Cary George has an unusual Florida based business. She dresses as a ‘Disney princesses’ (with minor alterations  so as to avoid a law suit), and entertains children at parties. For that she earns upward of $50 an hour.

Children’s parties are big business and this looks like an opportunity that could work for people of either sex. Disney characters and super heroes aren’t restricted to just the one gender. It goes without saying though, that you’ll need to be really good with children, and not everyone will have the right temperament for this kind of work.

If this interests you, start out by looking at what’s available for children’s parties in your area, and form working relationships with organisations and venues already operating in this field.

When I was growing up, hardly anyone could type. Now, thanks to computers, everyone can do it. If you’re looking to work from home in hours that suit you, then offering a transcribing service could be what you’re looking for. You’ll not make a fortune, and the work is clearly labour intensive, but it’s a simple and solid opportunity.

A large number of corporations, organisations and media  companies need material converting from audio to the written word. I’ve provided a link  to a UK based company that deal with this sort of thing below. A Google search will throw up other opportunities.

http://www.e4s.co.uk/jobs/1-typing-from-home-jobs.htm

This smacks of something altogether more unsavory but a US based dating  site. Whatshername.com has turned the whole dating process into a money making exercise for good looking young women. The site blurb doesn’t pull any punches  “Easily date the women of your dreams. Go on more dates by simply placing a bid. Now you can date anyone, anywhere, anytime for the right price. Make your offer today and go on a first date tomorrow. Browse our attractive members.”

I’m not sure I like the sound of that, but I can see mercenary women joining and I can see foolish men paying to take them out. There’s probably money to be made. Not something I’d be comfortable with but as I’ve said many times here, I’m not the opportunity police!

Coffee is supposed to keep you awake, and that’s why Counting Sheep Coffee is different. The new Canadian decaffeinated brand includes powdered valerian root,  a natural sedative that people have used to nod off since the time of ancient Rome and Greece. We’ve previously talked about ‘energy drinks’ which taste the same as their regular counterparts, but have a relaxing effect. Maybe the Counting Sheep people saw that idea and decided to apply it to a hot drink.

I’m not suggesting you should copy the coffee or the energy drink, but rather take inspiration from the idea. When a product is supposed to do one thing, give some thought to whether there might be a market for a version which does exactly the opposite.