By Franta Shinsky

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?

To turn something into an actual business - be it your own idea or a franchising opportunity - you need a helping hand, someone to get you started. Many have had ideas, seen products they wanted to sell, but failed to make a profit for lack of that helping hand. To avoid failing before you've even begun, you need real reviews from real people with real experience. You need to hear from people who can warn you about the negative experiences they have had and enthuse you with the tales of the positive ones.

Forget about doing your 'research' in a coffee shop. Talking to strangers is not the best way to get information about business opportunities in your area, and asking for their opinions won't help you much. Most of them won't even know about the opportunities that are available, especially those you're particularly interested in.

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.

Your local radio station may also have a radio program on business topics, which will occasionally cover business opportunities. The hosts of these shows may point you towards business opportunities and people who have experience with these opportunities. Once you've gotten your business started, the business programming will provide valuable information and key contacts.

A great place to look for real people reviews is the internet, which is also the richest and fastest source of information about business opportunities. Crank up a search engine and use keywords like 'franchise' or 'business opportunity' and other keywords related to the type of opportunity you're looking for. Also, look for online communities of people in your type of business, and network with them.

Such a network can also be found through your local community, and can be another source of information. For instance, most communities have a computer user group discusses various topics during their monthly meetings. A group like that could provide you with the reviews you need and help you achieve 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.

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