Start a local business networking group

Local business owners and self-employed professionals such as real estate agents, accountants, contractors, photographers and insurance agents.

Membership dues paid monthly, quarterly or annually, sometimes with a one-time joining fee. Some groups also charge for guest passes or sponsored meetings.

• Meeting people and making introductions
• Organizing and running a consistent schedule
• Selling memberships and following up
• Facilitating a room and keeping meetings on time

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and whether your state requires you to register a business name or form an LLC
• Consider general liability insurance, and check what the meeting venue requires from organizers
• Check your state's rules on sales tax for membership fees, as treatment varies
• Groups can lose members quickly if they do not produce referrals, so plan for turnover and keep recruiting
• Be clear in written terms about fees, cancellation and refunds, and ask a local professional about contract wording

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on venue arrangements, marketing, insurance and any website or sign-up tools you set up before your first meetings.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many members join, your fee levels and how well you keep members. Expect to spend at least about 6 hours a week.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and whether your state requires you to register a business name or form an LLC. Also check how your state treats sales tax on membership fees, and what the venue requires.