Collection Development | Part-Time Businesses, March 1, 2011
Mar 1, 2011You don’t want me to tell you that jobs are hard to come by these days. Those who do find employment often end up being “underemployed”—working fewer hours than they would like, or working in a job that does not make use of a talent, skill, or hard-earned degree. While this bleak employment outlook drags on, many people are starting side businesses in order to earn extra money, use a skill they don’t employ in their day job, or ease into entrepreneurship at a time when start-up capital is just as elusive as full-time work.
The possibilities for earning extra income on a part-time basis are many and varied. Service-based businesses lend themselves to being run on a part-time basis. According to the Kauffman Foundation’s Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, the service sector saw the second highest rate of entrepreneurial activity. The list of possible service businesses is longer than one might expect, including landscaping and snow removal, catering, child and home health care, cleaning, hired companion, house or pet sitting, event planning, and massage therapy. In addition to establishing these traditional services, working on a contract or freelance basis is an option for those with specific professional talents, for example, virtual office assistants, freelance artists and designers, web designers and other IT professionals, executive coaches, and other kinds of business consultants. Of course, this list by no means exhaustive.
Not only can many kinds of businesses be run on a part-time basis, but these same businesses are often run from one’s home. Choosing this arrangement significantly cuts down on start-up capital. Yet another option is a seasonal business like holiday cookie-making or the ever-popular snow removal. These short-term business prospects can provide a needed shot of extra income at a time of year when expenses are high.
Full-time info for part-time entrepreneurs
Libraries, particularly public ones, usually have a good stock of books on starting and running a business. They may also offer specialized databases to help with business planning. Libraries will partner with local business organizations like SCORE and chambers of commerce to provide programs and networking opportunities. In spite of the economy (or perhaps because of it), people are still launching small businesses, so demand for this information remains a priority.
While there are few titles specifically addressing those interested in starting a side enterprise, the savvy librarian can guide a patron to quality information with a little creative thinking. There are many titles written about home-based and web-based businesses, any of which can be run on a part-time basis. In fact, most of these volumes include a chapter or section on part-time entrepreneurship. Also, librarians and patrons can search for books written about specific kinds of businesses that lend themselves to part-time status. Lastly, books with solid start-up information will suffice, as the start-up process is similar for all kinds of endeavors.
Currency as well as capital
When maintaining a collection of business start-up books, it is important to keep them current. While the start-up process doesn’t change much, the tax code, regulations, and trends do. A good guideline provided by a recent LJ collection development feature is five years (see Susan Awe’s “Start-Up Success,” LJ 5/1/10). Entrepreneurs value staying ahead of the curve and will demand the latest titles and editions. The best books for entrepreneurs offer matter-of-fact advice “from the trenches” as well as inspiration. Mistakes are bound to be made when traveling the thorny path to self-employment, so it’s invaluable when those who have been there are willing to share.
Books on web-based businesses are particularly susceptible to appearing outdated. Be wary of the title that promises to reveal how to make thousands of dollars with minimal effort. Any honest business advisor will tell her clients that not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship and that sacrifices are required. Folks doing business on the side should heed these warnings as well. With side businesses often squeezed in around a day job and a social life, part-time entrepreneurs are even more pressed to be realistic and efficient.
Publishers getting into your business
Publishers of this material tend to release series on starting specific kinds of enterprises. Once those publishers are identified, a selector can purchase several titles at once, beefing up the collection in one fell swoop. It helps if the selector has familiarity with the types of businesses patrons frequently ask about, the types of businesses that are commonly run on a part-time basis, and niche endeavors that may be tough to research. For instance, Nolo is a well-known publisher of legal information for the layperson and also offers titles on business, especially on being an independent contractor or freelancer. Entrepreneur Press publishes Entrepreneur Magazine and has the “Start Your Own” series on specific businesses, plus titles of a more general nature. John Wiley is a major publisher of business titles, along with the “For Dummies” series. Globe Pequot Press provides a home-based business series, while Self-Counsel Press delivers a start-up series called “Start & Run.”
Starred titles (
) are essential for core collections.
TYPES OF SIDE BUSINESSES
Arden, Lynie. The Work at Home Sourcebook. 10th ed. Live Oak Pubns. 2009. 394p. illus. index. ISBN 9780911781205. pap. $19.95.
Each entry in this helpful listing of firms that hire freelancers and franchises that can be home-based includes contact information and advice on how to get one’s foot in the door. The book also features directories of marketplaces for handicrafts and online certification programs.
Gehring, Abigail R. Odd Jobs: 101 Ways To Make an Extra Buck. Skyhorse. 2007. 217p. ISBN 9781602390331. pap. $12.95.
This veritable encyclopedia of part-time gigs picks up where other idea books leave off. Though not all the jobs mentioned lend themselves to a start-up, the breezy treatment of each occupation provides very basic information as well as including websites for more detail.
Stim, Richard. Profit from Your Idea: How To Make Smart Licensing Deals. 7th ed. Nolo. 2011. 432p. index. ISBN 9781413313253. pap. $39.99 w/CD-ROM.
Another source of extra income may come from licensing an invention. This book guides neophyte inventors through all the issues associated with finding a licensee, from legal considerations to researching an idea’s market potential to avoiding looking kooky. Forms specific to the process are included on the accompanying CD-ROM.
WHERE TO BEGIN
Cardinale, Kristin. The 9-to-5 Cure: Work on Your Own Terms and Reinvent Your Life. JIST Works. 2011. 247p. index. ISBN 9781593578077. pap. $14.95.
This book is all about possibilities. Cardinale, a self-described serial entrepreneur, urges readers to think beyond a traditional career to a lifestyle designed to meet one’s dreams. A little more self-help than start-up help, The 9-to-5 Cure provides advice and tools that will give those considering adding a side job the creativity and wherewithal to make it work.
Fishman, Stephen. Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What You Earn. 7th ed. Nolo. 2010. 528p. index. ISBN 9781413312782. pap. $34.99.
For people who need more detail about taxes and their home-based business, attorney Fishman covers possible deductions and advises readers on how to avoid trouble with the IRS.
Fishman, Stephen. Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants. 7th ed. Nolo. 2008. 368p. index. ISBN 9781413307528. pap. $39.99.
There’s a good chance having a side business will mean being an independent contractor, a freelancer, or a consultant. This thorough and well-organized volume will guide individuals through the legal and tax issues that come with the territory. From deciding on legal structures to drafting contracts to collecting payment from deadbeat clients, this is excellent information.
Fitzpatrick, Diana & Stephen Fishman. The Work from Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life. Nolo. 2008. 152p. illus. index. ISBN 9781413307016. pap. $19.99.
This exploration of the many iterations of working from home, including freelancing, is a solid source for considering the idea of being one’s own boss and getting advice on the delicate balancing act that working from home requires. (LJ 3/15/08)
Furman, Dan. Start & Run a Real Home-Based Business. 2d ed. Self-Counsel. 2009. 232p. illus. ISBN 9781551808666. pap. $20.95 w/CD-ROM.
Side businesses and home-based businesses have a lot in common, and this book does a great job of addressing issues likely to face either type of entrepreneur. Practical advice is delivered in a very straightforward style. The CD-ROM is packed with worksheets, forms, and documents.
Seals-Allers, Kimberly. The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion into Profit: How To Find and Grow Your Side Hustle in Any Economy. Amistad: HarperCollins. 2009. 290p. ISBN 9780061438493. pap. $14.99.
Written in a chatty style and geared to women, this book has as its focus creating balance between running a business and other aspects of a woman’s life. The text is punctuated by “success stories” that offer practical advice.
Stephenson, James with Rich Mintzer. Ultimate Homebased Business Handbook: How To Start, Run and Grow Your Own Profitable Business. 2d ed. Entrepreneur. 2008. 516p. index. ISBN 9781599181851. pap. $29.95 w/CD-ROM.
Stephenson’s comprehensive publication covers all topics of concern for the would-be side business owner. It is distinguished by comprehensive coverage of marketing, advertising, and PR and a list of business ideas and franchise opportunities. Each chapter concludes with related associations, suggested reading, and websites.
Stim, Richard. Nolo’s Crash Course in Small Business Basics: How To Run a Business—from Opening Day to Tax Day! 5 CDs. 5 hrs. Nolo. 2008. ISBN 9781413309140. $34.99.
Read by the author, an attorney, this audiobook provides a great introduction to operating a business. Each disc contains 60 one-minute segments on all aspects of starting a business. Perfect for beginners.
Stim, Richard & Lisa Guerin. Running a Side Business: How To Create a Second Income. Nolo. 2009. 271p. illus. index. ISBN 9781413310672. pap. $21.99.
One of the only books written specifically for the part-time entrepreneur, this title from a legal professional is full of practical advice. Detailed information about the differences between a side business and a hobby, especially in the eyes of the IRS, clarifies issues for the interested novice. With a great list of side business ideas and lots of recommendations for further study.
SPECIFIC ROUTES TO TAKE
Chapin, Kari. The Handmade Marketplace: How To Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally and Online. Storey. 2010. 218p. illus. index. ISBN 9781603424776. pap. $14.95.
Artistic and crafty folks looking to make an extra buck by selling their wares will find this book indispensable. It’s loaded with advice and information about online sales markets like Etsy and ArtFire, marketing tips, and guidelines for creating a professional image.
Ferry, James L. How To Start a Home-Based Senior Care Business. Globe Pequot. 2010. 152p. index. ISBN 9780762750139. pap
As our population ages, services for older adults are in demand. The author, a geriatric care provider and a caregiver coach, presents details on all aspects of running such a concern. While part-time senior care businesses per se are not addressed, a reader would be able to adapt the practices to a smaller scale. Ferry provides information on endeavors that might be more adaptable to a part-time schedule, like errand running and check-in care.
Holden, Greg. Starting an Online Business for Dummies. 6th ed. Wiley. 2010. 416p. illus. index. ISBN 9780470602102. pap. $24.99.
The “Dummies” books are perfect for the complex topic of starting a business. This is just one of several on business start-up geared to the ever-expanding online environment.
Niemeyer, Darlene. Doggy Business 101: A Practical Guide to Starting and Running Your Own Business. T.F.H. Pubns. 2009. 207p. illus. index. ISBN 9780793806270. $24.95.
This cheerful book barks up just the right tree for those interested in canine-centric businesses. The author, a doggie day-care owner, lays out in detail the requirements for starting and operating four different dog businesses. Helpful appendixes and a chapter with frequently asked questions round out already valuable information.
Pankratz, T. Nicole. Start & Run an ESL Teaching Business. Self-Counsel. 2006. 168p. ISBN 9781551806495. pap. $17.95 w/CD-ROM.
Tutoring students who are learning English is a popular part-time job. This book provides business advice as well as tips for helping students, including exercises, evaluation forms, and setting schedules and fees. The CD-ROM adds checklists to complete before opening a school or tutoring service.
Peters, Amy Jean. How To Start a Home-Based Children’s Birthday Party Business. Globe Pequot. 2009. 180p. index. ISBN 9780762749386. pap. $18.95.
Written by the owner of a children’s birthday party planning business, this enthusiastic book provides practical advice on the possible pitfalls of event planning, particularly when dealing with children and their parents. It reads like a conversation with an experienced friend. One of the few titles addressing this niche market in the greater event planning industry.
Rich, Jason. Start Your Own Blogging Business: Generate Income from Advertisers, Subscribers, Merchandising, and More. 2d ed. Entrepreneur. 2010. 127p. index. ISBN 9781599183763. pap. $17.95.
This title shows hobby bloggers how possibly to make some money out of their favorite pastime. Rich outlines the process, from the nuts and bolts of setting up a blog and purchasing a domain name to generating ad revenue.
Shepherd, Jeremy. How To Start a Home-Based Online Retail Business. Globe Pequot. 2007. 159p. index. ISBN 9780762742462. pap. $18.95.
Shepherd combines basic start-up information with topics like the importance of bringing passion to your side business and making time for a personal life. Appendixes provide recommended reading, a glossary of Internet terms, and frequently asked questions. Friendly advice from the trenches.
Stim, Richard. The eBay Business Start-Up Kit: With 100s of Live Links to All the Information & Tools You Need. Nolo. 2008. 318p. index. ISBN 9781413308655. pap. $24.99 w/ CD-ROM.
Stim, author/coauthor of several titles on this list, here provides a detailed guide to making money via eBay. He covers everything from the basics of the eBay website to taking great pictures of salable items to deciding whether or not to quit your day job. The interactive CD-ROM is a condensed reworking of the book, with a few links to pertinent sites.
WEBSITES
Entrepreneur.com
www.entrepreneur.com
A standard for all businesspeople to read, this site delivers information and a community of entrepreneurs. Even part-time business owners will find it useful.
SCORE.org
www.score.org
This site from a national organization that provides free counseling to entrepreneurs offers articles, templates (for business plans and financial statements), and online counseling. Perfect for those who have little-to-no familiarity with business.
| Author Information |
| Tera Moon has helped scores of entrepreneurs while working as the business librarian at the Southfield Public Library, MI. She has worked closely with economic development groups in Michigan, teaching entrepreneurs how to do market research |
