Opportunities in this gaming market can range from customized poker chip production to poker boot camps. In this hyper-competitive market more mosaic routes might be best.
One such entrepreneur to take advantage of the poker boom is 27-year old Bhu Srinivasan. With the launch of a new poker magazine called "All In", Srinivasan fills a niche in a fast-growth market. Magazine corporate sponsors include Belvedere Vodka and Samuel Adams with feature stories from top poker players like Howard Lederer and Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson.
Poker skills are not a requirement to participate in this hot business opportunity. The WorthGroup of Nevada specializes in the construction of casinos making $45 million in 2003. Fast enough growth to make the Inc 500 list in 2004.
Driving Force: Shows like ESPN's World Series Of Poker and Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown have helped popularize the poker craze. Add the overall growth of the gaming business to poker and you have a business opportunity hit.
Risks: Whether poker is viewed as a game of skill or game of chance, there are legal and moral issues involved in the gaming business. Using legal counsel to interpret government laws and regulations is in the best interest to reduce some of the potential risks of a venture in this category.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Student Boom Helps College Admissions Consulting
Demographics don't lie. The Echo boom generation who grew up on boy bands and Britney Spears are entering college. The Baby Boom generation has changed society so too will the Echo kids with high expectations of a great career.
College admissions consultants help students target the best schools for their abilities and aspirations, review test scores, and provide application advice. Consultation charges range from $100 to $500 for an initial talk to a 3-hour college consultation.
College admissions consulting is not just for kids. With the adoption of a life-long learning mind-set by the adult population, college admissions is an important issue for professional and graduate programs. Further opportunities exist in the specialized area such as MBA admission consulting or medical school consulting.
Driving Force: Student-to-counselor ratio for all levels of public schools is at 485:1; the NACAC recommended ratio is 100:1. Add to the mix an all-time record college student population of 15 million, intense competition, and admission office budget cuts resulting in a hot market.
Risks: Acting in the best interest of the client and the college is a delicate balancing act for college admission consultants. With over 300 members, The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) provides ethical guidance for consultants. IECA stresses "avoid actions which may give the appearance of an attempt to influence an admission placement."
College admissions consultants help students target the best schools for their abilities and aspirations, review test scores, and provide application advice. Consultation charges range from $100 to $500 for an initial talk to a 3-hour college consultation.
College admissions consulting is not just for kids. With the adoption of a life-long learning mind-set by the adult population, college admissions is an important issue for professional and graduate programs. Further opportunities exist in the specialized area such as MBA admission consulting or medical school consulting.
Driving Force: Student-to-counselor ratio for all levels of public schools is at 485:1; the NACAC recommended ratio is 100:1. Add to the mix an all-time record college student population of 15 million, intense competition, and admission office budget cuts resulting in a hot market.
Risks: Acting in the best interest of the client and the college is a delicate balancing act for college admission consultants. With over 300 members, The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) provides ethical guidance for consultants. IECA stresses "avoid actions which may give the appearance of an attempt to influence an admission placement."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Making Holiday Necklaces
Ring in the spirit of the season with a fun necklace. It's the perfect way to show your holiday cheer. Or, share the joy by giving friends and family special homemade Christmas necklaces.
In this section, we'll teach you how to make holiday necklaces. With a little hard work, these Christmas crafts can turn into real family keepsakes.
Merry Marble Necklaces
These fun necklaces are a charming way to highlight your Christmas cuties.
You'll Need:
Photos, images, words
Clear, flat, glass decorative marbles
Scissors
Hot glue gun, glue sticks
Craft knife
Pendant tails
Silver acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Jump rings
Crystal beads
Eyepins
Wire cutters
Needle-nose or jewelry pliers
2 small charms
Chain necklace
1. Resize favorite photos or images so they fit behind marbles. Print out words on your computer to make word bubbles on cardstock, or buy scrapbooking words that fit size of marbles. Cut out photos, images, and words. You'll need 3 per necklace. Test them under marbles; glass acts as a magnifier so you may need to make them smaller. Hot glue photos, images, and words to flat side of marbles. Press firmly for a few seconds until dry. Trim excess cardstock with craft knife. (Craft knife is for adult use only.)
2. Turn marbles over so rounded side is down. Hot glue a pendant tail to each marble back. Paint back of charm with silver paint; let dry. Attach a jump ring to top of each pendant tail.
3. Create mini bead charms by threading beads onto eyepins, and trim eyepin, leaving enough wire to create loop with pliers. Attach a jump ring to each eyepin loop and both charms.
4. Place charms and beads across middle front of chain necklace. Attach jump rings through individual chain links, and close jump rings with pliers.
we will weet 15th june......
In this section, we'll teach you how to make holiday necklaces. With a little hard work, these Christmas crafts can turn into real family keepsakes.
Merry Marble Necklaces
These fun necklaces are a charming way to highlight your Christmas cuties.
You'll Need:
Photos, images, words
Clear, flat, glass decorative marbles
Scissors
Hot glue gun, glue sticks
Craft knife
Pendant tails
Silver acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Jump rings
Crystal beads
Eyepins
Wire cutters
Needle-nose or jewelry pliers
2 small charms
Chain necklace
1. Resize favorite photos or images so they fit behind marbles. Print out words on your computer to make word bubbles on cardstock, or buy scrapbooking words that fit size of marbles. Cut out photos, images, and words. You'll need 3 per necklace. Test them under marbles; glass acts as a magnifier so you may need to make them smaller. Hot glue photos, images, and words to flat side of marbles. Press firmly for a few seconds until dry. Trim excess cardstock with craft knife. (Craft knife is for adult use only.)
2. Turn marbles over so rounded side is down. Hot glue a pendant tail to each marble back. Paint back of charm with silver paint; let dry. Attach a jump ring to top of each pendant tail.
3. Create mini bead charms by threading beads onto eyepins, and trim eyepin, leaving enough wire to create loop with pliers. Attach a jump ring to each eyepin loop and both charms.
4. Place charms and beads across middle front of chain necklace. Attach jump rings through individual chain links, and close jump rings with pliers.
we will weet 15th june......
Anti-Aging Spas Are Forever Young
In today's image conscious society, aging gracefully implies using various methods to stay forever young. Anti-aging spas offer an aging population a chance for rest, rejuvenation, and reversal of the signs of aging. According to the International Spa Association, the spa industry generates over $10 billion yearly. Spas offering the latest in age fighting procedures such as botox injections, chemical peels, and collagen injections, can expect a healthy business.
About.com Spa Guide, Anitra Brown recommends for those entering the business to realize “..there is a lot of anti-aging technology out there, and some of it works and some of it doesn't. The machines can be expensive, so research it to make sure you're buying something that is really effective. It helps to have a passion for skin care -- and enough training to know how to sort out the claims. It's important to believe in the services you're offering.”
If you have a great idea for serving the anti-aging market and are short on capital, consider the "$10,000 Boomer Business Plan Competition." Put your idea through the rigors of business planning to finalize the opportunity and gain access to small business financing.
Driving Force: An aging baby boomer society combined with powerful "stay young" imagery from the media creates this booming business. "Anti-aging products demand in the US will grow 11.1 percent annually through 2007, propelled by a stream of new and improved products that offer health and appearance enhancing benefits. Fastest gains are projected for memory improvement and sexual dysfunction/impotence products, while botulinum toxin and pharmaceutical active ingredients lead gains by chemical," as reported by The Freedonia Group Anti-Aging Report 2007.
Risks: The birth of any new industry brings about regulatory and legal risks. Just as fitness companies have been restricted in making specific claims around their business, the same level of ethics applies to the anti-aging business. The FDA regulates this industry and any entrepreneur considering this market would be wise to investigate the legal and regulatory aspects of the business and avoid false claims.
About.com Spa Guide, Anitra Brown recommends for those entering the business to realize “..there is a lot of anti-aging technology out there, and some of it works and some of it doesn't. The machines can be expensive, so research it to make sure you're buying something that is really effective. It helps to have a passion for skin care -- and enough training to know how to sort out the claims. It's important to believe in the services you're offering.”
If you have a great idea for serving the anti-aging market and are short on capital, consider the "$10,000 Boomer Business Plan Competition." Put your idea through the rigors of business planning to finalize the opportunity and gain access to small business financing.
Driving Force: An aging baby boomer society combined with powerful "stay young" imagery from the media creates this booming business. "Anti-aging products demand in the US will grow 11.1 percent annually through 2007, propelled by a stream of new and improved products that offer health and appearance enhancing benefits. Fastest gains are projected for memory improvement and sexual dysfunction/impotence products, while botulinum toxin and pharmaceutical active ingredients lead gains by chemical," as reported by The Freedonia Group Anti-Aging Report 2007.
Risks: The birth of any new industry brings about regulatory and legal risks. Just as fitness companies have been restricted in making specific claims around their business, the same level of ethics applies to the anti-aging business. The FDA regulates this industry and any entrepreneur considering this market would be wise to investigate the legal and regulatory aspects of the business and avoid false claims.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Trash Removal One Man's Treasure
In this day and age of high tech, trash removal appears to be a drab and unexciting business. Brian Scudamore of Vancouver, B.C. found opportunity in a business lacking in professionalism and good business practices. Scudamore's business 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is the first junk removal franchise with 129 franchises throughout North America. With a friendly, professional image, 1-800-GOT-JUNK is cleaning up the fly-by-night industry.
Junk removal companies typically will remove any junk from furniture and sod to old computers except hazardous materials. To keep dump yard costs low, a good practice is to donate or recycle as much of the junk as possible. Anticipate more business in the spring and summer as junk removal demand peaks. Investments include a clean, professional truck and business insurance.
Driving Force: The main force of the junk removal business is the same change that shaped the painting and lawn care industries; a focus on the customer. Customers want a professional image, exceptional service, and fair pricing. Any industry that fails to meet these essential needs is ripe for change.
Risks: The lack of viable barriers to entry into the market represents a bigger risk. Be prepared to innovate especially if this fragmented industry decides to clean up its act with better trucks, branding, and exceptional customer service.
Junk removal companies typically will remove any junk from furniture and sod to old computers except hazardous materials. To keep dump yard costs low, a good practice is to donate or recycle as much of the junk as possible. Anticipate more business in the spring and summer as junk removal demand peaks. Investments include a clean, professional truck and business insurance.
Driving Force: The main force of the junk removal business is the same change that shaped the painting and lawn care industries; a focus on the customer. Customers want a professional image, exceptional service, and fair pricing. Any industry that fails to meet these essential needs is ripe for change.
Risks: The lack of viable barriers to entry into the market represents a bigger risk. Be prepared to innovate especially if this fragmented industry decides to clean up its act with better trucks, branding, and exceptional customer service.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Medical Transcription A Doctor's Best Friend
As described by The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT), "medical transcription is the act of translating from oral to written form (on paper or electronically) the record of a person's medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome." Transcriptionists transfer medical voice recordings made by doctors and health professionals into documentation including: operating room reports, autopsy reports, and physical examination documentation.
Currently, over 20% of people working in the profession are self-employed. According to an AAMT study, self-employed medical transcriptionists charge 12 cents per standardized line. Top earners make about $18/hr. Not a high earning potential business opportunity but a flexible and challenging home business for many.
What does it take to succeed as a self-employed medical transcriptionist? The AAMT recommends building a medical and business library, find a local mentor, attend seminars in business and gain experience or education in areas such as: anatomy, physiology, English grammar, medical language, and business practices. Necessary skills can be gained by working for a medical transcription company and obtaining certification from a reputable medical transcriptionist educational trainer.
Driving Force: The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics states "the employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012." A growing, aging population will increase demand for medical transcription services as a result of more hospital visits and medical testing.
Risks: The medical transcription business requires careful execution of health record confidentiality requirements. Any changes in the laws and regulations can affect business profitability. An additional risk is the occupational hazards of computer-keyboard work resulting in eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist or back problems.
Currently, over 20% of people working in the profession are self-employed. According to an AAMT study, self-employed medical transcriptionists charge 12 cents per standardized line. Top earners make about $18/hr. Not a high earning potential business opportunity but a flexible and challenging home business for many.
What does it take to succeed as a self-employed medical transcriptionist? The AAMT recommends building a medical and business library, find a local mentor, attend seminars in business and gain experience or education in areas such as: anatomy, physiology, English grammar, medical language, and business practices. Necessary skills can be gained by working for a medical transcription company and obtaining certification from a reputable medical transcriptionist educational trainer.
Driving Force: The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics states "the employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012." A growing, aging population will increase demand for medical transcription services as a result of more hospital visits and medical testing.
Risks: The medical transcription business requires careful execution of health record confidentiality requirements. Any changes in the laws and regulations can affect business profitability. An additional risk is the occupational hazards of computer-keyboard work resulting in eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist or back problems.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Smart Clothes
Smart clothing conjures up images of space-age Jetson style apparel. However, smart clothing is more about functionality than far-out space suits. Smarter apparel encompasses the customization of clothing to special markets ranging from performance apparel, sun protection, and aging-friendly clothing.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner, Kevin Plank, knows performance apparel is the best ticket. Plank has grown his company, Under Armour into a $100 million business. Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel with a line of microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool and dry during physical activity.
John Barrow found business success in sun protection. Started in 2001, Coolibar offers a unique range of sun protective clothing, sun hats, and sun protective swimwear. The company website explains the benefits of this unique line of smart clothing, "Sun protective clothing is an excellent sun protection tool as it provides a physical block that doesn’t wash or wear off and can shade the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Coolibar’s clothing differs from standard attire by blocking 97% or more of UV rays and providing an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or greater." The company has even received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
Driving Force: A mature industry with most manufacturing moved overseas has left the apparel business in need of creativity and innovation. Consumers are open to ideas that meet their specialized needs.
Risks: The challenge of entering the smart clothing market is selecting a niche that's not too mainstream allowing bigger competitors to swallow market share before you get established. Conversely, a market too narrow can present problems with attaining break-even points and profitability. Success in the smart clothing industry will require the ability to outmaneuver large retailers who influence the apparel business. Selling to select markets (i.e. skateboard shops) and outsourcing the manufacturing process overseas can help to maintain profit margins.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner, Kevin Plank, knows performance apparel is the best ticket. Plank has grown his company, Under Armour into a $100 million business. Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel with a line of microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool and dry during physical activity.
John Barrow found business success in sun protection. Started in 2001, Coolibar offers a unique range of sun protective clothing, sun hats, and sun protective swimwear. The company website explains the benefits of this unique line of smart clothing, "Sun protective clothing is an excellent sun protection tool as it provides a physical block that doesn’t wash or wear off and can shade the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Coolibar’s clothing differs from standard attire by blocking 97% or more of UV rays and providing an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or greater." The company has even received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
Driving Force: A mature industry with most manufacturing moved overseas has left the apparel business in need of creativity and innovation. Consumers are open to ideas that meet their specialized needs.
Risks: The challenge of entering the smart clothing market is selecting a niche that's not too mainstream allowing bigger competitors to swallow market share before you get established. Conversely, a market too narrow can present problems with attaining break-even points and profitability. Success in the smart clothing industry will require the ability to outmaneuver large retailers who influence the apparel business. Selling to select markets (i.e. skateboard shops) and outsourcing the manufacturing process overseas can help to maintain profit margins.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Garage Organizer Services the Last Frontier
Throughout homes in North America, the impact of the home improvement boom has covered every square foot of the house except the most neglected and cluttered space, the garage. While large companies like Whirlpool Corporation have entered the high-end do-it-yourself garage organization market with its Gladiator™ GarageWorks line, the market is open for companies providing complete service including installation.
GarageTek is the industry pioneer with over 67 franchises in the business since 2000. GarageTek uses patented PVC wall panels providing durability and flexibility in design. With garage organizer installations costing from $1000 to $10,000, the primary market is upscale. Targeting the garage organization market means catering to the affluent male market.
Driving Force: According to Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, the Remodeling Activity Indicator (RAI) saw homeowner improvement expenditures increasing again to an estimated $129.3 billion dollars on home improvements and repairs. Driven by low interest rates and a solid housing market, home improvements continue to grow, making the new home improvement category of garage organization poised for more growth.
Risks: This business opportunity is driven by the booming real estate market and the low-interest rate environment. Can this housing boom continue? "Increasingly Americans view houses not primarily as places to live but as foolproof, can't-lose investments. The passionate faith that money poured into real estate will magically multiply is creating a self-fulfilling speculative frenzy that's bound to end badly," says Shawn Tully in Fortune magazine's feature "Is the Housing Boom Over?" Whether or not the boom is a bust, any smart business owner will run some worst-case scenarios to have a contingency plan in place.
GarageTek is the industry pioneer with over 67 franchises in the business since 2000. GarageTek uses patented PVC wall panels providing durability and flexibility in design. With garage organizer installations costing from $1000 to $10,000, the primary market is upscale. Targeting the garage organization market means catering to the affluent male market.
Driving Force: According to Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, the Remodeling Activity Indicator (RAI) saw homeowner improvement expenditures increasing again to an estimated $129.3 billion dollars on home improvements and repairs. Driven by low interest rates and a solid housing market, home improvements continue to grow, making the new home improvement category of garage organization poised for more growth.
Risks: This business opportunity is driven by the booming real estate market and the low-interest rate environment. Can this housing boom continue? "Increasingly Americans view houses not primarily as places to live but as foolproof, can't-lose investments. The passionate faith that money poured into real estate will magically multiply is creating a self-fulfilling speculative frenzy that's bound to end badly," says Shawn Tully in Fortune magazine's feature "Is the Housing Boom Over?" Whether or not the boom is a bust, any smart business owner will run some worst-case scenarios to have a contingency plan in place.
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