Start Your Own Profitable Jewelry Making Business
Teens looking for a home based business they can start in their spare time might want to try their hand at jewelry making. Beaded jewelry, created from a variety of raw materials such as stones, metals, plastic beads, and more is a great way to quickly earn a good income in your spare time without investing a lot of money.
You’ll need to learn how to make the jewelry, of course. You can do that through local or online classes, from books, DVDs or videos. Or if you know someone in the trade, ask if you can spend some time as their apprentice and get valuable on-the-job training, which is one of the best ways to learn anything.
In addition, you’ll need to learn about the materials and tools you’ll use. What each type of “gadget” is and how to use it, including clasps and head pins (commonly called findings), various beads, gauges of wire, wire cutters, pliers, etc.
And you’ll want to understand something about jewelry design, such as what works and what doesn’t, what’s hot and what’s no longer popular. There’s a lot to learn… but the learning itself will be fun because you’ll get to practice making jewelry as your knowledge grows!
Begin by choosing the type of jewelry you’d like to make. While you can make a variety of pieces such as necklaces, pins or brooches, bracelets, or earrings, it will be easier to learn if you choose one specific item like pierced earrings to begin with. Earrings in particular, are popular and worn by many people, so your possible market is larger than for a pin or necklace. But choose something you like and that you’ll enjoy making.
Next, decide on the basic findings you’ll need. Ear wires or posts and clutches are mandatory, for instance, if you plan to make pierced earrings. Clasps and jump rings may be optional. You’ll need specific tools regardless of the pieces you start with. Basics include a flush cutter, round nose pliers, chain nose, and bent chain nose tools. You can buy them individually or in kits.
You’ll also need to select some beads. The options for beads are practically unlimited! You can choose from a variety of materials such as semi-precious, non-precious or precious stone, metal, plastic, even paper or clay. If you want, you can even make your own beads. Instructions and materials are readily available to teach you.
Most beads come in a variety of shapes such as diamond, bicone, round, oval, rondelle or teardrop. And the sizes vary ranging from 4mm up to large 16mm beads. You can find beads made of fire polished glass, pressed glass, swarovski Austrian crystal, freshwater pearls, birthstones, gemstones and so much more. Truly, the options are astounding. But don’t despair!
Visit an online jewelry supply store and request a catalog, or visit your local craft store such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and browse the bead department. Pick a few you like best and start with those. You can add other designs and options later, if you choose.
A couple basic designs will get you started since the different beads will vary the look of each piece. And design ideas are all over the Internet. Search for “free jewelry designs” and print out the ones you like best. Check the supply list and tools needed to be sure you have everything on hand before you begin, then make up a couple samples.
Set a reasonable selling price based on the supplies you use and the time it takes. You want to keep your prices low enough that people will buy, but high enough to cover all your expenses and allow you to make a decent profit.
Once you have a few samples in hand, and you’ve set your prices, it’s time to start selling! You can sell your finished products through consignment at local or online craft shops, through Etsy or another craft site, at flea markets and craft shows, or to friends and family members.
Making and selling jewelry can be a fun, exciting and profitable business for anyone. But it’s especially good for teens since the investment is low and the learning curve is easy.
Transcriptionists In Demand – Could This Be Your Home Business?
Still looking for a way to earn money online from your own home? Do you enjoy typing and and have been told you’re a whiz at it? You may be just the right person to consider learning the transcription business. General transcription services are needed by people who record audios. Podcasts, teleseminars or webinars are a few types of audios that might get transcribed. The documents are typed out by you, the transcriptionist, in a document for people who want to read it. Your transcription business won’t require a great deal of investment up front; just your computer, a quiet office, and some easily attainable transcribing equipment.
Choosing your transcription equipment will take a little bit of investigation. Take a look online at the computer programs and good quality headsets available. The actual transcription program will have the settings you need to keep the verbal recording under your control. A must-have is a good headset that enables you to clearly understand the words you are trying to type. So, let’s take a look at other things you need to know.
Now, ask yourself… do I have good listening skills, command of the English language, and fast typing skills? If you answered “yes”, then you might wonder what other skills you need. You should also be able to work well under tight deadlines, be able to work independently for most of the time, and handle the repetition of typing, which can be a strain on the hands and wrists and the back from sitting for long periods of time. If that sounds like you, and you possess a sharp eye for detail, you are well on your way. With that said, let’s look at some ideas to get you started in your home based transcription service.
Training in Transcription: When you get the right training in transcription, you will save yourself a lot of frustration! You don’t want to fail because you didn’t do your homework, do you? Before you open the doors of your transcription business, spend some of your time browsing through online courses, with your first stop at the resources at the end of this article.
Your Business Plan: Your business has to have a business plan. This may seem unimportant to you now, but wait. You simply need to outline the services you will offer and how you plan to offer those services. Your business plan should include the following information: your personal vision, your services and marketing plans, financial plans, and your growth plans. With a clear business plan in place, you will be taken seriously by your clients!
Home Office Equipment: You’ll find many sites on the internet to help you research and invest in a computer transcription program. The computer program will have many settings so you’ll be able to pause, slow down, go backwards and forward in the recording so you stay on pace as you type. You’ll love all the settings for speed, volume, and even tone control. You don’t need to worry about trying to catch up with the words or understand what was just said. It’s all under your power. One must-have is a great, not just good, headset. You will thank me later on this one when you can clearly hear all the words spoken and don’t have to keep backing up the recording, trying to understand a garbled word and wasting your precious time.
Marketing Yourself: Some people like to subscribe to national transcription companies so the work comes to them. However, if you are a good networker and like selling yourself, you may want to find your own clients and work directly with them. With podcasts popping up all over the internet – and teleseminars spreading like wildfire, you’ll have a huge list of people to contact with your services.
Website For Your Business: Besides your hard work, your new and growing transcription business depends on a great website. Use it to let the outside world know that you have openings and ready to work! You will be listing your services and letting clients know how to contact you. If website design is not your specialty, please hire someone to develop a professional website for you. The cost is minimal when compared to the client reaction you will get from happy testimonials and other client referrals. Keep in mind that your website is your professional face, so please save your personal or cutesy web stuff for the a personal blog. Your satisfied clients will always be ready and willing to refer other clients your way if you make your website easy for them to use and respond to.
The good news is, that according to the Department of Labor’s statistics, the demand for transcription services is growing at a higher than average rate in the US. If owning your own transcription business sounds interesting to you, maybe this presents the perfect opportunity for you. Are you ready for a successful “at home” career in the transcription service business? It’s time you took your talents and put them to work for you!
A Transcriptionist Business is a fun way to start making money online with a minimum of money and equipment. Get step-by-step help by grabbing the JustAddSweat.com Guide to Making Money with a Transcriptionist Home Business.
