Business Opportunities Weblog

Why Didn’t I Think Of That?
Online Branding for Small Business
Problem Or Opportunity?
Twitter For Your Car
Niche Service Helps Pet Owners Say Goodbye
Biz Poll Results: Free Software or Web Applications
National Handshake Day

Why Didn’t I Think Of That?

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 11:11 AM PDT

Unique products to inspire and amuse.

Bacon Gumballs. No time for breakfast? That’s okay, chew some of these on your way to work.

Pizza Boss. For the power tool guy in your life.

Cap Sac. When you like to carry stuff on your head.

Beanzawave, the world’s smallest microwave. When you only want to pop a handful of popcorn.

Photo by thinkgeek/perpetualkid/cap-sac/seriouseats.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Online Branding for Small Business

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 10:45 AM PDT

My guest post on MerchantCircle’s weblog is now live. Here’s a snippet:

As you develop an online presence, don’t try to make your business appear larger or more “professional” than it really is. Don’t try to create an intangible brand to replace you the owner as your business’s image. In your community there are probably a hundred businesses that do basically what you do; but, they don’t have you. That’s what makes your business special. Highlight that.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Problem Or Opportunity?

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 10:10 AM PDT

I read today that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, American homeowners spill 17 million gallons of gasoline annually in their uncoordinated attempts to fuel lawn and garden equipment.

17 million. That’s a lot of gas!

There is also an opportunity here.

My guess is that the spillage occurs by overfilling the gas tank. So inventors out there, come up with a funnel that attaches quickly to lawn movers, weed whackers, etc. that has a float ball inside that cuts off the flow of fuel when the tank is full.

This is definitely a million dollar opportunity!

Photo by murray-lawn-mower.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Twitter For Your Car

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 09:09 AM PDT

PerpetualKid.com:

Here’s a low cost way to advertise your business or web site. Scrolling License Plate Flash Frames (USD 39.99) allow you to express yourself while on the road or stuck in traffic.

Simply create and enter up to 5 messages (up to 120 characters in length each) using the included remote control. Then select from 3 different scroll speeds. The super-bright red LEDs ensure that your message is seen day or night.

Simply connect 2 wires to your vehicle’s electrical system and you are ready to go! You can either wire the Flash Frame so it is on whenever the ignition is on, or only comes on when you hit your brakes.

Please check your local ordinances for restrictions. We don’t want you out there breaking the law!

Photo by PerpetualKid.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Niche Service Helps Pet Owners Say Goodbye

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 08:08 AM PDT

The Coloradoan:

When Merlin, a Labrador/Doberman mix, was nearing the end of his life last summer, the family that had loved him for 14 years resolved that he would draw his final breath at home.

When the time came, Marie Commiskey’s son and two daughters, who had grown up with Merlin, gathered at her Littleton home - one flew in from Seattle- to bid farewell.

They went on a picnic (Merlin got to have hot dogs, his favorite). Then they returned home, lit candles, settled next to the old dog, and Merlin went peacefully, surrounded by love.

“This, for us, was the only way to do it,” says Commiskey, a portrait photographer.

The at-home euthanasia was performed by veterinarian Ann Brandenburg-Schroeder, whose Denver-area practice, Beside Still Water, is devoted exclusively to providing that service.

Brandenburg-Schroeder, who started the practice in 2000, was among the first of a new type of veterinarian specialists - home euthanasia vets - that in recent years has begun taking root in different areas of the country.

They travel to the pet’s home at whatever time they’re asked and administer the injection according to preferences stated by the owner - sometimes with friends and family gathered around, sometimes under a favorite tree, sometimes alone with the pet because the owner doesn’t want to be in the room during the final seconds.

Photo by BeverlyLR.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Biz Poll Results: Free Software or Web Applications

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 07:07 AM PDT

Monday, we started a biz poll asking, “Do you use free software or applications to run your business?”

Of those that responded, 82 percent said YES, and 18 percent said NO.

Of that 18 percent, I think a lot don’t realize the free software/applications they are already are using. If you are reading this blog in the FireFox browser or through the Google Feed Reader, you are using free software.

So far today, I have used Firefox, Google, Photofiltre (free image editor), EditPad Lite (free basic word processor), Google Reader, stock.xchng (free photo service) and imgur (free image host).

In 2009 and 2010 all Windows and Microsoft users must be prepared to invest heavily in upgrades or new license purchases. In a time when cutting costs is vital to maintaining profitability (or even staying in business) exploring non-Microsoft products might be in order.

Cost savings is what brings most into the Open Source fold — typical savings range from $700 to $2,000 per user. But business owners can benefit in several ways by using non-commercial applications including, but not limited to, cost.

A few more reasons to consider making the switch:

No Viruses: There are few viruses for Linux. Not only does this result in better overall system performance, but also saves money on antivirus software.

Peer Support: Just about every Open Source product has a vibrant support community. This ensures you get answers to known problems.

Periodic Updates: An active community also results in periodic software updates. For example, Ubuntu releases a new version every six months. Enterprise (commercial) releases are typically every 12 to 24 months.

Photo by flaivoloka.