The Most Bizarre Jewelry Ever!
Ron Ruiz

There’s gold, pearl and diamond jewelry . . . and then there’s cremation jewelry. Yep, you heard right, cremation jewelry.

Cremation jewelry was one of the products featured at the National Funeral Directors Association trade show. At the convention, Terry, who is a funeral home director, showed off his cremation jewelry. Each handcrafted pendant is hollow and can be filled with the cremated remains of the departed.

But are people ready for jewelry that is made from grandpa or grandma? While it may not be for everybody,for some, wearing the jewelry may be a creative way to keep close loved ones who have passed on. For others, it may be just too much.

I don?t know if cremation jewelry is going to catch on or not. But if it does, it may just be the one bright glimmer in the grim business of dying .

Either way, Terry is following his ambition and working on his own business within the field he’s experienced in ? great tips for any entrepreneur.

For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com

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iPod Repair: Easy business model

Ron Ruiz

If you got an iPod for Christmas you’d better keep Matt’s phone number on hand–Otherwise your new iPod will probably be in the trash by this time next year.

Matt, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, literally stumbled onto the business of iPod repair. While browsing ebay he noticed a number of broken iPods for sale. Seeing the opportunity, Matt posted a website to offer his services. He did so well that he now has a storefront in Toronto, Canada.

Matt’s company sees about 30 iPods a day. Over half of these are from walk-in customers. The rest arrive in the mail from the United States and Canada.

Repairing iPods is fairly simple since there are only 4 main parts, the screen, hardrive, mainboard and battery. All the parts except for the mainboard can be purchased from manufacturers. Apple doesn’t sell the mainboard or any other parts for that matter, so Matt buys broken machines off eBay with intact motherboards or even new ones to replace it. The whole repair process takes about 10 minutes.

Repairing an iPod is cheaper than buying a new one and better than throwing it in the trash like so many do.

Have you ever considered starting a business to improve upon, repair, or enhance the enjoyment of an already popular product? This type of business model lets the big companies do all the advertising and selling while you ride the waves of their success.  

A great plan for a small business.

For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com

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Exotic Chocolate Truffles Gross $7 Million
Ron Ruiz

Katrina has taken flavors from around the world and turned them into exotic chocolate truffles?and met success along the way.

After earning a degree from a top culinary school in Paris, the adventurous young woman set off to embrace the street foods of different countries. When Katrina returned to the U.S., she soon realized that what she really wanted to do was use the culinary skills she had learned overseas to make exotic truffles with unique flavors.

Her big breakcame when Katrina pitched her products to the local department store. At first,the buyer didn?t seem impressed.But much to her surprise, the buyer called the next day to ask for more. It turns out his coworkers had eaten all of the truffles before he could try one, and he wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Within months, Katrina had a major deal with Neiman Marcus.

Revenue reached about $7 million in 2006. Katrina takes home $80,000.?Even though she could pay herself more, Katrina would rather pay down debts and grow the company.

The candy industry is huge and very competitive.But by creating truffles with exotic flavors, Katrina has carved out a niche for herself in the chocolate business. By targeting a small niche within a large market, she’s achieved huge success.

For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com

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Growing a Home Business
Ron Ruiz

You could say that Jay and Chantelle are the parents of two “babies.” Their first baby is growing inside Chantelle and is due this spring. Their other baby is their home-based company that they launched over a year ago.

Their company rents cribs, high chairs and other infant and toddler equipment. The items are available through the company’s website. Chantelle says she did extensive research to find safety-certified products for the company to offer.

Either Jay or Chantelle deliver the items, often to grandparents with visiting grandchildren. They have made deliveries to hotels, the airport and to corporate relocations services. Their rental company makes it easy for hosts to welcome children into their homes, without purchasing baby equipment.

Their first year has exceeded their expectations. They had 90 costumers, a number of repeat clients and made $12,000 in revenue!

But income isn’t their only goal. Their original reason for starting the business was so Chantelle could be able to stay home with their children, so all business decisions take this goal into account.

There seems to be an enormous baby/children market and Jay and Chantelle are tapping into it with their rental service for infant and toddler gear. Their story is a great example of how one can tailor a business around family life and still be successful.

For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com

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A New Spin on Towing
Ron Ruiz

Picture this . . . your car breaks down, so you dial the number of your local towing service. Instead of a greasy, jump suited driver showing up, a smiling, body-builder in spandex comes to your rescue. He offers you a refreshing bottle of mineral water and one free call from a cellular phone.

No, it’s not a beautiful daydream. Thanks to Christine and Giovanni, being stranded was never so much fun. The married couple own a towing company, with a twist!

It all started one day when Christine and Giovanni’s car was stuck in traffic for hours. But when the tow finally came, the drivers were rude. The couple realized that the towing industry needed to change its image.

Christine recruits drivers for the business. She points out, however, that she is concerned with more than looks. The hunks must have great personalities, too. So far, their company is getting up to 10 calls a day for tows, and Christine is considering franchising the operation.

Not surprisingly, they’ve had requests from men for women drivers . . .

Here’s an example of adding a twist to an ordinary idea or business. Seen this before? While this formula isn’t new, it’s a great way of making your business stand out.

For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com

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