Rabu, 07 Januari 2009

Have a passion for food? Why not look into starting an upscale hamburger restaurant? Is fitness your forte? Learn more about creating your own niche gym. Would you like to make the world more eco-conscious? Start a green products office. No matter who you are, you're bound to find a hot trend for '07 that sparks your interest.

Don't have a particular interest in mind? That's OK. Here are some new trends emerging that could be right for you:

  • Bluetooth technology is popular right now, and experts say the popularity of the device will skyrocket over the next few years. From push advertising to mobile commerce, the sky's the limit with this trend.
  • Party planning for teens is making a big impact on the event planning industry, as parents are going all out to make sure their teens celebrate their 16th birthdays or bar mitzvahs in style. If you already own an event planning company, teen parties are definitely a category you'll want to add to your services. If you're just starting up, you could choose to focus on a single aspect of teen parties, like security or entertainment.
  • Specialty coffee was an $11 billion industry in 2005, up about $1.5 million from 2004, and the industry's continuing to grow. So why not follow this trend and start your own coffeehouse? Experts agree that people aren't just flocking to coffeehouses for the coffee, but for the social aspect and a sense of belonging.

Content Continues Below


Let's say you're big on creativity but low on cash as the New Year rolls around. What's a cash-poor entrepreneurial wannabe to do? Check out our list of low-cost startup ideas. You'll find financing tips along with startup tools to get you on your way. From freelancing your expertise to becoming a creativity consultant to starting a virtual assistant business, the possibilities are endless. We're sure you'll find something to spark your interest and get your entrepreneurial venture started in '07.

small business

Overall, 2006 was a good year for small business, with 671,800 new firms jumping into the small-biz scene. And recent studies show that about two-thirds of those new companies can expect to last at least two years. So how can you ensure that your company is a survivor? It helps if you already have an interest in the kind of business you want to start--pet supplies, online marketing services or a wine store, for instance--but you also need to be sure there's a demand for that service or product. Our online Hot Center will help you figure that out. We've uncovered the latest and greatest trends that are catching on across the nation, and listed them by category, including everything from Environmentally Friendly Businesses to Senior Services.

Kamis, 01 Januari 2009

Magazine

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Signs of Life Behind the Bad News

In response to recent Fed moves, investors are inching toward taking on more risk, as rates for mortgages have come down sharply and new debt issuance creeps higher

The Debate Room

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Business Should Spread the Love

Employers need to work harder at inspiring their workers' loyalty, thus promoting continuity and reducing turnover. Pro or con?

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Top Stories

Whatever Happened to Silicon Valley Innovation?

Short-term thinking and increasing risk aversion have stifled the tech center's spirit. But innovators still lurk there, if you look for them

McDonald's Supersized Retirement Plan

The fast-food giant is persuading more African American workers to enroll in 401(k)s. Can McDonald's keep talent by helping families save?

The Downside of ADM's Focus On Biofuels

With ethanol a political football, ADM's chief executive, Patricia Woertz, and its stock are getting hit

Rabu, 31 Desember 2008

Sample Business Plans


Get inspired with our gallery of 500+ business plans. Choose the category that is closest to your own business or industry, and find a plan you like. You can use it for reference in writing your own plan, or actually open it in Business Plan Pro software and edit it to match your business.

Most popular categories:

View all free plans

Restaurant, Cafe & Bakery

44 plans for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other eateries

retail business plans

Beauty Salon & Day Spa

10 plans for hair salons, beauty parlors, and day spas

retail business plans

Real Estate

14 plans for realtors, mortgage brokers, and related companies

retail business plans

Coffee Shop

8 plans for coffee shops and Internet cafes

retail business plans

Retail & Online Store

106 plans for retail stores and online retailing businesses

retail business plans

Computer Consulting

41 plans for computer repair, reseller, and consulting

retail business plans
All Categories
www.bplans.com

Headlines that shaped markets


Video
Headlines that shaped markets
Dec. 31: CNBC looks at the headlines that moved the markets in the latter part of 2008.

CNBC

www.msnbc.msn.com

Big winners of the past were losers in 2008


Rich men who made big bets used to be lionized — but not this year

Image: Alan Greenspan
Lawrence Jackson / AP file
Alan Greenspan, the once-revered oracle was reassessed in 2008, and found to be an oaf.

www.msnbc.msn.com