• Regular Mini storage
• Car storage
• Large storage (boats, RVs, etc)
• Marine storage – water side boat storage
• Climate control – mini storage with AC
• Container delivered to your house – enclosed trailer 

(All ideas we may dive into more in-depth at a later show.)
 
From the ones listed above, I particularly think that large storage and (full service) car and dry rack boat storage are sort of new ideas that may be very much in demand in the right areas.
 
Take a good look around you at the demand in their area and think out of the box with this. There are also numerous businesses that can be added with the storage idea to add to your profit potential! If you are wanting to get into a business that has stood the test of time and will get a lot of bang for your buck, give storage a look.

This start-up business idea is a Radio Station. This is an area I have always wanted to get into and the idea is really quite simple. Get a radio station and give the people what they want to hear.

• This particular station is going to be focused on talk radio.
• Get biggest station you can afford.
• Do market research for the most popular syndicated shows.
• Get the biggest talk radio that you think YOUR market will enjoy.
• Consider buying an established station to save a LOT of trouble and time.
• Don’t be afraid to start small and work your way up.
• The staff will be composed of a good sales team, A few people to keep the machinery going, and with fewer disc jockeys than most stations.
• You could also consider broadcasting the local sports events.
• Advertising will sell itself when the audience grows.
• Will be expensive but worth the risk in the right market. Talk radio is bigger right now than it has ever been.

Listen to the Podcast below

Activities

• Food & Drink
• Air Jumping
• Arcade
• Putt-Putt
• Skating
• Laser-tag
• Bowling
• Small carnival rides
• Rock wall simulator
• Jungle-Gym climbing toys (tree house / tunnels)

When

• Fall – Spring
• Inclement weather during summer

Staffing

• On site manager
• 1 staff per event / activity

Liability

• High
• Need great liability insurance

Start-up Needs

• Large building
• Closed discount store or hardware store
• Old warehouse (watch neighborhood)
• Large City (75,000 and up)

Start-up Costs

$ 75,000 – $ 250,000

Franchising and Financing

• Franchising (limited choices)
• Financing (yes, with business plan)

The buffet restaurant would be a great business idea in the proper market. I personally have never been in the food industry but I believe a lot of restaurants focus on the minors and not the majors. This gets them off course and is the beginning of their demise. People don’t care what color the carpet is, they don’t care that the napkins have pretty little ducks on them. Money is tight for people and they need a good meal at a good price. They need to feel like they are getting their money’s worth. Nothing says that like the word “Buffet”.
 
Bullet points:

• People have to eat, no matter the economy.
• People demand choices more than ever. A buffet meets this demand.
• For many reasons, more than ever people simply choose to eat out.
• Stay focused your customers demands of great food and people will come!
• People who want really good food at a descent price without frills.
• Hire good employees people and pay them well to avoid constant turnover.
• Make sure this is an industry you love and can dedicate time to. It can be very demanding.

Listen to the Podcast below

The classified ads business is one where the sky is the limit. You can literally make as much money with this as you want too, if you are willing to get after it. Sales is the key to this business. You must be able to sell advertising to customers. Whether that be classified ads or graphic ads sold by the column inch, you have to be able to sell ad space.

During the podact portion I never even mentioned the most important thing that makes this idea work. The draw to the paper is the classifieds but the money is made with business advertising in the paper. If you need any convincing that people will look at your Classified Paper just look at craigslist. This is one of the most successful internet sites and all they have on it is classified ads. People are always going to sell stuff and others are going to be buying stuff. Enough said.

The downside to this business and frankly, what has held me from doing it is the large carrying cost from week to week. If you are not making an immediate profit then you are loosing a lot of money each week mailing a paper to everyone. Paper, printing, folding, mailing, employees, and office space are not cheap.

It all comes back to selling. If you can sell advertising space you will succeed in this business.