any small biz idea?

[strawberry2]

Just my 2 cents. Maybe put your money in a high yield Money Market account, then research the best franchises, purchase a business model that you like and will work in your area, don't buy into the hype.

[user_id]

Originally Posted by Joseph Marnix

Yep, programming languages is constantly changing and one must keep up to be marketable.

Any well trained programmer will be able to learn a new language in a matter of days. Once you know and understand the basic paradigms, learning particular instances of them is pretty easy.

[Joseph Marnix]

Originally Posted by user_id

Any well trained programmer will be able to learn a new language in a matter of days. Once you know and understand the basic paradigms, learning particular instances of them is pretty easy.

Sure I can learn any programming language; but competing for jobs, usually the employer requires 1 to 2 years worth of working experience with the language/development.

My suggestion is to look in certification programs, and that will at least connect with like minded individuals. Certainly, the user groups in the area will have some independent contractors who may well help you go the the right direction towards proficiency; and perhaps sub-contract with them as you learn and gain working experience.

[iamhgp]

Joseph Marnix: i concur with u 101%. that's my biggest frustration in the working world.. requires 1 to 2 years worth of working experience. which really bugs me. how on earth will u gain experience if NO1 will hire you just coz u dont have the experience? that question has bugged me since the day i graduated and looking for a job. would u link me to those user groups? i have talked to a few of them actually like u said independent contractors.. and i want your idea of sub contracting.

and that's why i really think paying for a certification is a waste of time and money anyway coz they will just hire the experienced applicants. and like the other poster said. once you know basic paradigms it really is not hard at all. coz i know i can teach myself the new languages but there will not be a certification as PROOF that well u know im certified... again, that frustrates me. and i hate wasting money on something that i know will serve nothing.

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by iamhgp

i have savings and have no idea where to invest it. i want to start a biz of my own that i control 100%. any ideas? i have been looking for work since june 12 and NOTHING! i am afraid i will lose my savings quickly. my thoughts were hotdog stands, vend machine, or those small stalls that u see at the malls in the center aisle. so if you are a distributor of these biz and others, pls. contact me. i am almost at my 40s and i honestly don't see myself getting a job anymore with this economy.

I wouldn't suggest using your hard earned savings to start a small business in this economy. The process of weeding out the weaker, less capitalized businesses is still going strong. I would give it some time and use that time to figure out exactly what you would want to do.

I suggest a matching method where you would make a list of ten jobs you would do for free. Take that list and find one which would help people/business make or save money. Those are the start-ups that have the best chance of success right now.

I know that was pretty vague, but I can't tell much about you from this thread alone. Good luck and be careful with your money

[LiderTrack]

When I was young, I have had a lot of business ideas. And then in due course the passion has died away.

[mainebrokerman]

in one of my college classes, a classmate suggested (as a unique target market) to be a step painter, just paint steps,,,most of the class laughed, however, now, many years later with some steps to be painted (and possibly repaired) id probly hire someone to do this,,,sounds kinda simple and stupid, but then again, so did paying someone to change your oil, 30 yrs ago,

and if you are a professional step painter (outside steps entering the house) everyone would think youve got to be good at it,
there are thousands of painters around, even house painters,,,but step painters???
you could deliver papers,,,get paid for this, see which steps need repair or painting, make up a small business brochure and keep putting it in the papers you are delivering,...you could also repair concrete steps, just sub it out, give free estimates,

with very little investment, you could slide into a cash business

the first market innovators, get the best notoriety (no competition)

[bostdorff]

Well first I would like to say to hang in there, this too shall pass. Try to target your ideas, I am sure a quick search on the net or in the local phone book you should be able to find the right direction to take for such ideas. I know the struggles of starting a business. Look for the free tools, or the affordable tools that are available on-line if you are going to create a web presence. Which you should........then you can use forums, boards and directories to network.

There are alot of sites that offer free logo design, some sites that offer free web sites, and some that offer very affordable websites with tons of features that you can use to market your business and hopefully help you generate a steady income flow.

Catherine Pitts
Vice President
SiteSires.com