Hi Michael,

Given the time and money restrictions, I'd look into doing a joint venture (JV) with someone who has a customer list. That is, think up an offer which would appeal to their customers, and share the profits.

For example, I know someone who does computer technical support and sales for a number of regular customers who are doctors. He gives excellent service, and charges relatively high fees for his over-delivery on service, and his customers are all very loyal and happy to pay his fees. I could look for a product or service which would appeal to doctor's offices with computers, then approach him with the JV proposal. If it's a good product or service, and if I could convince my friend to do it, it would probably be a relatively easy "sell" since his customers are all very loyal to him and trust him.

Another friend of mine runs a regular film night as part of a film society which he started himself. His "customer list" tend to be fans of "cult"-type films. If I could find a product or service to appeal to this group of customers, then there's another JV I could do.

Even if I didn't know anyone PERSONALLY with their own customer list, there are people with their own customer lists everywhere. Any one of them can be approached with a JV idea - even if you don't know them personally. What have you got to lose? Nothing.

The great thing about doing a JV and using someone else's list is you don't have to build loyalty and trust, because it's already there. It speeds up the process.

- Dien Rice