From knitting to skydiving, most of us have an interest or hobby that fills us with enthusiasm. Your passion may be the key to extra income or an entirely new career; many businesses–small and large–began with an enthusiast who turned a passion into a profitable enterprise. Leveraging a passion for profit may take some initial time, effort, and strategic thinking; but you have the advantage of expertise in your product or interest to carry you forward. Here are four ways in which you can turn your passion into cash:

1. Sell it

If other people love your handcrafted articles, you may consider selling them locally or online. Local outlets include home sales or demonstrations, fairs, shows and conventions, or retail businesses that accept articles on consignment. There are also a number of websites that sell handmade articles; they generally charge a small fee for posting the article, and/or a percentage of the selling price. For these, good photography is necessary.

2. Teach it

It is often more profitable to teach other people how to make things than to sell the things themselves. You can hold classes at your home or at a local community center. You can also look through the catalogs of community colleges and high school districts to see if they offer courses in your field of interest. If no instructor’s name is given, it is possible that the organization has not yet hired someone to teach the subject and there is a job opening for you. You may be able to demonstrate your passion at a special event and teach a short introductory lesson to encourage people to sign up, or have your products available for sale.

3. Write about it

If you’re good with words, writing about your passion may be profitable. Magazines and websites like to publish well-written, lively pieces that demonstrate how to make attractive or useful articles, or get started in a leisure activity. Professional-quality photos will enhance your written work and make it more likely to sell. Another way to use the written word to make money from your passion is through blogging. This is a long-term strategy, as it takes time and persistence to build up blog traffic. The key to successful blogging is clear, authoritative writing, authenticity, consistency (posting frequently at regular times) and being responsive to people who comment on your blog posts or ask questions. Money can be made through blogs either by selling your own products or by attracting advertising revenue.

4. Team up

Finding a business partner whose passions complement yours can be the start of a whole new synergy. This could be someone who offers similar products or services to your own, so that you can effectively double your output and share administrative tasks. Or it could be someone whose product or service can be used in conjunction with yours. Look out for possible partners online, at trade shows and at your local retail outlets, and take your time to find the right fit.

Louise Baker writes about online degrees for Zen College Life. She most recently wrote about getting an online criminal justice degree.

17 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Listen to “Experts”:

There will always be naysayers. And some of them may have even been right in the past about an idea, thought or event. Even if they have been right about something in the past, it doesn’t mean that they’re opinion is always correct. Are you willing to risk your business on someone else’s opinion of it?

IRS Agent Didn’t Report $41,842 in EBay Sales

…claimed her EBay sales were not a business, and characterized it as an online garage sale, according to the court document. She said she liked to shop for designer clothes and that this was a way to clean out her closets.

5 Tax Advantages of a Home-Based Business

The perks of a home-based business are many: freedom, independence, tax advantages … yes, tax advantages. Here are some tax advantages that your home based business may qualify for.

Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."-Helen Keller

Tenacity vs Intellect: What Makes an Entrepreneur? [Video] 

3 Things You Must Have When Starting A Online Home Business To Be Successful

Desire, Discipline and Discretion is the answer to your dream to be self-employed without failing.

Here is a great home based business opportunity- the buying and selling of used cars. It’s easy to find hundreds of used cars which can be bought for a great price which can quickly be resold for a profit. Here are some tips. [Continue Reading]

Despite the down economy and the rising gas prices, people still love to drive their cars. Which makes buying and selling cars a great business opportunity that can easily be done from home. The article goes on to state that someone who is mechanically inclined would have an advantage in this type of business, but I image that some mechanically challenged (like myself) could establish a business relationship with a local mechanic that would benefit both. It would be comparable to the relationship between a house flipper and their contractor.

How would you make money?

Its pretty simple: Buy low. Sell high. Put the difference in your pocket. Repeat

Can you really make money doing this?

Absolutely. There’s always someone somewhere looking to sell their car. And there’s always someone looking to buy a new 9 or at least new to them) car. Your job is to get the car from A to B.

Is there more information?

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Buy-and-Sell-Cars-for-Profit&id=373593

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/09/18/flipping-cars-for-fun-and-profit/ (Read the comments left by readers)

Profit Potential From Buying and Selling Used Cars

Still Not Sure?

I know picking a home business can be a difficult choice.  I may be able to help you decide if this particular business opportunity is right for you. And its FREE SERVICE. Interested?  Contact me and I’ll give the details of my Business Matching Service.

 Who is Get Paid From Field Inspections ?

Essentially, this site is the creation of Steve Bialk. He claims that he makes up to $300 a day doing field inspections. He’s created a sales page that leads to a free report which, according to Steve, is a step by step manual of how to do what he does.

How Do You Make Money?

I think a better question to ask here is what exactly does a field inspection do?  According to the site:

A Field Inspector provides a visual inspection of property or other collateral such as heavy equipment, computers, RV’s, boats, and other business related items. Financial institutions usually require these (bank, credit union, mortgage lender or insurance company) to finalize or update a particular business transaction.

 Still not clear on how you would make money? Perhaps this video can provide more insight:

Can You Really Make Money Doing This?

Field inspections is valid and legitimate industry so I would have to answer yes to this question. Since this post is meant to be a quick analysis of the site I can’t answer the bigger question: are the claims of "making up to $300 per day" and this being a "recession proof business" true? If there is enough interest on the part readers I can make this subject of a later, more in-depth review post.

Is There More Information Available on This Site?

www.getpaidfromfieldinspections.com

Society of Field Inspectors

Random Thoughts Buzzing Around My Head

• The website could use an upgrade. I only say this because it’s light on information and details. I haven’t downloaded his report so I don’t know how detailed it is but you know what they say about first impressions.
• Again not having read the report, I don’t know what Steve is selling. I would guess that it’s some kind of starter kit.  If anyone wants me to download the report so they don’t have to give out their email address, I’ll do it and update this report. PLEASE MAKE YOUR REQUEST IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
• For some reason I’m doubtful that $300 is possible in one day. 

Still Not Sure?

I know picking a home business can be a difficult choice.  I may be able to help you decide if this particular business opportunity is right for you. And it’s completely a FREE service. Interested? Contact me and I’ll send you the details of my Home Business Matching Service. 

 Who is Global Domains International?

Global Domains International: GDI or Website.ws is a domain name registry service which offers domain name registration, website building tools and templates, web-hosting, email, and also offers an affiliate home business program allowing individuals to earn residual income by promoting the business using replicated orientation video websites with embedded referral id’s. 

How would you make money with them?

Based on a quick analysis of the company the main way to earn money through GDI is by being and affiliate marketer for them.  Basically, they set you up with a website and other marketing tools and you use these tools to get new customers for them. You can also earn residual income from bring new affiliates to the company.  Pretty standard affiliate marketing and Multiple Level Marketing (MLM) set up. 

Can you really make money doing this?

Again, based on a quick analysis I would have to say yes you can.  GDI does appear to be a legitimate domain registry company, which means they offer a real service to people looking to obtain .ws domain names for their websites. Affiliate marketing is a proven business model, although it can very difficult to earn sufficient money to be a primary income source for many people. MLM opportunities should always be looked at with great skepticism but if done correctly they can be a viable source of income. 

All that being said, I did find some credible negative information on the company but it’s nothing that would cause my Scammy- Senses to start tingling immediately like some other "business opportunities" I’ve come across.   

Is there more information available on GDI?

http://website.ws

http://www.prlog.org

http://www.bbb.org

Random Thoughts Buzzing Around My Head

• Big question here is will .ws domains ever become popular? .net domains have become a norm but .com’s are still the standard.
• Honestly, I don’t ever recall seeing a website with a .ws domain name.
• I don’t like the fact they charge their members $10 a month to host there website they set up for them. It’s standard practice to charge for hosting but I $10/month is little high
• I scanned the BBB report and found it interesting that majority of the 36 complaints filed against them are for ‘ refund issues’. That’s red flag for me. I don’t believe should drag it’s feet when they’re asked for a refund. 

Still Not Sure About GDI?

I know picking a home business can be a difficult choice.  I may be able to help you decide if this particular business opportunity is right for you. And it’s a FREE SERVICE. Interested? Contact me and I’ll give the details of my Business Matching Service.  

WHAT THEY SAY

The Pitch

As the premier direct seller of essential kitchen tools and part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of businesses, The Pampered Chef® and its sales force of Independent Pampered Chef® Consultants have been helping families prepare quick, delicious meals since 1980.

What do they offer

Pampered Chefs offers a full line of kitchen and cooking related products. The business opportunity that they offer is for you to join their company’s sale force and to sell their products primarily through cooking shows which are in home demonstration parties. These shows are similar to ones that are employed by Shure Pets pet consultants.

Compensation and Rewards:

• A percentage of total sales generated at cooking shows. According Pampered Chef’s website you can earn between $850 and $1,800 per month
• Dream vacations
• Jewerly
• Free Products 

Training and Support

• 24-7 Web courses
• Tele-classes
• local and national sales meetings
• Professional catalogs and brochures
• Monthly magazines
• Weekly sales updates
• Toll free phone support

Cost

To get started with Pampered Chefs you will need to purchase a starter kit. Starter kits come in two varieties, a min kit for $65 and a full kit for $155. Based on the pictures of the kits on the website you get about three times as much stuff with the full ($570 value) than you do with the mini ($200 value). 

Franchise or Independent?

This is an independent business opportunity. When joining Pampered Chefs you become an Independent Consultant.  It’s the same as with Avon or Amway.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Program Critique

I invested 15 years in the Pampered Chef and now the sales organization I built belongs to my Director because I was unable to meet monthly sales quotas. All my years with Pampered Chef mean nothing on a resume because no corporation will look at that experience and take it seriously. I had to go back to school so I could find a job. Don’t let anyone tell you this is a great opportunity. If you are looking for reliable income, get a real job.

MLM Review Kings

You are paid a percentage of the Pampered Chef sales that are created at each party. You are also paid a percentage of what the people you are able to recruit into the business sell. The difference here is that the higher you move up in the company, the less money you make off the people you have placed under you. So really the best way to make the most money is to sell, sell, sell!

Network Marketing Review

Pampered Chef could be a great opportunity for those who love sales, talking, meeting new people and cooking. However, this type of direct sales opportunity may not suit someone looking to build a business beneath them and make residual income from their downline or from leveraging the internet.

My 3 Cents

My wife wanted to earn a little extra money, so she got talked into purchasing $300 worth of Pampered Chef product in order to become a consultant. She then got talked into signing up for their personal websites. She tried selling the product and using the website for a few months, but couldn’t make enough contacts, so she chauked it up as a loss and at least she got a lot of Pampered Chef products to walk away with. A few months later, they auto recharged her bank account for renewing the website (which she did not authorize and which she hadn’t used in months). She called them and they told her that they were authorized to recharge her bank account because that was their standard business practice. She told them that they had agreed when she first set it up that they wouldn’t do that and wanted it cancelled and refunded. They told her that she didn’t have it in writing and that they would cancel the website but only give her back a few dollars (nowhere close to what they charged her). We filed a unauthorized charge claim with her bank and have been now fighting this for nearly 3 months. Pampered Chef is a rip off and couldn’t treat people fairly if they tried!

YouTube

 Only the first half of this video is relevant to Pampered Chef. You can stop the video after the 3:56 mark. 

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Pampered Chefs have an A+ rating with the BBB. The BBB has 51 complaints filed against them in the last 36 months. All complaints have been resolved according to the report. You can read the full report here. 

MY TWO CENTS

• This business did not get my Scammy Senses tingling. This appears to be a legitmate business opportunity
• I would’ve liked their website to be a little more informative. Particularly when it comes to the compensation plan I felt that site was light on details. A video explaining the comp plan would be great
• Not being a big shopper i can’t say this with certainity but the prices for some of their products looked high to me. I wonder if consultants can give price breaks at the cooking shows.
• Speaking of the cooking shows, I have this feeling that these types of businesses that rely on home parties do better in suburban and rural areas as opposed to inner cities. I could be wrong but I just don’t see this as being an urban thing.
• I’ll use myself as an example, I’ve lived in New York City all my life and I’ve never heard of Pampered Chef before doing this review.
• One of the sites I quoted stated that this is a great opportunity for those for love sales, meeting new people, and cooking. That sounds like a SOCIAL or an ENTERPRISING personality type. Click here to discover why personality types matter in selecting a business.
• I thought the lady in first video I featured made some real good points about the hidden costs of these types of businesses. And her point about only making 20% commission is worthy of great consideration.

• You get the opportunity to own a online retail store selling pet products but they do the heavy lifting.
• Open your online Pet Store with an inventory of over 1,000 pet products.
• You help others profit from the Internet if you recruit them as a PetShop.biz Independent Affiliate.
• You earn income from the sales of your recruits (your downline).  

1. Retail Sales
2. Residual Monthly Income
3. Referral Bonuses
4. Company Matching Bonuses ($5 per when your recruit, recruits someone)
5. Recycled Matrix Commissions

In order to be eligible to receive bonuses and commissions, I must develop and service customers. At least 70% of my “Personal Volume” must be sold to my customers. I will not purchase products solely to qualify for commissions or bonuses

• Custom Website (like theirs)
• Custom Ad Banners
• Training and Support Website
• Support Forums and Affiliate discussion groups
• Sales Tracking System
• Easy Duplicable System
• Toll Free Support
• No Accounting Fees
• No Annual Membership Fees
• Earn $1,000 per Filled Matrix
• Unlimited Matrixes
• Unique "Drop & Roll" Compression Plan

• My first impression of this site is that it is a legitimate business opportunity.
• My ‘Scammy-Senses’ are tingling slightly. I don’t like that there is very little independent information, good or bad, available about this company. And that fact the BBB doesn’t have them listed is concerning.
• I don’t have any pets so I can’t speak to quality of the products but they do appear to have a large selection to support the market.
• The biggest challenge with an opportunity like this is how to make your site stand out from the other people who offer the exact same products on their site.
• I’m not a fan of their website. I think they should showcase their products better. Perhaps a downloadable catalog like Shure Pets offers.
• The Personality Type that matches this opportunity is Enterprising. 
   

Need Help Finding That Perfect Business?

Do you have a business opportunity that you are interested in but not sure if it’s right for you or if it’s legitimate? Let me help you find out. Drop me a line with the name of the company and I’ll make it the focus of an upcoming review. What’s the benefit to you?

• You get a second opinion from someone who is dedicated finding true business opportunities.
• You get the benefit of my time and knowledge of researching businesses for free
• BONUS GIFT!! You get to fill out my Business Matching questionnaire and I’ll use it to determine if the business you are interested in is a good match for you.  That’s a $49.95 service available to you for FREE! 

There’s an App for That

iPhone to the rescue! Actually its the makers Starter Cards App to the rescue. The developers over there have created an application that takes the guesswork out starting a company. The app contains mini deck of 15 slide cards that detail each step in the process. The app is based on a 52 printed card deck that gives more details. The iPhone app is streamlined but offers the the right amount of information would-be entrepreneurs need to help them through this potentially overwhelming process. And it’s priced to move at only .99 cents.

This review was compiled by guest reviewer G.M. Shu. If you would like to be a guest review please leave a comment and I will contact you 

What They Say

Pitch

In a nutsell, Amway (parent company:Alticor) claims to give you the opportunity to make money by selling products and by sponsoring/mentoring/training others as Independent Business Owners. Like similar Multi Level Marketing (MLM) companies, you recieve a percentage of the revenue generated by any of the IBO’s you sponsor.

Products

Amway offers a various products that their IBO can sell. Product categories include Nutrition & Wellness, Beauty, Bath & Body, and Home. You may have heard of some of their brands: NUTRILITE®, ARTISTRY® Skin Care,  L.O.C.® Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

Cost

According to Amway’s registration contract  the cost for joining is $137.75. This fee covers "Business & Support, IBOAI Support, and Product Info Pack". Additionally, several sites have reported that Amway encourages new IBO’s to purchase several self improvement/ motivational books and CDs. The cost of these materials can push the inital investment much higher.

What Kind of Support Do They Offer

Amway offers several ways to support IBO’s:

• Your sponsor
• Training-online, video, and instructor-led trainingMarketing
• DVDs, online sites, magazines, brochures, and free websites
• ProductsCustomer support

What Others Say

Ripoff Report: 28 reports filed against Amway. All of the reports were negative, here’s the most recent one

….My start up cost was 140 dollars. That money, I was told was to pay for my start up kit and for my 4 websites. Only maybe 2 close friends actually signed on the business with the full 140, the rest did 60 to mainly get the websites. Oh and remember my friend I mentioned earlier, the cousin of my upline and sponsor? Well, he also signed on with me as my upline since he signed up first. None of my friends including me have made any actual money since we’ve been in the business. Sure I’ve received checks: 1 for 6 dollars, another for 38 dollars and the last for 50 dollars, but that money still doesn’t exceed even my start up cost. Plus it was basically forced so that I would go on to the next bracket, I didn’t do anything my upline just bought a bunch of random crap. To be honest my friends also haven’t really done anything either except my one friend Neill who was occasionally selling some products to his mom. And basically not really seeing any money from that anyway, he was probably getting 10-20 dollars for selling like 200+ dollars worth of Amway garbage.

WAHM.com: 

I was an IBO with Quixtarseveral years ago, some family members are still IBO’s… Good products, the comp plan is ok. Since I am in Calif.it is easier and cheaper to drive to the store for the bulk of the products they offer. I know it works well in areas that are not as populated, but a hard sell for many….

YouTube.com

Positive:

Negative: (note: This Dateline expose is from 2006) 

Part 2 

Just Plain Funny: 

 Better Business Bureau

Amway is listed under 3 names in the Better Business Bureau. Amway, Quixtar, and Alticor.  All have an A+ rating. Only Quixtar has any compliants, 28 to be exact,  listed against them

Final Say

Overall Grade:   No Grade

I was personally involved in the Amway “culture” and prefer to abstain from influencing your decision…Now that we got the disclosure out of the way.  It should be noted that the culture of the company “called for” a lifestyle/mental change to narrow for my taste. Meetings, talks, reading materials, friends all related to the Amway …well way.  This might appeal to some and not to others. 

Interesting reading that you might have missed this week.  Read, digest, discuss.

Internet Marketing Guide For Newbies.  Internet marketing is one most popular ways to make money online. It even made my list of 10 Business That You Run Out of a Dorm Room. Here’s a good article laying a roadmap for success.

Is Your ‘Scammy’ Sense Tingling? I haven’t come across Liberty League as of yet but someone down under doesn’t like them. Does anyone know anything about this company? Stand up and share with the class.

Good Idea? Bad Idea?  I’ll let you decide. Read the article and leave a comment stating if you think this is a good mony making idea or bad one. I’ll post results in next week’s column.

Heeere’s Tony. As is Tony Robbins the self guru. He posted a video on his blog on where he interviews two millionaires that made their fortunes from Internet marketing. The interview seeks to find out what traits successful people share. The video is 38 minutes long so you might want to get comfortable.

Is That Really Legal? Can someone explain this to me? I’ve seen some "creative" ways to make money but this one takes it to a whole new level.

UPDATE:

More Businesses You Can Run From Your Dorm Room: I came across another list of businesses that a would-be college entepreneur can run the comfort of a dorm room.