TEN GREAT WAYS TO MAKE A LOT OF MONEY continued...

GIMMICKS AND SEASONAL ITEMS

In a previous section we considered the sometimes vast profits that can be made by those pandering to the whims of the incurably romantic. Teddy bears and balloons winging their way to all parts of the world are only two of the many unique ways to convey the everyday greeting in a truly unforgettable way, and one that will ensure the messages will not go unnoticed in the mass of traditional cards the lucky recipient will be inundated with. A similar idea exists in the business of providing gimmicky or suitably original goods and services, which tough not necessarily linked to the conveyance of the greetings message, still provide something just that little bit different with which to celebrate the many festivities and special days throughout the year.

Mother's Day sees a wealth of mugs and plates, suitably inscribed to make the heart of any mother melt when confronted with words she never hears via the lips of her offspring. Mugs and plates though, are a much overdone medium. Anyone who can think of something different, and market the idea on a national or local basis, could well find his or her profits for this one celebration sufficient to finance life's little luxuries for the coming year.

I heard of one man who, gaining access to a word processor which enables the operator to insert words into set spaces in a standard text, used this facility to create Christmas Story books incorporating the names of his customers' children, their brothers and sisters, pets, school friends and hobbies, thereby offering a highly personal and supremely individual gift idea. I doubt it you'll find anything remotely as captivating for the child in your life in any High Street store. Brilliant idea, and since I see his advertisement every year as Christmas approaches, I must assume it's highly profitable one to boot.

This type of business proposition is one with which the originator could well corner the market, and if sufficiently different and attractive it may well be one that should be marketed nationally.

Think of all of the other festivities and occasions you could cater for. Christmas of course is perhaps the most profitable time to channel your efforts towards, but don't forget the vast potential of birthdays, Easter, New Year, Father's Day, Valentine's Day - a great opportunity for the slushier and even gimmicky propositions you might have in mind. Different ways of saying 'Good Luck' on passing an examination or a driving test, a more personal means of conveying a 'Thank You' than is offered via the cards and flowers, are but a few of the other messages your service could cater for. And can you think of something to take over from those pink or blue pot creations and their everlasting flowers, with which to mark the importance of the birth of a new baby?

You can? Great!