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Making Money vs a Busines (and Business Models too)

by gjabiz
19 replies
My late friend, Jim Straw said he got an email every week from someone saying, " Jim, I just want to make money NOT start a business." And if there was anyone who knew about all the ways to make money, Jim was the man.

Over the last 15 years, I have counseled scores of people with just making money through buying and selling of personal property (chattel). Some have dabbled and made an extra 200 to 300 a week and a few are making serious money, some $1,000.00 a day and more.

So join in the discussion about making money or starting a business or the various business models out there. We probably won't cover them all,. but it might be educational for all of us.

I'll start in my neighborhood of Cuyahoga Falls, OH. My neighbor Sue started several years ago grooming dogs in her basement, she did not have a business just did it for friends and family. Today she owns a dog spa, and sells many dog related items in her retail store.

This is a HOME Based to Brick and Mortar model of a business.

Phyllis made wire jewelry and had it on display and consignment in several area beauty shops. She did not start a business. But she sold a lot of jewelry.

Dee, has a kiln in her back yard. Does stain glass work and makes glass beads and also does jewlery. She has a business and some of her work fetches thousands of dollars, even small pieces sell for several hundred dollars.

John cleans headlights and does auto detailing, not a business but he is mobile.

Bud cleaned headlights and had a business.

Lots of types of money making activites can get started and then become a business. Most MLM and network start-ups are like this..

Just to mention this, but certainly NOT to encourage anyone, but the guys peddling drugs are NOT in a business although some, I'm sure, make more than most Warriors do.

As there are dozens of ways to have an Online or Internet Marketing business, there are ways off line to just make money...and some service providers for online businesses are just about making money. Many cash deals going down.

It usually begins with "I just want to make money", but most quit the tested and proven ways to do it and some end up choosing a business model.

Gary down the street has 5 businesses in one, a brick and mortar boutique clothing store, a mascot shop. a trophy business, a screen printing business and an embroidery biz too. They are all related to ONE customer, that is, a guy from Falls High can buy a trophy, get a hat with logo, a sweatshirt with monogram...all in one place. Any of these could support a mom and pop at home business.

So, do you know of any hidden, out of sight, little known, "secret" or strange and unusual ways to make money or a business?

Please share.

gjabiz

PS. Being a Student of the Masters over the years, I've discovered dozens of little cash flow business models...and NO, never going to be a WSO on it, I'm glad to share here if you keep the thread alive with YOUR discussion, OK?

OH, one of my favs is a lady in Canton who makes laminated signs for a department store, in her home and does a thousand a week. Sweet, eh? Speaking of sweet, I have a friend in the candy biz.
#busines #business #making #models #money
  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    Cool idea, Gordon.

    I'll add a "just make money" idea. I was going to make it into a free report for War Room members only, but what the heck. I think this thread could be very helpful to folks so I'll share it here.

    Let me tell you about some of the deals I've made so far. I'll even reveal my favorite source at the end.

    I was looking for some decent used office furniture to furnish a building I purchased. A friend had told me about a government auction site a while back so I checked it out. I was very skeptical at first, but decided to maintain an open mind. Well, I ended up getting furniture from a local schools system. I got all the furniture from the principal's office, the reception area, and a few other pieces for under $500. There was one round table & 4 chairs that were worth more than that alone.

    Evidently government entities have certain guidelines they have to follow when they liquidate/retire assets.

    Well, from there I kept tinkering in my spare time just to see what kind of deals I could score.

    Since buying the office furniture, I've landed some other great deals.

    I bought a lot of 14 computer tables from a local government agency. They paid around $125 a piece for them new. I bought them for $10 ($11.35 after buyer's premium & tax). That's not per piece, that's for the whole lot.

    I threw up an ad on Craigslist and sold 3 of them to local college kids for $25/piece. I even gave one of them a free desk chair because they were students at my alma mater and they were nice kids. And what the heck, I like helping people and had a bunch of chairs (see below). I kept the rest here in the office. So I made nearly $65 (more than enough to cover my expenses for picking them up) and still have 11 computer tables for use at the office or to resell later.

    Next, I bought 3 different lots of office chairs from another local government agency. 28 chairs in total. These chairs would conservatively list at $150/each new. Some list for over $300. What did I pay for these chairs? $111.22 and that includes all buyer's premiums and tax. It took me a couple of hours to take my trailer and go pick them up.

    Next, I bought a PA system for $374.55 (again this includes buyer's premium & tax) from yet another local government agency. It's in near perfect condition. It's got 2 speakers, 2 speaker stands, & a cordless mic. From what I found online this complete system sells for almost $2,500 new. And there are places renting this exact system for $75/day and up. I've kept it for now, because I have a use for it.

    The last deal I did was a lot of 5 weight machines and 1,500 lbs. of weight plates from a schools district. These machines list for about $2,000/each new and hadn't seen that much use. They are in great shape. Evidently the school got a new football coach and he wanted a different type of machine. So these went up for auction. I bought the lot for $752.50 (again this includes buyer's premium & tax). These machines are selling used online for $500 to $900 a piece depending on condition. These are like new. I'm going to trade one for a different type of machine for personal use and sell the rest along with a good chunk of the weights.

    The one that got away...I missed out on a sound proof room that a school's music department was selling. I can't remember the exact specifics, but I believe it was something like $2,000 for a sound proof room (Whisperroom brand) that originally listed for $12,00 to $15,000. I wanted it for product creation and podcasting purposes because there is a lot of noise around the office. I was trying to figure out if I really wanted it because it was bigger than I needed. But I have the space so I figured I'd go for it. Well, I had the winning bid until I got sniped right at the end because I was being wishy washy. Now I wish I had it.

    Anyway, there are plenty of deals to be had buying from government entities. And I don't mind sharing because I do everything local (within 50 miles). It gets a lot more logistically complex and labor intensive if you try to step too far outside of your back yard. So there is plenty of room for everybody. It does take some cash and time, but the ROI can be huge.

    My favorite source is govdeals.com.

    I've also had good luck on governmentliquidation.com. You wouldn't believe how cheap you can buy retired military vehicles & equipment that has seen very little use.

    With a little bit of imagination, cash, & elbow grease these government auction sites can be a great source for making money. Whether you want to just make money or turn it into an actual business is up to you & your imagination.
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    "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
    ~ Zig Ziglar
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Great stuff. Universities are fantastic too, and the college kids abandon a ton of good stuff this time of the year.

      Cites, counties, states, the fed and also keep an eye open on the going out of business sales locally, at the end, they just get rid of stuff. You can pick yp a pizzaa oven every week of the year and flip for a grand...because it is the most started and quit brick and mortar biz out there now.

      OH, and hospitals are always getting new things (they can afford it) so watch for their auctions or open houses too.

      gjabiz

      PS. Your excellent deal making is classic "Chatteling" at some very nice profit points, good job.
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  • Profile picture of the author ModernPlayer
    I consider myself a complete newb at this - I am a musician, and never set out to be in business.

    I found myself having a high turnover rate of gear in my studio - I'm wishy-washy that way sometimes - and I know myself, so I don't pay retail. I bought it all on local cList, haggled down. When I started seeing how quick things were to sell, I realized that I was actually profiting off of my wishy-washiness.

    Musician's are notorious for selling gear to pay bills, buy a fancy expensive guitar, or they wanted to be musicians but they realized they never use the stuff so they sell it cheap. I bough a Fender Standard Strat for $100 recently that I could sell for 300-500 (but I've kept it so far, and been playing it...)

    The only time I've failed over the past 18 months was when I *tried* to find a deal just to resell, and I bought something that I wouldn't use. All of my profits have been sort of "accidental" and not planned. Now I'm stuck with a giant Marshall Amplifier stack that I don't want or need. I'm sure I can sell it for what I paid for it, so I'm not concerned, but I realized that if it's something I'm into then I'm much more able to move it later.

    This is probably the most common modern form of "Chatteling" after eBay, but I thought I'd throw it out there, because if there are people here who have better business sense than I do, they can surely pick their personal niche and see really nice ROI (and it doesn't feel risky if it's something you'd like to have around for a bit either - athletic gear you might use, outdoors equipment, tools, automotive, etc.

    I am here to try to expand my experience and make *real* money (without a business). I have probably had profits under $2,000 over the past 12 months, but keep in mind that it's been completely incidental (based on poorly written ads, my haggling, and my decent copy-writing when I go to sell it.)
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      You might want to find out who the high school band leaders are in your area...kids join the band, graduate or quit and mom and dad have instruments laying around the house...the band and orchestra leaders too. Some schools buy instruments and some sell their old ones.

      If you have used music stores in your area, check there...sometimes you can pick it up from mom or dad for a song and on the way home drop it off for a quick profit. It may take you a year, but you can build up a network of knowing these guys and perhaps, can turn musical instruments into a steady cash flow. Thanks for sharing.

      gjabiz

      PS. One of my favorite Woody Allen movie scenes is when he is playing the cello in the marching band.

      http://youtu.be/4smgVpcFMp8
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  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    It's a shame this thread hasn't gained more traction. Gordon, maybe you need to sprinkle in one of your little cash flow business models that isn't related to "chatteling" so people don't think that's all this thread is about.
    Signature
    "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
    ~ Zig Ziglar
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

      It's a shame this thread hasn't gained more traction. Gordon, maybe you need to sprinkle in one of your little cash flow business models that isn't related to "chatteling" so people don't think that's all this thread is about.
      Here are some of the ways I've made some cash. Both in a business and just making some dang money.

      Businesses include Singing Telegrams (any service which deals with Parade of Life Events...births, grads, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc.)

      Ideas: Cake Decorating, Gift Baskets, Photography, Personalized Items.

      Business; ResumesPlus. I was bringing in over 1000 dollars a day providing job finding services, including resumes, video interview training, job searches and potential testing.
      Money making. Resumes.

      Business. Golf Training. Full golf training center.
      Money making. Golf instruction @ 50 bux per half hour.

      Money making. Drivers (delivered cars across country). Car detailing. Candle making. Sales.

      I know people who are Golf and Tennis pros teaching, NO business.
      A guy who does tennis courts (business).
      A cooking instructor. CASH.
      A wire jewelry teacher....CASH.
      A 'kid" who mows lawns....CASH. and several landscapers Business.

      FASTEST Cash is to sell something, door to door or biz to biz, although most won't do it, not even the desperate.

      OR to do something. Clean windows, wash and wax cars, clean out basements and garages,

      The MISTAKE many make, including IMers is they don't reinvest their money into their money making. The take it out and spend it, maybe to pay bills or whatever....but put some of it back to advertise and expand your efforts.

      If you clean headlights, for example, invest in a few biz cards to put under windshield wipers (personally tested and proven). Then expand out.

      The biggest problem money makers have is getting customers, same as many businesses.

      But in just making money, it is usually...Just ASK or get a REFERRAL.

      gjabiz

      PS. Here's another one, Homemade Soap. A.B. and family sold over 35,000 bars of homemade soap, made in their kitchen, at fairs and festivals. Couldn't just about anyone do this if they knew how?
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      There are tons of work from home franchises and licensed business opportunities.

      When I see a Warrior who has spent thousands of dollars and months and months, if not years to make a pittance, I think about how much money they could have made a lot quicker.

      The thing about a franchise or licensing op is the marketing plan usually has been tested and proven. There are many work from home franchises under 5k.

      Search Entrepreneur for home based franchises just to see the possibility. Maybe, they have an IM deal these days too.

      gjabiz

      PS. I'll check this out, I know a few people who do this and see what they think are the best ops in franchising/licensing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    " Just to mention this, but certainly NOT to encourage anyone, but the guys peddling drugs are NOT in a business although some, I'm sure, make more than most Warriors do."

    Well every thread could do with a little contrast and not to start a fuss but I think your definition of business is limited. Guys peddling drugs ARE running a business. An illegal business I admit but yes a business Wholesale-retail, distribution and profit margins. Actually you do anything more than once its a business whether you recognize it or not. Only difference is whether you are haphazard or not.

    I might add that this idea that "I just want to make money" but I don't want to start a business is one of the things wrong with IM and why countless people go away feeling ripped off. So rather than encourage it perhaps we should correct it.

    After all whats the difference between "making money" and a business? Forethought, organization and effort. Why skip that even from the git go? Doesn't have to be a big business or full time business but the kid out in the street with a lemonade stand is in business.
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

      " Just to mention this, but certainly NOT to encourage anyone, but the guys peddling drugs are NOT in a business although some, I'm sure, make more than most Warriors do."

      Well every thread could do with a little contrast and not to start a fuss but I think your definition of business is limited. Guys peddling drugs ARE running a business. Actually you do anything more than once its a business whether you recognize it or not.

      I might add that this idea that "I just want to make money" but I don't want to start a business is one of the things wrong with IM and why countless people go away feeling ripped off. So rather than encourage it perhaps we should correct it.
      A business, be it a sole proprietor, an L.L.C., a Sub Chapter S, or a Fortune 500 Corporation has legal obligations and responsibilities, TAXES being one of them.

      A guy who shovels my drive, in a truck, has a business. The kid I hire for the sidewalk, just makes money. I doubt if he reports it to the IRS.

      Now, we can include a discussion about the underground economy, and maybe some Internet Marketers fall into that category, I don't know.

      There are some downside issues to just making money, depending on what it is, but liability issues could come up. As they can with anything.

      So, a business is a legal operation.
      A money making venture, is a legal way to just make money. OK?

      gjabiz
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

        So, a business is a legal operation.
        A money making venture, is a legal way to just make money. OK?

        gjabiz
        For which taxes.liabilities and responsibilities still ensue. Maybe your experience is different but I don't find when people say I just want to make money not start a business they are just talking about not filing paperwork. Thats somewhat trivial. In fact not filing the paperwork will not satisfy most municipalities that you are NOT a business.

        I doubt most people running WSOs and doing product launches have filed anything but from creating a product, setting up fulfillment , advertising and setting prices they ARE in business.

        So to me the only substantial difference occurs when the money making venture is a one or two time endeavor. Anything ongoing I see no value in not approaching it as a small even part time business.
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        • Profile picture of the author dad2four
          I'm throwing this business out here because I think it's an incredibly interesting one and I was thrilled when I figured out what was going on.

          I lived in Orlando, FL at the time and as always I wanted a business. I found an advertisement in a dog magazine looking for homeworkers to produce doll house furniture.

          I thought it sounded like something I would love to do. I could do it from home and work the hours I wanted and upon my calculations I thought I could make more than I was currently waiting tables at TGIFridays.

          I think it cost me $75 to get started. The way it worked is that they shipped you a kit that included all the materials necessary to build three pieces of dollhouse furniture as well as a sample piece of furniture already built for you to mimic. You chose from a few different pieces and they sent you the kit.

          Once you had the pieces complete you shipped them back. Once the pieces were inspected and determined to be up to their standards they sent you an addition kit as well as $75. So they were paying you $25 for each piece and keeping the original $75 to cover the next kit.

          So the kit comes and I struggle to get it built. The pieces are so small, I can't cut the veneer accurately with the supplied x-eacto knife, the glue is stretching strings all over the place, etc etc.

          I'm having problem after problem, I struggle through a few evenings of this and give up.

          So some years pass and I'm still in my never ending quest to own my own business. Over the years I've spent time doing woodworking, improving and repairing my homes, fixing cars, etc etc. The dollhouse furniture comes to mind and I think to myself, man I bet I could build that stuff now. I have had a ton of experience since then building tons of stuff, it should be a piece of cake.

          Now with the help of the internet I track down the company that I ordered from. I was shocked they still existed. Awesome, I ordered another kit and guess what, I STILL COULDN'T GET IT BUILT!!

          Then it hits me.

          Most can't build it.

          The few that can are supplying the samples that get shipped out with the kits. And the small number leftovers are sold genuinely to the dollhouse market. I called them and they pretty much confirmed that what I had figured out was true.

          Guess what, the last time I checked that business is still up an running.

          I learned alot from this experience. I learned that a business isn't always what you see at first glance. There are many business around that function similarly. And there are many more that can be put together that function in a similar manner.
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          • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
            dad2four, sorry you were victimized by one of the oldest scams out there. These people should be put out of business.

            One of my favorite biz books is Bruce Easley's Biz Op here a link to Amazon for illustrative purposes, not an affiliate.
            Biz-Op: How to Get Rich With "Business...Biz-Op: How to Get Rich With "Business...
            There are people who continue to set up these scams and prey on the innocent and unsuspecting.

            The assemble from home game has been around half a century.

            gjabiz
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        • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
          Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post


          So to me the only substantial difference occurs when the money making venture is a one or two time endeavor. Anything ongoing I see no value in not approaching it as a small even part time business.
          I agree. If it makes you money again, again and again, it is a business. Only now and then, it is not a business. Which then leads to Business Models.

          TWO major models, service and product with crossover. My local Kirby vacuum cleaner guy has a retail store which sells the products and services them, Still every once in a while a guy knocks on my door trying to sell me one.

          So many choices and possibilities, it can be overwhelming. One place to start is with a list of you will not do. I won't sell drugs on the street corner nor will I market alchohol, firearms or tobacco.

          I WILL go door to door, house to house and Biz to Biz with face to face selling. Many IMers to be, don't want to di that.

          So, it would be wise to select a way to make your money which doesn't require face to face selling. The Off Line sub-forum is loaded with successful salesman, who have no problem selling, cold calling...and many new guys just don't want to do it. Maybe they are wasting time and spinning their wheels in that forum when something better would suit them.

          Starting with a list of what you WON'T do, then write what you can't do (yet).

          So can you sell products by remote means, or face to face? Can you provide a service, either directly or by remote means?

          Of course, in my opinion, it should start with what you want to do. And if the answer is just MAKING MONEY, then you shouldn't object to any legitimate way to do it, there are scores of role models out there.

          What do you want?

          gjabiz
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  • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
    A business owner makes money whether or not he or she is actively working in or on the business. Everyone else is employed. Self or otherwise.
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    • Profile picture of the author albullington
      Thank you for this thread, Gordon Jay.

      There's a market for all sorts of crafted and manufactured products.

      Some you could probably make from home.

      We've sold tons of handmade soap.

      Soap products are fairly simple to make. But not so simple that just anybody will be getting into this. There are some tricks.

      Then there's this large and growing demand for simple skin-care products.

      People who buy soap products also buy all kinds of related products. Like what? Shampoo, shaving soap, lip balm, salves, and so forth. Any one of these products could keep a person busy...

      Of course making products and marketing them are two different projects.

      But, in the case of soap, you can get in front of some interested potential customers fairly easily. On-line can work, but off-line methods are probably easier.

      Soap is just one example of something you could learn to make and sell.

      Something I've noticed about making things...

      It takes effort to personally make things. But once you have some marketing channels set up and some inventory in place, there is income without additional personal effort. So you sort of have a combination of a job and a business. In addition, even if you personally spend time making something, that doesn't mean you can't sell things made by others along with what you make.

      There's a lot to be said for turning off the computer, at least part of the time, and getting out there and making something.

      A little dirt and sweat never hurt anybody!

      And with that, it's back to the shop for me!
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      • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
        Thanks Alan, just be careful, you know what happened to Burt when his Bees when Big Time. HA. Saw a piece from the Movie and Burt says a good day is one no one shows up and he has nothing to do (corporate wise).

        You know I think you are positioned to expand as much or as little as you want.

        Gordon

        PS. Your web sites look great too. May I include them in my update of Nectar (probably within the week)??
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Originally Posted by drewfioravanti View Post

      A business owner makes money whether or not he or she is actively working in or on the business. Everyone else is employed. Self or otherwise.
      Many, if not most, small businesses go under if the owner isn't ACTIVELY working in or on their business.

      An absentee owned business is more of an investment. And many mom and pop stores will tell you they are self-employed (some will save slaves to their business).

      I guess I missed your point.

      gjabiz
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      • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
        Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

        Many, if not most, small businesses go under if the owner isn't ACTIVELY working in or on their business.

        An absentee owned business is more of an investment. And many mom and pop stores will tell you they are self-employed (some will save slaves to their business).

        I guess I missed your point.

        gjabiz
        For example, if you own a McDonald's, whether or not you show up, you make money. (business owner)

        If you are a dentist, unless you have other dentists working for you, unless you show up, the office is closed and you aren't making money. (Self employed)

        If you are a plumber, unless you go to the job and do it, you don't make money. (Self employed)

        If you own a plumbing company and have plumbers and sales staff and probably an office person, if you don't show up for a day, you are still making money. (Business owner)

        This might explain it better than me. And I'm not trying to prove any points other than my definition of the differences between a business and making money...

        "If your business depends on you, you don't own a business-you have a job. And it's the worst job in the world because you're working for a lunatic... You can't close it when you want to, because if it's closed you don't get paid. You can't leave it when you want to, because if you leave there's nobody there to do the work. You can't sell it when you want to, because who wants to buy a job?

        —Michael Gerber"

        Taken from: The Self-Employment Myth - E-Myth

        And I believe that most every business owner started as self employed, and had a plan to become a business owner.
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    10 Top Franchises You Can Run From Home-Kiplinger

    Some of you might like Business advice | Small business coaching | the world's number one business coaching firm - ActionCOACH Action Coach.

    Need a Business Idea? Here are 55 | Entrepreneur.com

    Entrepreneur is a site with a wealth of info.

    Motiply has been discussed here at WF in it's early days, I think it has gotten better since then, got the bugs worked out, and may be (or may NOT) a turn key solution for some doing off-line marketing.

    Here's a place for used vending stuff. and vending is still going strong, just be careful, you need the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. http://www.usedvending.com/

    Here is an example of a licensed biz-op
    The Nutty Bavarian

    They have a distributorship, where you don't need the roaster, just set up consignment shops, they send the pre packaged nuts.

    So there are a few IDEAS for you. If you like to coach people, we (Warriors) are still in the front of the parade when it comes to IM. Millions will want to learn, and you can provide your success (OR failure) stories to a hungry audience.

    gjabiz
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