Profitable business idea – trampoline park

profitable business Sometimes a successful business might have a very tough start, when no one believes in the potential of your idea and no one wants to support you. Still this is not a good reason to give up and loose faith. The business that I'm going to write today proves it well: with initial investments in amount of $2 million it reached a $3 million revenue within few years, while in the very beginning the owner of this business couldn't find a bank to back the project. This unusual business started back in 2004, when the father-and-son team of Rick and Jeff Platt decided to become the owners of their own invented sport. They bought a patent, chose a name – Sky Zone – and started to train 2 teams of 12 men each. It was a combination of football, basketball, hockey and gymnastics played atop a bunch of trampolines cabled together to create a super-trampoline roughly the size of a basketball court. Unfortunately this game didn't get much popularity. Yet other opportunity appeared on their company's horizon. People from the neighborhood started to know on their door, asking for permission to use their trampoline park. And that was the right business model – charging a mere sum of $10 for an hour jumping, Rick and Jeff Platt soon experienced a true business success. Currently they own several trampoline parks around the states and plan to expand. This interesting business is a great example of how important is to be flexible and ready to change your business model if the initial one doesn't seem to work well. Business opportunities always come to those, who are ready to see them. So, being an entrepreneur means being farsighted and mobile, as well as keeping your eyes wide open for any new ideas to appear.

Source - Business Ideas

Cool business idea – oversized eyewear

unique business America's expanding waistline represents plenty of new business opportunities for entrepreneurs with products and services aimed for big guys: clothes, shoes, bikes, dating services etc. Today I have stumbled upon another great business idea which I'm glad to share with you! Rico Elmore, 37 from Newcastle Ind., is a big guy who once faced a big problem – finding the right sun glasses. In search of a suitable pair he tried out several hundreds and left the shop with empty hands. This disappointment was a boost he needed to start a business. Rico Elmore founded a company called Fatheadz that makes and sells oversized sun glasses and optical eyewear for individuals with larger heads. Company was founded back in 2005 and was steadily growing till reached a $2 million turnover and got a contract with Walmart. This example proves once again that the best source for successful business ideas lies in your own needs and problems. If you struggle with an issue and know that this problem is quiet common – don't hesitate to take everything in your hands and start making money on helping yourself and others!

Source - Business Ideas

Top 5 unique hotels in Japan

weird unique hotel Japan is a motherland of many weird products, bizarre services as well as unusual hotels. The imagination and hardihood of Japanese entrepreneurs seem to have no limits, so I guess I'll continue to post new oddities from Japan once in awhile for your pleasure and entertainment.
weird hotel 1. Capsule Inn Akihabara, Tokyo The capsule unit is made of reinforced plastic and designed as jet airplane's cockpit. Each "room" features all necessary amenities: TV, radio, alarm clock, adjustable lighting etc. Capsule Hotel also offers a range of additional services: WiFi internet access, luggage storage and lounge bar. Accommodation costs about $30/ per night while traditional hotel rooms prices varies from $60-100 and up. Similar capsule hotels also work in other major Japanese cities like Osaka.
unusual hotel 2. Queen Elizabeth Love Hotel, Kanagawa Japan is full of love hotels – lodgings that can be rented only by couples by the hour for a quick private getaway. Love Hotel in Kanagawa, near Tokyo, is one of the most popular. The design of this unique hotel is inspired by the famous Queen Elizabeth ship. While the façade of the hotel is painted in pink and red, rooms have naval theme.
bizarre hotel 3. Pamplona Hotel, Osaka Another love hotel is situated in the Dotonbori district of Osaka and is totally unique. All the interiors are sex-themed and each room has a unique design. There is a 'party room' resembling a torture chamber and an S&M room with a round caged bed.
unique hotel 4. Hoshino Resort Risonare, Kobuchizawa A peaceful place to relax in the Japanese Alps at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake. This green hotel is a modern interpretation of Italian medieval walled city with fantastic oval 'Leaf Chapel', that is a popular choice for weddings and other special events. Rooms rates start from $135, but cheap holiday deals are available on National holidays and other festive days.
unusual hotel 5. Benesse Art Site, Naoshima A totally unique facility that combines the functions of both museum and hotel. The complex is situated on the tiny island in Japan's Inland Sea merging beautiful nature, contemporary art and modern architecture. Each room has a stunning view at the sunsets and sunrises above the sea and will cost you from $300 - $900 a night.


Source - Business Ideas

Successful IT business - viral video ads platform

viral video ads Everything's for sale in the 21st century! PR, advertising and marketing rules the world and even your tweets and Facebook posts cost a certain sum. A new internet startup came up with IT business idea for social network users which will allow them to earn some extra cash without any special efforts. Wingsplay, a startup launched in March by Olivier Lasry connect viral video advertisers and pays its users to share video ads on their social networks. Anyone can earn money by sharing up to four video ads per week. The payment model is cost per view (CPV). This advertising platform already features such big names as NBC and Oxygen. The idea of viral advertising via social networks is not new. But putting it on commercial basis like Wingsplay did sure is a new innovation and I'm pretty confident that this unique business model will prove to be very successful for both advertisers and platform users (influencers as WIngsplay call them)!

Source - Business Ideas

First hand interview. Jenny Ford, “Monkey Toes”: “Make sure you’re starting a business based on something you’re truly passionate about”

monkey toes This blog is a collection of business ideas, so the majority of my posts give a hint, an inspiration, but not step-by-step directions or, at least, basic guidelines. This explains why I get a lot of mails and comments with requests for more detailed information on how to bring interesting business idea to life. For these purposes I've launched a special section - First hand interview: share experience, where successful entrepreneurs tell about how it all started. Today my guest is Jenny Ford from Monkey-Toes.com and I hope her interview will asnwer some of your questions regarding home-based business. 1. How did you came up with idea to hand-paint and sell children's shoes? Was it just a hobby once? I took a hand painting class, called "Tole Painting" and became quite good at it. I would whip through projects faster than most of my peers, so I was always on the hunt for new projects to start. While searching for something new, I found hand painted shoes which I thought were absolutely adorable. I tried my hand at them, loved them and decided to create my own designs. I always knew I would start a business, I just had no idea what that business would be – this one seemed to be a good fit and I had such a passion about it. 2. I get a lot of mails from my readers with only one question – how to open an e-shop, what are the steps? What did you start with? One question, with a really long answer! Initially, the first two years or so, was me working full time, and starting to have my babies (now 10 and 11). During that time I did a lot of research on manufacturers, trying to find wholesale suppliers for the different components and searching for a way to sell them, copyrighting the designs and getting my business papers finalized. I read a ton of books and asked a lot of questions during these days too, I was probably so annoying to anyone and everyone who knew anything about business. I set up at a gift fair right before Christmas and launched Monkey Toes. Right around the same time the website launched. 3. A bit indiscreet question: what is the amount of initial investments necessary to open an e-shop similar to monkey-toes.com? Initially, I opened the doors of Monkey Toes with a $5000 loan from my Stepdad and Mom. This went to all the inventory and the fees for the gift fair. Later I had taken on more loans to produce more product and grow. I haven't ever factored in a ton of money for advertising, my method has been a lot of public relations (magazine, radio, tv placements). I found that PR suited my product pretty well and it was something I could do myself and get results (and the cost was nothing if I did it myself). The media has always loved Monkey Toes because they've got a great story, they photograph or show well in print and on TV. It's a win for everyone. 4. Launching an e-shop is just the first step to successful business. Where did you search for clients? Did you buy advertising and what type of advertising seems to be the most efficient? Do you think that unique business idea can make its own way through word of mouth without any advertising at all? One of my largest revenue streams has been wholesale – selling direct to stores who then in turn sell to the consumer. This is a great option if you have the margins to work with. Plus it gets your brand out there into states that may not know about you. I also did a lot of drop shipping business – another great way to get your brand out there on websites all over the place. 5. What would you advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, who plans to open a home-based business? Make sure you're starting a business based on something you're truly passionate about – the hours are long and the money might not come quickly, there has to be more that drives you. I had a ton of business ideas before this one, but they came and went almost overnight. I've always felt a fire in my gut about Monkey Toes, it's been a passion that still goes strong even after 12 years.

Source - Business Ideas

Successful business idea for tourism - corruption tours

unique travel agency Corruption is a worldwide phenomenon but most people do not know what it looks like. From time to time we hear about bureaucrats caught with bribe, but that's probably all we know about this plague of XXI century. Thanks to quick-witted Czech entrepreneurs and their interesting business idea we all now have a chance to look at this phenomenon a bit closer and to study it from the inside. The Corrupt Tour, a Prague-based travel agency which opened in February 2012, offers a totally different look at the Czech capital. Their route don't include Charles Bridge, Valclav Square and other crowded tourist spots. Their guides offer guests of Prague to experience the scandal and sleaze of the Czech political system. The Czech Republic is a former communist country and it has undergone through major changes of political and economical life over the last few decades. Still some of the institutions were fighting hard to remain closed and to continue making dodgy deals. There are a lot of places in Prague tied to scandals and that's where The Corrupt Tour will bring you. Besides, tour program includes a visit to villas and estates of entrepreneurs linked to big estate contracts and involved in corruption schemes. Travel agency offers 3 different corruption packages, each for 2-3 hours and at a mere sum of 25 EUR/ per pax. The founder of this unique business Petr Šourek aims to offer not just an entertaining tour but also new insight into the widespread problem of corruption.

Source - Business Ideas

How to change career: 5 basic steps to your hobby career

turn hobby into career Surely you know the expression "turn your hobby into a career and won't have a single working day in your life" and a couple of similar statements. Many people are stuck in their everyday routine, spending 8 to 5 at the office, doing work that doesn't bring any satisfaction. These people doubt that any changes are possible and live from weekend to weekend, from one holiday to another. Yes, it's not that easy to turn your hobby into a career or even into a profitable business. Yet there's nothing impossible if you have strong desire and see the aim! So, if you want to join the fortunate minority of people who work with great pleasure, doing things they truly like, this article is for you! Still not convinced? Ok, then a few examples from my own life. My good friend worked as an engineer in accordance with his education. This wasn't his dream job, but he was more or less satisfied. But there were things he really enjoyed - photography and graphic design. It was only a hobby, but he started to spend more and more time developing his skills and knowledge. And if you want something badly – the whole world helps you! Soon he got first offer to join an editorial office as a photographer. The he took a position of designer and these days he is a successful designer and a happy man. Similar thing happened with my other friend. He was a sales manager, mid-level and doing his job diligently yet without any inspiration. Results were appropriate – no promotion and no satisfaction from work. That was when he decided to change his life radically and ... went into dancing. Off it went. It is now 10 years since he took this life changing decision and now he is a successful, respected, and most importantly - happy professional owning his own dance school. Did I convince you? Do you feel like all these changes in my friends' lives were for good sake? If your answer is yes, then here 5 basic step for career change: 1. Determine the type of activity. If you have a hobby - great! If not - sad, but not a big problem. Decide on activities you like or at least remember what you dreamed about as a child. Open yourself and find your true interests! 2. Engage in a hobby. Immerse yourself as much as possible in your favorite area. So you can see how strong your interest is and whether you want to do this for the rest of your life (or at least for some few next years). 3. Explore the market. Find out what companies or organizations might need some of your skills or knowledge. What is the demand for such specialists? Consider all options: from position at the company to private courses or own business. 4. Act! A rolling stone gathers no moss! Develop your skills and keep looking for ways to apply them and get paid. Meet people working in your area, visit courses and seminars, take notice of all new tendencies and trends. 5. Be enthusiastic. It's not enough to just like what you do. Be passionate! Set goals, celebrate little victories every day, even if your achievement is tiny. You should have a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve, a picture in front of your eyes. Knock on the door and sooner or later it will open! And I wish you all the good luck!

Source - Business Ideas

Restaurant business niche - one-touch order

restaurant business idea Sometimes you have too much work or just feel too lazy to cook or to go to the nearby restaurant, yet hunger is right there. That's when you usually remember about the pizza delivery and search for your favorite pizzeria's phone number. It's not very complicated, to pick up the phone and make a phone call, but some shifty entrepreneurs from Dubai came up with an interesting business idea which makes this process even simpler. Red Tomato Pizza from Dubai, UAE, supply its clients with VIP Fridge Magnet – a fridge magnet with one-touch pizza ordering button. Upon pushing the button this device connects the Internet using bluethooth and contacts pizzeria. Then a text message is immediately sent to your phone to confirm the order (to avoid small children ordering dozens of pizzas per hour). And within a short time you get your favourite pizza, which you have chosen on pizzeria's site upon signing up for this service. Easy, quick and without the hassle! Competition among restaurants in any big city is severe and to win a place in the sun you need to find a profitable business niche. Something that would help you to stand out among your competitors. A one-touch food ordering button is a great business idea that would suit any restaurant which offer food delivery service.

Source - Business Ideas

Top 3 business ideas in crisis

successful business World economic crisis which started in late 2007- early 2008 still keeps challenging businesses worldwide. Competition is tough, people undergo the fear of being dismissed and are very cautious and tight-fisted when it comes to spending money on goods and services. Still there are entrepreneurs who dare to start new business even during these hard days. Of course there are several conditions under which their business can succeed – low investments, low maintainance expenses, interesting business idea which could spread out without massive (and expensive) advertising. Seems to be too hard to satisfy all the conditions? Not all! And here's the top 3 business ideas in crisis that I wouldn't doubt to recommend. 1. Hired dancers The party has just started, DJ plays his better sets, but the dance floow remains empty. Familiar situation, ah? Well, now this is no longer a problem in Germany. Berlin-based company Be My Dancer started a unique business – they hire people who are paid to break the dance floor ice. The Be My Dancer crew can be rented solo or as a team and each dancer costs around €40 an hour. Dancers are trained to suit any occasion – from cha cha session to themed tango evening. 2. Cow meditation A Dutch farmer, Corné de Regt, invented a great idea for new business – a retreat for stressed businessmen on his own farm near German border. There would be nothing unusual in this countryside retreats is owner wouldn't come up with one very peculiar service – meditation with cows. Group of retreat's guests gathers together in cow stall, sit on hay bales and meditate alongside with animals. Some complain about the smell, but Mr. de Regt says it's also a part of meditation – all senses have to be involved to achieve the best result. 3. Separation agency Famous French writer Frederic Beigbeder claims that "love lasts three years". Can't say I totally agree, but there certainly is a term when some relationships do not bring satisfaction and joy anymore. Yet many people find it truly challenging to say "I don't love you no more" to the person who once was the most precious in the world. Well, Germans are here to help once again! Meet another Berlin-based company The Separation Agency who's bizarre business is based on saying these tough words instead of you. For a mere sum of €29.95 agency's employee will conduct the split over the telephone, for €64.95 he/she will meet your ex-beloved in person. No matter which option you choose, employees will make sure you and your ex stay on friendly term.

Source - Business Ideas