Preface ix
Acknowledgments xi
How to Use This Book xiii
Chapter 1 Business Insurance and Risk Management 1
Chapter 2 Legalities and Taxes 11
Chapter 3 Setting Your Price 17
Chapter 4 Financing a Small Business 25
Chapter 5 Home Services (Exterior) 29
1 Lawn Mowing Service
2 Snow Removal
3 Garden Tilling
4 Window Cleaning
5 Deck Cleaning
6 Landscape Designer
7 Deck Construction
8 Storage Sheds, Playhouses, Doghouses
9 Childrens Outdoor Playset Installer
10 Low-Voltage Outdoor Electrical Wiring
11 Stonemason and Decorative Brick Worker
Chapter 6 Home Services (Interior) 59
12 Housecleaning
13 Rug Cleaner
14 Interior Decorator
15 Upholstery and Slipcover Maker
16 Wallpaper Hanger
17 Specialty Indoor Painting
18 Furniture Stripping
19 Furniture Repair
20 Closet Organizer
21 Bookcase and Shelf Builder
22 Indoor Plant Care
23 Custom Silk and Dried Flower Arrangements
Chapter 7 Home Services (Specialty) 89
24 Handyperson
25 Errand Runner
26 Vacation Home Caretaker
27 Vacation House Watcher
28 House Painting
29 Chimney Cleaning
30 Pool Service
31 Firewood Delivery
32 On-demand Trash Removal
33 Christmas Tree Service
34 Small Engine Repair
Chapter 8 Parties, Entertainment, and Special Events 119
35 Party Planner
36 Childrens Event Organizer
37 Party and Special-Event Rentals
38 Catering
39 Visiting Chef
40 Specialty Cake Baker
41 Prepared Custom-Meal Service
42 Freelance Bartender
43 Entertainer
44 Holiday Decoration Service
Chapter 9 Personal Services 149
45 Personal Shopper
46 Personalized Gift Basket Maker
47 Travel Planner
48 Historical Tours
49 Personal Fitness Trainer
50 Sports Trainer
Chapter 10 Children, Family, and Pet Services 165
51 Babysitting
52 Babysitting Agency
53 Childrens Night Out
54 Vacation Child Care
55 Dog Walking and Vacation Pet Visits
56 Pet Sitter and Doggie Day Care
57 Elder Companion
58 Elder Care Consultant
59 Genealogical Research
60 Family Biographer
Chapter 11 Educational Services 195
61 Tutoring
62 Language Instructor
63 Music Teacher
64 Computer Instructor
65 SAT or ACT College Test Preparation
66 College Selection Advisor
67 College Application Consultant
68 Instructor at Community School
Chapter 12 Arts, Crafts, Jewelry, Clothing, and Musical Instruments 217
69 Alterations
70 Custom Tailoring
71 Custom Knitting, Sweater, and Afghan Design
72 Custom Quiltmaker
73 Jewelry Making
74 Portraiture from Photographs
75 Custom-Built Dollhouses
76 Musical Instrument Tuning and Repair
Chapter 13 Transportation, Delivery, and Auto Services 237
77 Car Service
78 Independent Delivery Contractor
79 Auto Detailing
Chapter 14 Computers, Graphics, and Photography 247
80 Computer Buying Consultant
81 Computer Repair and Upgrade
82 Web Design and Maintenance
83 Graphic Designer
84 Freelance Photographer
85 Film to Digital Scanning
86 Photo and Document Restorer
87 Videographer
Chapter 15 Office and Professional Services 271
88 Temporary Secretary
89 Transcription Services
90 Temporary Worker at Conventions and Business Meetings
91 Bookkeeping
92 Billing Service
93 Resume Design
94 Letter Writing
Chapter 16 Sales 287
95 Yard Sale Organizer
96 Consignment Resale
97 Antiques and Collectibles Wholesaler
98 Used Book Reseller
99 Tool and Equipment Rentals
100 Newspaper Delivery Route
101 Online Auctions: EBay and Beyond
Appendix Government and Private Resources for Small Businesses 309
Index 313
