An Amazing Race

In a move destined to amuse even the calmest among us, I have created a side project. One that is as complex as it is intricate, as sophisticated as it is elitist. I am of course referring to, Cute Dogs!, a collection of cute dog and puppy pictures.

Why? Because I want to test what will generate more Google AdSense revenue: an informative blog, or a few pictures of puppies which took less than an hour to set up.

For anyone interested in how one goes about making a dog and puppy web page for fun and profit, it is quite simple. (May require basic HTML skills, or access to Microsoft FrontPage or equivalent)

1. Download copyright free photos at stock.xchng. Check for any restrictions to ensure that you can republish the photos.
2. Sign up for a Google AdSense account (there is a link on the right side of this page).
3. Create an HTML document, and add a couple sentences about how cute the dogs and puppies are. "Awww...soo cute!", "Such a cutey!", etc.
4. Upload to your favorite web host.

Track your traffic with Google Analytics, and start generating traffic by sharing your site around the web.

Which site do you think will win? My money's on the dogs.

Small Business Ideas: How to Become a Tour Guide

One type of guide is a Walking Tour Guide, someone who leads groups of people throughout a city or attraction, while providing relevant and interesting historical, educational, and fun trivia. Some walking tours even have interesting themes that play into people's interests - for example, Ghost Tours, Food Stand Tours, or Park Tours.

People like to be in the know. Provide them with interesting "underground" or "local" information. This information may be acquired through your own experiences, or you can simply do some Google searches. The information is out there if you are willing to look.

After learning about the place you want to be a guide in, it may be necessary to obtain a license. For example, in New York City, you must pay a small fee and pass a multiple choice exam.

Helpful Hint: Once you have your license, a novel way to drive up business is to go to the city where you are a guide, and offer "free" tours. After giving a tour for 20 or so minutes, tell everyone that the introductory portion of the tour has concluded, and that the remainder of the tour costs X amount of dollars. If you're an interesting speaker, many will stay.

What's the next step? Consider becoming an Audio Tour Guide.