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The
Internet is a vast and unknown territory to most people. Trying to
find something online can be a daunting task to those not familiar
with the Internet, how to search and filter out the irrelevant
material, and quickly locate the answer they are looking for. This
problem creates a business idea for the "web nerds" out there. If
you know search engines and the Internet better than your best
friend, you can be an Internet Researcher. What
you will do is find clients who need information and who do not have
the time to research it themselves. Some target clients would be
attorneys, doctors and other business people, as well as those
individuals who need help every so often. For your research, you can
expect to charge your clients $15-$25 per hour in most cases. If
your client would like you to prepare a report with your findings
(i.e. - a Word document with sources identified), you can charge up
to $50 per hour.
The
start up costs for this type of business is next to nothing. You
will be using your brain power and people skills to help people that
are in need. You fulfil that need by finding the answers your
clients cannot find on their own.
Begin
finding clients by joining a small business networking group where
your target market is likely to be. You can print brochures and
flyers, and have a supply of business cards available to give to
people you meet each day. You can advertise on the Internet and
possibly the yellow pages.
If you
can find the information your clients need and find it quickly, you
are sure to enjoy repeat business from them, as well as get
referrals from your satisfied clients. It seems a common theme to
successful businesses is word of mouth advertising after providing
good work. | 
