Most of these businesses can be conducted in the privacy and comfort of home, in between household chores, during weekends or at your leisure. All of these ideas do not require extra help, brawn and best of all, some are extensions of hobbies or skills developed or acquired from childhood.

For best results, browse through the business suggestions and write down those that sound interesting. List the opportunities you would like to try out. Then narrow the list down to one, two or more related businesses. For instance,if you collect dolls as a hobby, you can start your own doll making business or start designing and sewing doll clothes (specializing in party clothes) for Barbie or Cabbage

Patch kids.

These ideas are intended to stimulate you imagination. Only you can make the decision based on your own experiences, qualifications, interests and the current market in your community. As you compile your list of possibilities, take a critical look around your area. Note what is and isn't available what is overpriced or inadequate that people in your community will pay for. When you find just the right combination, start preparing for a successful business operation! The first thing you must do is to prepare a BUSINESS PLAN. This is an outline of what you plan to do and how you intend to do it. When you write a business plan, it will make you organize your business in your mind and on paper. This will insure your ultimate business success! Be sure to check with city hall or county courthouse on local license, tax or permit requirements before making your final selection/s and before investing your money. Sometimes a minor adjustment at the start can prevent future headaches.

Finally, familiarize yourself with your choice/s. Start ordering your office supplies, but don't invest too much in stock because you may make adjustments as you learn your market and adjust to market conditions.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW BUSINESS!

LONELY HEARTS. Advertise for, list and match names of people who would like to meet others. Consider age, interests, hobbies, what they like in others, church affiliation, education.

MACRAME. Make and sell a good selection of hangers and hangings. Take orders for custom work. Find (keep secret) good sources for materials, sell do-it-yourself kits.

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS. Sell a variety of magazine subscriptions from your "office"; Use "gimmicky" ads, give credit for leads and do lots of telephone canvassing.

MAIL ORDER SALES. Find the right product, "showcase" it, advertise it, and sell it by mail (ad and/or mailing lists). Caution: Heavy competition and many "sharks"!

MAIL ORDER BOOKS. Sell books by mail (most suppliers will drop-ship). Always offer follow-up products and check several sources before "signing" with any one.

MANICURE SERVICE. Provide nail care service in or from your "salon." Check needs in hospitals, nursing homes, even office and factory workers on break.

MINERALS AND GEMS. Where petrified wood, meteorites, jade, or other potential gem minerals are available, gather and process them. Sell finished jewelry and stones.

MINIATURE GARDENS. Create various sizes of garden-like displays of live plants for hospital sick rooms, boxes for balconies, rooftop planters, offices and residences.

MONOGRAM SERVICE. Embroider names, logos, initials on clothing, uniforms and company team jackets. Specialize in a style or service, charge extra for custom work.

MULTI-LEVEL SALES. Work with reputable company (e.g. Amway, Watkins) to make money from sales of merchandise -- both your own sales and those by others that you sponsor into the program.

MUSHROOM CULTURE. Grow and sell mushrooms. Fill standing gourmet restaurant and store orders, advertise for retail sales. Can, freeze or dry leftovers and stems.

NAIL POLISH MANUFACTURING. Buy red lacquer in bulk and bottles in bulk. Mix in various colors, bottle and sell. Add your own nail polish remover (acetone mixture).

NARRATING. Use your speaking ability to narrate private or commercial movies, videos, demos and advertisements. Sell taped versions for slide show presentations.

NATIVE PLANTS. Become an expert on plants native to your locale. Grow, propagate and improve. Raise the value of your plants and seeds by enclosing an informative brochure in each pack.

NATURAL JEWELRY. Make and sell jewelry and decorations from seeds, twigs, berries. Example: China berry seed necklaces, "moose-apple" pins, acorn beads, willow wreaths.

NATURE'S PRODUCTS. When in an area with wild products (hickory nuts, maple syrup) that you can harvest, do so! Process, package and sell as genuine products of nature.

NECKTIES. Make and sell exclusive, hand made ties from exotic materials from all over the world. Offer a wide selection of designs, attach your exclusive label.

NEEDLE CRAFT. Make and sell homemade items (pot holders, bonnets, towel rings) to sell on consignment, to mail order catalog companies, or through parties and ads.

PAPER SCULPTURE. Create and sell your own unique "heads", figures, caricatures, abstracts, even effigies! Sell for up to $5O each for holidays, promotions, parties.

PAPIER MACHE SCULPTURE. Create a selection of your "standard" caricatures, pinatas and offer custom versions. Assemble do-it-yourself kits with full instructions.

PARTY PACKAGES. Make up and market complete party packages with innovative games, masks, favors, stunts and entertainment for various age, size and interest groups.

PARTY PLANNING. Take complete charge of customer's planned party: decorate, schedule activities, send invitations. Arrange entertainment, catering and clean-up.

PASTE CRAFT. Glue unusual fabrics onto hard surfaces (trays, dishes) to sell in craft shops. Build stock of fabrics and projects, teach, sell do-it-yourself kits.

PEN PAL SERVICE. Advertise in overseas publications. Offer to enroll host country citizens in correspondence clubs for US or other nationality pen pals. Offer introductions.

PEN PAL CLUB. Advertise for members and arrange into categories by age, location, sex, interests, etc. Charge for membership (or newsletter), addresses or "matches" from your files.

PERFUME BAR. Stock and sell a selection of genuine and/or "imitation" brand perfumes and accessories from your salon (have samples and take orders to start).

PERSONALIZED OFFICE ITEMS. Make and/or sell personalized (engraved or monogrammed) office accessories: logos, coffee cups, desk signs, paperweights, briefcases, etc).

PET SITTING. Feed, water, clean up after and check on pets twice a day in their homes while owners are away. Call owners or veterinarian if there are any problems.

PET HOTEL. Board and care for pets in your kennels or cages while owners are away. Or, work with assistants who provide "foster homes" for unusual or pampered pets.

PET TATTOOING. Offer this permanent identification service to breeders and individuals to deter theft, expedite recovery of lost pets and confirm lineage (e.g., breeder has record of marks).

PIES AND COOKIES. Take orders or contract for baked goods from your kitchen. Deliver to customers or stores daily with your name and logo imprinted on the cartons.

PILLOWS. Make and decorate designer, fancy, or "down home" pillows to sell in boutiques, fairs, party plans, sales catalogs and/or advertisements and mail order. PLANT SCULPTURE. A profitable specialty: braid trunks, shape into interesting forms. Trim, bend, graft, to create valuable sculptures that bring premium prices.

POMANDERS. Revive this old Egyptian art: process oranges into hardened and long- lasting sachets. Use spice and perfume mixtures and penetrating cloves: sell!

POPCORN PRODUCTS. Make and market various popcorn base products. Give your recipes exotic names. Create your colorful holiday and special occasion containers.

POTTED PLANTS. Learn to start (propagate) and groom popular potted plants. Display in attractive settings, especially when they are in bloom or full foliage.

POTTERY. With your potter's wheel, make, fire and sell your own style of pottery. Encourage onlookers and students and put your "mark" on every piece you offer for sale.

PRINTS, LINOLEUM. Cut your artistic designs into linoleum blocks; make and frame your prints. Teach the art, sell kits, publicize student work (great advertising!).

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS. Contract with food brokers to demonstrate consumer products (prepare and give out samples) in supermarkets, drug stores and shopping malls.

PRODUCT BROKER. Buy a quantity of a product wholesale (preferably at a close-out price) and advertise it as a "one-time special" locally. Sell leftovers at close-outs! POTTED PLANTS. Learn to start (propagate) and groom popular potted plants. Display in attractive settings, especially when they are in bloom or full foliage.

POTTERY. With your potter's wheel, make, fire and sell your own style of pottery. Encourage onlookers and students and put your "mark" on every piece you offer for sale.

POTTED PLANTS. Learn to start (propagate) and groom popular potted plants. Display in attractive settings, especially when they are in bloom or full foliage.

POTTERY. With your potter's wheel, make, fire and sell your own style of pottery. Encourage onlookers and students and put your "mark" on every piece you offer for sale.

PRINTS, LINOLEUM. Cut your artistic designs into linoleum blocks; make and frame your prints. Teach the art, sell kits, publicize student work (great advertising!).

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS. Contract with food brokers to demonstrate consumer products (prepare and give out samples) in supermarkets, drug stores and shopping malls.

PRODUCT BROKER. Buy a quantity of a product wholesale (preferably at a close-out price) and advertise it as a "one-time special" locally. Sell leftovers at close-outs!

PRODUCT REPACKAGING. Buy bulk products (nails, beans, vinegar) by the ton or barrel. Re-package into neatly labeled packets, pints, boxes and sell for much more.

PUPPET MAKING. Create your own puppets (cartoon, caricatures or custom faces). Give shows at children's parties, train both "actors" and puppet makers. Sell kits.

QUILTING. Make and sell beautiful homemade quilts from "scraps" in your "spare time". Take color photographs of each quilt and make a "catalog" to show them.

RAG DOLLS. Make and sell rag, sock and similar stuffed dolls in your own unique fashion. Attach your label and offer to stores in your area and via mail nationwide.

READING TO PATIENTS. Visit hospitals, nursing homes or individual homes and read stories, novels to patients. If time is limited, read a chapter a week. Charge relatives.

REAL PEOPLE DOLLS. Make and dress doll representations of real people (heroes, historical, actual clients). Include information about the person. Present in attractive glass display boxes.

RECIPE SALES. Perfect your favorite recipes. Promote and sell them individually, in small sets, or collections. Sell something that will make the cook look great!

REPORT WRITING. Write information or "how-to" articles on subjects in which you are well versed. Sell to technical publications or advertise and sell "reports" direct. RESIDENTIAL POSTCARDS. Take pictures of well-kept homes and make.

RESUME SERVICE. A professional resume writing services: interview and review qualifications. Slant for types of job sought: include picture on each resume (computer programs exist).

RUG MAKING. Make sell hand woven (or?) rugs in standard and custom designs. Offer instructions, materials do-it-yourself kits, plus related supplies and equipment.

SCARECROWS. Make and sell authentic scarecrows for gardeners and garden displays. Also, sell kits, complete with frames, straw, and old clothes and face parts.

SCREEN PRINTING. Set up a silk screen apparatus in your shop to print anything from a small badge to a large order of real estate signs, even fabrics and labels.

SEED PACKETS. Collect, sort, label and sell packets of selected wildflowers or plants native to your area. Include instructions, history and folklore on each package.

SEED DEALER. Buy bulk seeds from suppliers or farmers. Repackage into small packets and blends. Add instructions and package along with folklore info; wholesale to local markets.

SEWING SERVICE. Make repairs and do alterations for non-sewing (busy bachelor?) clients needing buttons, adjustments. Charge extra for one-day or "emergency" service. SEWING CLASSES. When qualified, hold sewing classes in your home. Offer full courses as well as special "how-to" seminars for specific techniques. Sell material and supplies to students.

SHELL CRAFTS. Use glue, dyes, toy animals eyes, props and your imagination to make shell decorations and novelties to sell at fairs and wholesale to local stores.

SHOPPING SERVICE. Do grocery shopping for clients. Get their list, buy and deliver. Use your shopping, pricing experience and volume buying to get best values.

SHUT-IN SERVICE. Call and/or visit temporary or permanent shut-ins on behalf of absentee relatives. Take magazines, play games, read to them, and be their friend.

SILK FLOWER RENTALS. Make up silk flower arrangements for weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs and banquets. Sell, rent and offer do-it-yourself baskets, centerpieces, etc.

SNAIL RAISING. Raise and sell fresh "escargot" (edible) snails for gourmet restaurants. Preserve, package and sell leftovers to local stores or a food broker.

SOAP MAKING. Learn as a hobby or adjunct to candle making. Create and sell various shapes, colors, fragrances. Mold prepared solutions or make your soap from scratch.

SPECIALTY FOODS. Represent one or more suppliers of specialty foods (diet, ethnic, gourmet) to restaurants, stores and/or individuals. Advertise for customers.

SPECIALTY MERCHANDISE. Sell a line of merchandise from your catalogs and samples to retail stores, individuals, and sub-sales efforts like parties or group discounts.

SPICES AND HERBS. Grow spices and herbs that thrive in your climate (and greenhouse). Sell dried, blended, freshly cut, in flats or pots, packets and bunches -- ready for use.

SPIDER FARM. Raise different kinds of spiders: sell webs to scientific institutions. Sell to schools and laboratories. Write booklets for each species.

STAMP APPROVALS. Buy U.S. or foreign stamps in bulk; search for valuables (to sell individually); sell the rest in packets or as approvals (e.g., 2 for each one kept).

STAMP DEALING. Buy, sell and/or trade postage stamps of the USA or world. Buy in bulk, sell packets, mixtures, sets and singles to beginning or intermediate collectors.

STENCILING (FABRICS). Design your own stencils for interesting fabric designs. Apply to clothing and fabrics for sale. Sell stencils, fabric kits paints, dyes and supplies.

STORY TELLER. Narrate stories at children's' parties. Use props (dolls, pets, puppets) and audience participation. Perfect the stories then tape or put down on paper.

SURPLUS PRODUCE. Buy peaches, tomatoes, etc., when in season and price is low. Preserve (freeze, can, dry) to sell when the price goes later in the season or in winter.

TAILORING. Use your skills to custom tailor men, boys and women's garments (including jackets, uniforms, suits) in or from your home "shop". Attach your own label.

TALENT AGENCY. Locate and list people (and animals) with unusual talents (charge a small listing fee). Send lists to talent agents, producers, show managers, and actors.

TAMALES AND TACOS. Take orders for tamales, tacos (or other specialties) in your kitchen for customer or pick-up (or delivery to restaurants). Freeze leftovers.

TELEPHONE CANVASSING. Contract with salesmen or businesses to obtain leads or potential customer info for them from your telephone operation. Charge by the lead.

TELEPHONE SALES. Call listed or phone book names to sell merchandise or services (yours or client's).Charge a sales commission and keep ALL profits on your products.

TEMPLE RUBBINGS. With lumber (or similar) crayon and rugged, fabric, copy stone or metal relief designs by rubbing onto covering paper or fabric. Seal, frame and sell.

TERRARIUMS. Start and nurture plants in bottles and plastic containers that require little if any watering. Grow plants to peak of attractiveness and sell, container and all.

TOWN HISTORY. If none exists, "publish" a booklet about your town. Sell direct and/or to merchants for resale or to give away (consider including paid advertisements.)

TURTLES. Raise and market various types of turtles: edible, aquarium, decorative, pet shop and possibly larger ones to protect species and/or market to zoos and preserves.

TUTORING. Provide assistance by appointment or scheduled classes to students (anyone in need) of your expertise, whether academic, technical or operational skill.

TYPING SERVICE. Do typing jobs in your home: for doctors, lawyers, business people, and students. Charge less than word processor but still make a nice profit.

USED BOOKS SALES. Buy, sell and trade used books: novels, reference, science, text, even collector editions from your home.

VEGETABLES, OFF SEASON. Grow and sell "vine ripened" (with lights, heat) tomatoes from your greenhouse in winter, fresh corn in spring, ripe strawberries in the fall.

VITAMIN SALES. Sell one or more lines of vitamins and supplements, some with generic or your name "brand." Advertise and/or enlist user/helpers and party plans.

WEAVING, SPINNING. On old fashioned equipment, spin, weave and dye authentic, hand made fabrics that command high prices; sell kits, instructions and folklore.

WEDDING CONSULTANT. Plan and coordinate weddings from start to finish: decor, guests, dresses, schedules, catering, photographer, etc. Receive fee and commissions.

WILD BERRIES. Pick, preserve and sell wild (only!) blackberries, gooseberries, etc. Prepare different forms, but always emphasize that they are genuine wild products.

WILDFLOWER SEEDS. In your travels, gather wildflower seeds. Seal and label, then take home and cultivate to produce seeds for packets "from around the nation."

WILDFLOWER PLANTS. Start, nurture and market when ready, genuine wildflowers and plants of local interest. Have small brochures printed for each plant (this sells them).

WINE AND BEER MAKING. After perfecting your recipes, sell kits, instructions and supplies (not the product) to others who would also like to make their own too.

WORD PROCESSING. Produce "editable" drafts and finished professional letters, manuscripts and documents for students, lawyers, writers and businesses. Allow editing prior to final printing.

WRITE FOR CHILDREN. Write poems, Sunday school stories, puzzles, explanations, riddles, etc., for children. Sell to local papers, children's book publishers or in your own booklets.

WRITING, FREELANCE. Starting with local articles (even "filters"); sell or even GIVE to local paper (to be "published"). Work up to articles and stories that sell.

YOUR-BRAND PRODUCTS. Make or formulate your own line of household (or?) products from "secret" recipes. Design your own packages and advertising and market your products.