My dad has been a blue collar construction worker for most of his life. He knows the ins and outs of the construction business but I am trying to get him away from the housing market because it's so jacked up at the moment.
He's a hard worker but not tech savy at all. I'd like to help him stat up a business with an investment of like $50K that he can run and make a living off of and not have to worry about being emloyed.
This is not an invitation for all of those "Make Money in the Comfort of your own Home" responses.
I'm looking for idea on something that will start making returns immediately. Not huge returns just something he can live off of. Maybe a $2K a month to start off with.... Oh, no merchandise sales or anything like that if at all possible....
All ideas are welcome though.
Thanks,
Austin
2007-08-27 05:33:27 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
How about talking to your dad and asking him what he wants to do differently if anything. I'm sure since he's been in construction for most of his life that he knows that there are booms and busts in the housing markets. Maybe he likes it and doesn't want to get out. Or maybe he has some ideas on his own as to what he'd like to do.
2007-08-27 15:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Austin, when starting a business it can be frustrating and often requires even more time and effort than your normal 40 hour work week. Because of this I would recommend the business be something he has either experience in or a pasion for. If he has any hobbies see think about whether there is a market for that hobby. For example, I enjoy sports and bettign on sports so I started a business and opened a website sellign sports picks. It wound up failing but many businesses do adn you can't be afraid to try. Maybe he could use his construction skills in something besides building houses. I also run a website and make custom beanbag games. I made about 10k off the business last year, obviously you and your father are looking to do something bigger than that but maybe he could use his construction skills to build furniture, or custom home entertainment centers or something like that?
2007-08-27 12:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call your local SCORE representative . This is a group of retired executives who help small businesses get started. I believe they are www.score.org. They would know what is needed locally. I think they offer a free service.
Also check to see if they are teaching a course on starting a business at you local continuing education center. Here in NY our local community college has Score come in and teach a course for people looking to start a business. It is only $50 I think.
Also your state office of economic development should be able to help !
One suggestion I have is installing mailboxes. We have a local guy who started a business that just installs mailboxes. He has a phenomenal business. Offers all kinds of mailboxes and knows the postal regulations. He has two college kids working for him and they go around and install mailboxes. Here in NY the snow plows constantly take them down so he never has to advertise !!
He just expanded into doing birdhouses too !!
Give this some thought !!
2007-08-27 15:15:40 · answer #3 · answered by Carol O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got a friend who own's a restaurant/poolroom. It's right off the main street in Dublin Georgia. He owns several large restaurants and this is his toy. He offered it to me for $65,000 but would probably come down some. It's a great spot it's got ten 9ft tables & snooker table, bar & grill, large dining area, large parking lot right off of main road and is only a few blocks from the middle of downtown. If you'd like to know more email me at Olibobwa@yahoo.com
2007-08-27 13:05:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to this, dude.
Try to start an art selling business and then see how it goes.
If that doesn't turn out great, try to sell antiques at a suburbian neighborhood.
Most of those people never run out of place to put antiques in their homes.
2007-08-27 12:39:51 · answer #5 · answered by Casu. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Austin..... why not home REPAIR..
People are always looking for contractors that FIX things. That gets him out of the building market, and puts him in the REPAIR business. Its a decent living and he gets to do what he knows well....All he'll need is his contractor's license...
2007-08-31 12:30:46 · answer #6 · answered by I Can Count To Potato 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmm - rent out equipment maybe?
you rent stuff out, collect $, then after you made enough $ to cover depreciation and your time, sell it as second hand.
check if theres a market, if your very certain you could rent out some big piece of equipment like ......generators, cranes, scaffolding.
or if more risk averse - smaller stuff for d.i.y jobs.
people dont always want to call a tradesman but realise they dont have the equipment and so have to splash out on plumber carpenter etc.
2007-08-27 12:41:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he would do very well in a home improvement business... kinda like a "jack of all trades" or a private contractor...
2007-08-27 12:40:58 · answer #8 · answered by Lost in thought 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try business such as internet cafe or resturant.. u can also search for site which gives you template for starting a business
2007-08-27 12:39:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd start a business in an area you are good at and love, and know alot about... otherwise why bother?
if your passionate about computers, it would be foolish to start a flower business... for example.
2007-08-27 12:38:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋