Weekend Entrepreneur: 101 Great Ways to Earn Extra Cash

This book lives up to its title. It's a nice introduction to the topic of part-time (weekend) and home-based entrepreneurship, and should be a very helpful guide to anyone who is just starting out and simply needs an easy read with lots of ideas and some business basics. If that's what you're looking for, this book delivers. As a serial entrepreneur who has started several ventures, both small and large, I really admire individuals who don't have a lot of time on their hands yet are motivated to take the first steps towards some extra cash -- and even the possibility of financial independence. It takes courage, especially for those with a full-time job and family obligations. This book introduces the concept of part-time entrepreneurship, provides lots of part-time and home-based business ideas, and also some advice about marketing, etc. In some ways, the most valuable part of this book are the ideas that it presents (a page or two dedicated to each concept). Most of the ideas are within the reach of an entrepreneur who doesn't have a lot of start-up capital, and all are achieveable to varying degrees depending on how much time one can dedicate to them. Also, I really like the fact that this book takes the family into consideration and even discusses how to get the kids involved. For a mother or father trying to make a go of an entrepreneurial business after work or on the weekends, involving the kids can make all the difference in the world. It's nice to see this aspect of home-based entrepreneurship addressed. The bottom line is that this book is for people who are just starting out and interested in a part-time, home-based business. It provides lots of ideas. If you use one of their ideas, great. And if not, it's still likely that the ideas presented in this books could inspire you and lead you to your own business concept. After you launch your business there are many other resources that will be helpful to you, but the key is to get going, and on that front this book is a good place to start. Steven K. Gold Author, Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture

WEEKEND ENTREPRENEUR: 101 GREAT WAYS TO EARN EXTRA CASH BYMICHELLE ANTON AND JENNIFER BASSYE SANDER . This little book ischock full of great ideas for turning extra time and energy into extra cash or even a full time job or career. The authors have endlessly excellent and imaginative ways you can take what you are skilled at doing, what you spend your free time doing anyway, or what you most enjoy into a lucrative pastime of business . The book is divided into sections which inspire you to get started and what to do before you actually announce your business. It teaches business basics and how to promote your business in up to the minute ways that work and cost almost nothing. There are several sections giving you creative job ideas from being a personal concierge to manure sales. There are many suggestions for products you can make or create, a section on making money via a website, and ways to sell your knowledge of your favorite hobbies. With their excellent strategies for success the authors are sure to make you lots of money and fun while you are doing it. The book is geared for any age, so get your kids started on their own summer business!

This book delivered what was promised. I bought the book Thursday evening and it's already looking a bit used. There was a guy in the section of the book store where this book was supposed to be located. He asked what I was looking for and then he questioned the sense of the title. It's funny how some people take themselves out of the loop of opportunity by making snap judgments. I like the title. I work during the week and sometimes don't have much energy for other things. So to me, the title is right up my alley. By the time I finished talking about the book he seemed pretty interested too. The book was in a different section and he ended up over there too! My head is about to explode. I've read several books of this type, but none of them has caused my mind to work the way that this book has. There's something about this book that causes the mind to open up about possibilities that I haven't come across before. Must be the spirit in which it was written. While the book is written in an easy to read and understand format, it is chock full of information. I need a week off of work just to absorb everything. I read quickly, but I've slowed my pace because I don't want to miss anything. I've got a few business ideas that I'd like to do some research on and this book gives easy to understand starting points. I like the inserts of extra information and resources that are provided. I could hardly sit still at work. Couldn't wait until break time and lunch so that I could get back to the book. I just like the book period. I'm getting together with a couple of people this weekend to go over certain sections that deal with things we've wanted to do. Thanks to you and Jennifer for writing this book! Debra

Jennifer and Michelle write like your long-time good friends who really want your weekend business to succeed. It is inspiring to read by the how to and the real life success stories of others who DO want more money - but not with a business that will take over their live. When I speak to audiences where people are thinking of moonlighting, semi-retiring or becoming self-employed I recommend both this book and Jennifer's "Niche" book. - Kare Anderson, author, SmartPartnering

Reviewed by Erika K. Oliver for Reader Views (5/06) Reading "Weekend Entrepreneur" had me so excited to start a weekend business that I didn't know what to research first. Face painting, selling secrets or becoming a mystery shopper! Anton and Basye-Sander have amassed a great selection of business ideas to get anyone started in owning their own business and earning extra cash. The authors' goal is to help people start a small side business but any of these ideas could be turned into a primary income. Part II of Weekend Entrepreneur is the meat of the book with business ideas organized in category: Making Money with a Strong Back, Creating and Selling Products and Services, Making Extra Money with Online Businesses and Internet Auctions, and Designing Seminars, Boot Camps and Events. Can you believe you can make money renting out space that isn't yours? Did you know there is a demand for beekeepers? It is possible for a single-topic cookbook to net you a steady income? The authors describe each business idea and tell a story to illustrate how someone started this type of business. They also share the skills required, start-up tools and expenses, and possible roadblocks or concerns. Anton and Basye-Sander are honest and encouraging. If your handwriting is good you may want to consider starting a calligraphy business. You will need some artistic talent and lessons (a source for free lessons is provided). Suggestions on pricing and how to market this service are included with the description. I was so happy that the authors write well and did such a great job organizing the information so I could skip around and read the sections as they caught my interest. My only complaint is the last chapter, Spread the Word, is a weak description of marketing ideas and I recommend that the weekend entrepreneur visit books specifically on the topic of marketing. Actually, the best marketing tactic in the book is on page 42 when the authors share how window-washing entrepreneurs used thank you notes to grow their business. I recommend this book to everyone - If you have a business and want to be inspired, if you want to start a business, if you work for someone but need a creative boost or if you have a young adult in your home with entrepreneurial inspirations. This is a fun and exciting read.