Business opportunities exist around us all the time. How often have you seen a product and felt that you could have had that idea? How many times have you seen a valuable product and known that you could sell it to all of your friends and relatives?
The problem with any business idea, whether it is your own invention or taking on something like a franchising opportunity, is how to find the right help in getting started. Many people have ideas or see products that they might want to sell, but they need information or a helping hand to get them started. When you get to that point you have to ask yourself where to find real people reviews about business opportunities. That's what you want, right? Someone who has been there! Done that! You want to be taken to the positive experiences and to be in the know about the negative ones by people who have already tried them out.
The most difficult source of such information is probably coffee shop conversation. Walking up to strangers to ask about business opportunities in your area and get their opinions generally will not provide the fastest results for you. Not everyone in a town knows of opportunities that are available, especially in your areas of interest.
Local newspapers and magazines are one source of information. Many cities have business publications that review upcoming businesses in the area. They often interview people who are a part of those businesses, including businesses that might have opportunities for you to help them in their growth.
Many towns have radio programs dedicated to business topics, and occasionally one will cover business opportunities. If nothing else, this type of programming can provide you with valuable information and key contacts for your business once it gets started. The radio personalities on these shows might also be able to direct your search locally for business opportunities and those who have experience in those opportunities.
The Internet is probably the richest and fastest source of information about business opportunities and a place where to find real people reviews about business opportunities. Start with the search engines and use keywords that relate to the opportunity that you want. For example, if you want to start a franchise, use that keyword "franchise" in your search. You can also search for "business opportunity," or maybe find an online community of people who are currently in that type of business so that you can network with them.
Similarly, local communities often have networks related to businesses, and these could be a source of information for you. For example, most communities have computer user groups that meet monthly to discuss various topics. Such groups could provide you with the reviews that you need or at least be stepping stones toward your goal.
Once you have a business opportunity that you want to pursue, requesting references from the franchise or current business owner is a good idea. This will give you further information about the types of people who are being successful in such a business (Come on, do you really think that they will give you negative references?) and can provide information about the skills that you will need if you continue the pursuit.
There are always business opportunities available to us. Knowing people who have experienced the good and bad of various businesses allows you to find a business opportunity that fits your skills and personality. Once you have the information from others who have walked before you, you will have the confidence to move forward.