Investment opportunities outside of the market, where do you find them?
Say you want to forget the market and want in on something you can see and feel. You want to invest in an existing small business or a start up company,nnI've come across some websites but haven't really looked into it.nhttp://www.gobignetwork.com/nnAnyone have any suggestions or experiences?
Answers
474 points
spider348 answered one year ago …
The 'other' hot topic is real estate investing of course. But if not into that I can understand, not for everyone. Personally I am looking into starting something that can capitalize on the alternative energy/technology field. Alternatives ,IMO, will be the next big decade+ long boom. One thing to consider in whatever you pursue, are you going to be buying yourself a 'job' or 'investing' and/or both ? Buying a small business and turning it around (I have explored that) could require a minimum 2 year intense effort, with an uncertain outcome, but no risk no reward.
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4085 points
EthanR answered one year ago …
ChiDog, I believe you can do both simultaneously. You can look for a small business to start up or take over an existing one, AND still invest in the stock market via your IRA, or a 401k that you create. You don't have to watch the market all day long to invest in it. Simply dollar cost average into a top mutual fund, group of ETF's, S&P 500, etc.
My suggestion for how to choose a business is this. Sit down and figure out what you like, what you know, and what you are good at. For example, when I began my real estate career it was simply because I was interested in acquiring investment properties. I actually got my license just so I could have access to properties when they first hit the market, and so I wouldn't have to wait days for my Realtor to have time to show me them. However, soon enough I created a niche business in which I focused on working with investors and owner occupants looking for foreclosures and other types of distress sales. This was something that I enjoyed very much, and so it helped to create a good career for myself. As time went on, the expertise that I developed helped a lot of people to make money.
Have you read "What Color is Your Parachute"? This is a classic book from the 1970's that has sold millions of copies. The book talks about how to find the career path that is best suited for you. Perhaps that book might help you to choose the best business, based upon your personality and preferences.
Best of luck in whatever direction you go.
