Creating a Job

18 years ago, I heard of a business, a mythical vocation that would take care of your worst nightmare, for a small fee.  I did not believe that such a place existed, and even if it did, could they really be as transcendent as I had heard?

I am happy to tell you that they did exist, and still do.  The business is called Wiggin's Auto Tag and they dealt with the Department of Motor Vehicles, so you don't have to.

Oh Joy!  The end of ceaseless hours, standing in the wrong line, losing a day, perhaps three, and all for such a small fee.  I would have paid triple what they were asking, and smiled.

I talked to the owner and asked him how he could stand the drudgery of dealing with the  DMV, day in and day out.  He told me once he understood the workings of the DMV, once he became an expert, it was the easiest money he ever made.

Why do I tell you this?  Because this business model is a template that anyone can follow.  If you are unemployed, think about your last couple of jobs prior to the recession.  Determine which part of those jobs, everyone hated to do.  And own it.

Companies are more than willing to sub-contract the awful jobs that the full time employees loath to do.  Think of being able to walk into a CEO's office and say, "I can accomplish these tasks more efficiently and for less money."  These are two things CEO's love to hear, and if it can raise worker morale at the same time, bonus.

Talk to the folks you used to work with, ask people in your social network, email people on LinkedIn within your industry, most will be willing to tell you the worst part of their job.  Find a common theme or trend, determine the specifics, and learn it.  Do it.  Become an expert in it.  Then sell it.

Back to Home Page                                      Back to Articles page
From May 2010