their home and monitor them or help with basic necessities such as feeding, bathing and taking their medications.
Relevancy in the Naughties
More people who are sick prefer to have this type of care rather than suffer in a sterile hospital environment so the ongoing need for in-home health carers will continue to grow.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely and growing.
69. Interior Designer/ Decorator
An interior designer decorator is able to offer clients advice and suggestions at either the start of construction or throughout a refurbishment.
Relevancy in the Naughties
This home based business is often employed predominantly by the upper echelons of society who are able to afford the prices charged by an interior designer. However, this business is very hard to crack into and requires a very high word-of-mouth reputation. Technology is not replacing this as yet - not for the people who would usually employ someone of this ilk anyway. In fact, technology is offering these professionals more tools to better aid in offering the client a better proposal.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
70. Leak Detection Service
A leak detector offers customers an analysis of their property highlighting any areas that may be of concern where leakage can occur. Gas, water and sewerage leaks can cost a property owner $1,000's if not detected early.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Their are many tools that the DIYer can employ to detect their leaks but most people recognise that they are unqualified to find many leaks that can occur. Therefore they are more willing to choose a detection service above doing it themselves.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
Tomorrow we will review the next ten from [71-80].
If you want more specific knowledge of setup costs, educational prerequisites and experience required then try reading the book - The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
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