Author |
Entrepreneurship: How I Make Money From Home - Ideas for You |
pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 7:42:44 PM
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hi everybody, wondered if you had any marketing ideas for someone just starting out. This area is hard hit with the economy, no jobs at all. need the extra money though badly to make ends meet. I have some ideas just having troube getting started |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 06:00:40 AM
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since I sew I thought I would go with my baby quilts and baby bonnets, I make doggie scarves and aprons also. kind of an eclectic grouping but..I am able to do some craft shows around the holidays but am not sure how else to market items. any ideas to share ? |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3857 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3857 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2010 : 10:00:30 AM
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I love the different ideas everyone has shared. I sell several things being homebound due to many illnesses mainly now due to Lyme disease. I have fibro, asthma, reflux, and the list goes on. But, I started training with a company to improve my sales on Ebay. I've learned a ton of stuff I didn't know and I've been selling on Ebay for years. The more you list the more you sell. I sell many handmade items on etsy too. I have limited energy and can't go out doors without a mask so it kills that personal touch.lol And, I can't take the FL heat so I stay indoors for that too. I have a lot of old books I'm going to look into the site mentioned to see how that goes. I make just enough from all I do to pay for my alternative medicines each month. So, that is a least a help. One work at home company that several of my friends do and they pay $10/hr up is www.arise.com They charge for training but it is worth the regular income.
Farmgirl sister #308 handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com www.fullerdirect.com id#0920150 www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2010 : 4:23:20 PM
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Sarah, thanks for the info, I think I will try Etsy and some craft shows and I have even considered creating a flyer to send to be posted and Obstetrician and Pediatrician offices |
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TeaPriestess
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Dionne
Duluth
Georgia
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 09:32:58 AM
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quote: Originally posted by katalind
Problem is doing hair is all I've done for the last 17 years and I don't have much experience doing anything else.
When I lived in NC years ago, I always got my hair done by a lady who was doing hair in her home because she was homeschooling. It was kind of neat to go to her house and get my hair done in her kitchen...reminded me of when my mom used to do my hair as a little girl. Hope you can do something like that too.
"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world."- Tien Yiheng Yay I'm Farmgirl Sister #1690! |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 4:18:58 PM
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Great ideas, I've learned so much from reading everyone's comments. Thanks for sharing what you do, Kathy. I have health issues that don't lend themselves to doing much work outside the home, and this has been very informative.
God bless you!
Judy
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2010 : 11:46:16 AM
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I'm interested in Kathy's idea about selling used books from home - does anyone else have any experience with the two websites, abebooks and alibris, that she mentioned? Anyone do amazon.com? I'm trying to figure out where I can earn the most. I don't have tens of thousands of books to sell, more like a few dozen at first. Anyone have any thoughts?? Thanks!
~TJ of Green Willow Place
www.MyWesternHome.wordpress.com
"I wanna write my blog, and live my life, beneath these Western Skies..." (with apologies to Chris LeDoux! smile!) |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2010 : 8:46:01 PM
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I love to write but I'm more of a journalist type, rather than a story telling type. I have my blog but it's more for venting and staying sane while on the road rather than telling a story.
Something people might want to think about is the Android Apps. They are open source and if you come up with a good 'un, you might make some good money. A friend of mine is trying to do a booklet thingy and see how it goes.
I have mucho libras (many books) and am checking out the above mentioned sites. I peruse old book stores all the time and find some treasures. Hmmmm....
Then, turns out, I'm a pretty good seamstress but being on the road all the time, sewing time is about non-existent. Also, have thought of pre-packaged food 'kits', but again, I'm on the road and don't have the way to do it. I have the money/means, just not the way.
Count me among the Fibro club members but for some reason, it's not bothering me much. Not sure why, just not.
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com . Now with pictures!!
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SherBear
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Sherri
Mukwonago
Wi
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2010 : 12:48:44 AM
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I would love to do something to make some extra money right now. I just finished going to school to be a Medical Assistant and had to quit my job to do my externship. The externship meant working 40 hours a week (and sometimes 50) without getting paid, for 5 weeks. I knew I couldn't do that and work my full time job and I could't take that much time off, so... here I am now with no job, and I haven't found a Medical Assistant job yet. Problem is, there isn't anything I'm really, really good at. I cook, I can, I sew... but I don't know if I'm good enough at anything to sell it. There are too many things I want to learn to do-I don't focus on one thing to learn it, I jump around from one to another before I get really good at them! Plus, I don't have extra money to buy supplies! Argh! |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2010 : 06:04:40 AM
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I knew I couldn't do that and work my full time job and I could't take that much time off, so... here I am now with no job, and I haven't found a Medical Assistant job yet. Problem is, there isn't anything I'm really, really good at. I cook, I can, I sew... but I don't know if I'm good enough at anything to sell it. There are too many things I want to learn to do-I don't focus on one thing to learn it, I jump around from one to another before I get really good at them! Plus, I don't have extra money to buy supplies! Argh! [/quote]
sheri-i'm kindof in a boat similar-i work only part time but some weeks all hours-can't get a "traditional" PT to work in addition to -and can't afford to give up what i do have--- have many talents but none that seem marketable......need to focus! congrats on your new education and sending prayers you can get the job to go with it!!!!!!!!!!
Farmgirl # 2139 ~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2010 : 08:51:57 AM
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One thing I've been racking my brain about is. We own a mobile home park and storage units. We went from 100% full to about 50% in less then 2years and our payments to the bank have not gone down. I keep trying to figure out what else can a person do with storage units for income (no power to them). I don't want to have to try and find an outside job again it took me 6 years to learn to enjoy being a stay at home wife and partner and now I don't want to give that up. I have no other talents really
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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OneHippieChick
True Blue Farmgirl
195 Posts
Susan
Huntsville
AL
USA
195 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2010 : 10:29:46 PM
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Yep, Fibro here too, as well as Systemic Lupus. I've been trying to find a way to work at home and quit my regular job for awhile now, but since I'm a nurse that's hard to do. It's becoming difficult to continue to work as a floor nurse anymore.
quote: Originally posted by mommom
Hi Joy! I too have fibromyalgia. I am so thankful that you found a way to stay home and make money! You know, Fibromyalgia is a syndrome: acid reflux is a disease. Make sense to you? Take care! Susan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Susan ~ Farmgirl Sister #1978 Fiber artist, spins, knits, crochets, sews, weaves, quilts, soap maker, as well as various beauty products and some natural cosmetics Working on getting my Etsy website and blog up and running - stay tuned!
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2011 : 07:56:57 AM
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bumping this up to see if there are more ideas! i just recently lost my job and need more income!
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2011 : 09:56:03 AM
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Hi, Susan...I'm a nurse too but work from home for an insurance company - have you checked into being a case manager?
We can do no great things; only small things with great love - Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2011 : 11:48:58 AM
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Pamela... About your storage units... I saw that reality show on TV where bidders bid on storage units at an auction. Maybe you could fill some with odds & ends, things picked up at garage/tag/estate sales, etc. and get an auctioneer to sell them off? Bidders can only peek inside, not go in to inspect the contents. Advertise the auctions, get lots of bidders. Might work, that TV show is free publicity! LOL Good luck!
TJ... I buy books from abebooks all the time, the prices are the best. I've bought them from amazon and ebay, too. Not sure that you'd get the best price on abebooks, it's usually great for the buyer though. Amazon or ebay may be your best bet. Good luck! Best wishes! :)
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To prove to the opossum that it could be done!
Stacked Stone Farm www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - momdrinkstea on Jan 08 2011 09:27:42 AM |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2011 : 3:53:38 PM
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Thanks for the idea about storage auctions. The sad part is we already have to auction of a couple of units a year for non-payment. Let me tell ya, it's not like on T.V. your lucky to get even half of what is owed against a unit. I am considering chickens for eggs. There are a couple of people in the area who sell and they can't keep up with the demand. I've put out feelers for an idea on another forum and since she lives on the east coast my hope is won't be an issue. That is to sell dried fruit and vegtable treats for small animals. The response has been supportive and I'll try it this summer, won't make me rich but if it helps make the car payment I'm happy
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2011 : 09:23:47 AM
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Pamela... I'm selling eggs and broiler chickens through a local CSA. His farm takes the orders for a whole season for veggies, my offerings are an add-on to his. We're selling a "share" of 18 weeks of a dozen eggs/week + 2 broiler chickens at the end of the season for $60. Customers pay up front, and you have guaranteed sales. You could also set up your own "CSA" with egg shares, advertising on craigslist, they have a "farm & garden" section under the for sale listing. Good luck! Here's hoping for your success! :)
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To prove to the opossum that it could be done!
Stacked Stone Farm www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 07:41:07 AM
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i wouldnt get chickens to sell for eggs unless you are 100000000% sure you can sell the eggs. Where i am located we cant hardly give them away at $2 a dozen. Of course you would have to have egg cartons too and they are new .50¢ each unless you sell them cheaper and teh customer provide there own carton. You must also factor in the price of feed to feed the chickens. If you feed a layer pellet they tend to run between $12-$15 a bag, they eat alot if you cant free range them. I pay out way more in feed than i can sell my eggs for.
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 7:33:35 PM
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We free-range, so use less feed, and we have a local farmer grind a mix for us - it's $12 for 80 lbs. They get garden/bread scraps too. I have about 10 people saving cartons for me, so we get those for free, and we're recycling! I put a printed label on the old cartons. I agree with Brandee though, chickens are PIGS! LOL If you're buying feed at a farm supply, the costs can add up quickly. How many chickens have you, Brandee? What kinds?
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To prove to the opossum that it could be done!
Stacked Stone Farm www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 9:03:12 PM
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Chickens would be more for my own use. Our local Co-Op store is having a seminar early Feb. on poultry raising that I plan on attending. I don't think it will happen this year. DH isn't real big on the idea but I keep working him
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 04:27:57 AM
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I have about 80 hens right now, I have black jersey giants, barred rock, Rhode island reds, americaunas, also have a set of bb red banties. I have 50 black australorp eggs in the bator right now and just got 4 frizzles given to me..lol. I love my green eggs but those darn americaunas LOVE to hide there eggs! We free range, feed out scraps, bread and a 12% sweet feed along with hen scratch. Plus they chase the dogs away from there dog food....lol I love my chickens but would rethink the amount if i was to restart!
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 04:30:18 AM
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I forgot to add that i also buy my cartons used at a local small animal auction. I just bought 125 egg cartons, there were 40 18 ct and the rest were 12 ct for $10, that makes them .08¢ each. I cannot buy them new for that price and i dont have anyone that will save cartons for me as my mom sells her eggs to so she reuses hers too.
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 05:09:12 AM
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Just a quick thought, I sell my eggs as well ( although I have a very small flock) I have my customers save the cartons for me, then whenever I deliver their eggs, I pick up the cartons. This works great and when they are to worn or have gotten dirty, I use them as kindling for my wood stove. Also, for the folks that come to pick up their eggs, have a box for them to place their empty egg cartons in, you will be surprised how many you receive!
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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Entrepreneurship: How I Make Money From Home - Ideas for You |
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