A reader wrote: My wife is interested in starting a Bed & Breakfast. She think’s it’ll be all roses, but I’m not sure. Do you have any information about what it’s really like? I do. In fact, in today’s Wall Street Journal, there’s an article that attempts to dissuade potential bed and breakfast owners from […]
What It’s Really Like to Run a B&B Read More »
A reader asked: Why is the pizza the only food you can get delivered? What’s the history of pizza delivery? According to PizzaDelivery.com, in 1889, King Umberto and Queen Margherita had the privilege of getting the first known pizza delivered by Raffaele Esposito, the most famous Pizzaaiolo (pizza chef) in Naples, Italy. In honor of
History of Pizza Delivery Read More »
A reader wrote: What do you think about starting a coffee shop? I think that many people think that they want to start a coffee shop, but, in fact, what they really want to do is to hang out in a coffee shop all day and get paid for it. We’re very good at recognizing
Why You Don’t Want to Start A Coffee Shop Read More »
A reader asked: I am looking for good and new ideas in the medical field to introduce into Europe. Please help. What say you?
New Ideas in the Medical Field? Read More »
A reader wrote: Who said “Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door?” Is it true? The phrase is usually attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. The phrase is actually a misquotation of his statement that, “If a man has good corn or wood, or boards, or pigs, to sell,
Can You Just Build a Better Mousetrap? Read More »
Every day my inbox is full of people with over-the-top business ideas. Someone always wants to know if I think their business will fly. Some of them will work, for sure, but here’s an idea: instead of trying to figure out what flashy, hip, and cutting edge business to create, why not just start something
Sell Boring Stuff: People Need It Read More »
A reader wrote: What business should I start? I have lots of hobbies and am sure I can find something, but how do I narrow it down to one that I will really love to do day in and day out. Many people start businesses because they enjoy doing something a recreationally. Since we’re all
Your Biz Is Not Your Hobby: Why Many Small Businesses Fail Read More »
Joan writes: How much money (do I need) to start a small retail business? What are the pros and cons I should be looking out for? You could start a retail business for as little as $10 or as much as $1.5 million for a national fast food franchise. Other questions to consider are do
Reader Mailbag: Start A Retail Biz? Read More »
Reader Emelia wrote: Thank you for your wonderful encouragement. I have a small graphic design company that I run out of my apartment. I would love to lease an office in town so that I can attract more customers. Can you please tell me how to raise some money to do that? Thank you. Reader
How To Raise Money for Your Small Business Read More »
A reader asked: Where can I sell my business idea? You can’t. Ideas by and of themselves are worthless. It’s the execution of the idea that has value. Do something, anything, with your idea and then we’ll talk.
Reader Mailbag: Sell My Idea? Read More »
