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HOLA!!!No Money to Start a Business? No Problem.You might be limited to a strict budget when you want to start a business, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options. It is possible to start a business with very little money, if you have the right combination of skills, work ethic and marketing know how.Convenience craving consumers are always looking for a way to do things better, faster and cheaper. Often, that means turning to a specialty services entrepreneur who knows how to get the job done right. Here, i provide some inspiration for aspiring service providers from adventure tour leaders to window washers. With my ideas to choose from, you have no excuse not to get started today with your own service business.Personal ServicesMobile Pet GroomingSnip, clip and brush your way to success as a mobile pet groomer. Fido and his owner will both appreciate the convenience of a "doorstep" doggie-grooming service. With the proper training and experience, a van and some grooming tools, start barking up the right tree by marketing your business in your neighborhood and others.Collectibles SearchCollectibles searchers, who carefully canvas swap meets, thrift stores and garage sales, can collect a bundle locating objets d'art for clients. Once you've found your niche--be it antique lunch boxes, dolls or grandfather clocks--advertise your services in hobbyist publications, at collectibles stores, in specialty forums on the internet, or on eBay. Soon you'll be taking up a collection of your own.Diaper DeliveryWhoever said cloth diapers couldn't be convenient--and user-friendly? Velcro diaper "wraps" replace awkward pins, and pickup and delivery take the dirty work out of diapering. Equipped with a "clean," propane-fueled delivery truck and some washing machines, you can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to disposables. Talk about a change for the better!Dry-Cleaning Pickup & DeliveryAre you clothes-minded? Then try on the dry-cleaning pickup-and-delivery business for size. Provide pickup and drop-off at a place that's convenient for busy professionals, then follow suit by arranging with a local dry cleaner to do the actual cleaning.Mobile LocksmithYou hold the keys to success as a mobile locksmith. For best results, be ready for 24-hour action with a cell phone and van. With some training and basic equipment, you'll have this business mastered--lock, stock and barrel.Graffiti Removal & AbatementEquipped with some paint and other preventive treatments, you're set to serve residential as well as commercial clients with your own graffiti-removal-and-abatement business. City governments and schools can also benefit from the removal of unsightly "tagging" in their districts.Golf-Club CleaningTake your best shot with a golf-club cleaning service. Not only will you be offering golfers a clean edge to improve their game, but you'll be offering a way to protect their investment from the rusting, pitting and discoloration of dirty clubs.Self-Defense InstructorYou can never feel too safe or secure. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the self-defense skills you can teach them. Get your business jump-started by training others in the disciplines you've learned--Aikido, Karate, or simply basic safety-awareness skills.Adventure ToursGot a taste for adventure? Whether it's exploring South American caves or touring English teahouses, you're sure to find a fanatic following . . . so long as you do all the footwork first. Put your service on the road to success by coordinating transportation, food and lodging. Your clients only need to worry about one thing: having fun.Pet SittingWhen it comes to creature comforts, most canines would choose their own backyard over a kennel any day. Thanks to pet sitters--who take care of pets while their owners are out of town or busy--Fido can have his kibble at home. This business isn't just for the dogs, however; gear your services toward all creatures great and small for maximum profits.Mobile MassageSuccess is close at hand for mobile massage providers. Advertise your stress-relieving services at local workout clubs, spas and physical therapists' offices. Then bring your trained hands--and a portable massage table--to clients' homes or places of work.Personal ChefCook up tasty profits as a personal chef. Those with culinary competence can likely find a hungry clientele among the ranks of America's busy working families. Or, market your business to clients for those special occasions when they prefer to dine in--complete with restaurant-quality food and service.Mobile MechanicAs a mobile mechanic, a good knowledge of automobile repair techniques and a list of referrals help you rev up sales. Put your business in the fast lane by bringing your service directly to clients' homes or places of business.Seamstress/TailorAs a seamstress or tailor, sew your way to success altering clothing and/or creating new apparel from scratch. Spread the word about your service at local boutiques and dry cleaners, plug in your sewing machine, and start stitching.Court-Paper ServingYou can't beat the legal system . . . as a great resource for business, that is. Private attorneys, who lack the time to do much footwork themselves, often turn to registered court-paper processors to serve their summonses. Come judgment day, you'll be courting success.Porcelain RepairRub a dub, dub, a porcelain-repair entrepreneur in the tub: Fixing unsightly chips and cracks in tubs and other porcelain accessories puts entrepreneurs in business. With a porcelain-repair kit in hand, sinks and tubs are made like new again.Cover Letter/Resume ServiceNot everyone knows how to look good on paper. With your editing and basic layout skills, a laser printer, and some high-quality stationery, you're set to start showing clients how to put their best foot forward in their resumes and cover letters--and how to get in the door of potential employers' businesses for an interview.Mystery ShoppingNow, you can shop till you drop . . . and get paid for it! Just put on your shopping shoes and put service personnel to the test as a "mystery" shopper. Rate local retail stores' employees on attitude, friendliness, and overall quality of service, then report back to your store-owner clients, helping them to ensure their service really is number one.Tax-Form PreparerOne thing is certain: There will always be a need for tax preparers. Come tax season, businesses and individuals alike need help preparing numerous tax forms and understanding the latest tax regulations. Equipped with some specialized computer software, start scheduling your career as a tax preparer this fiscal year-and get ready for some returns on your time and investment.Wedding-Guide PublishingFor photographers, bakers, caterers and florists, wedding bells mean big business. Help them get a piece of the action by publishing a wedding guide with space for local advertisers. Include some basic wedding-planning articles, and you'll find June brides aren't the only ones to benefit from your premarital publication.Mobile Car-Wash and DetailingTake your business on the road, and clean up on profits as a mobile car-wash and detailing pro. Let a little soap and water do wonders . . . along with a few rags, brushes, and elbow grease; then drive home sales by marketing your services to car dealers, rental fleet owners, and corporations.Used-Car InspectionSometimes, it takes a little more than a kick of the tires to evaluate a used car. With some basic diagnostic equipment and mechanical know-how, however, used-car inspectors can help steer clients away from "lemons." Developing a roster of appreciative customers puts you on the road to referrals--and success.Professional OrganizerNeatniks need apply: If you're got a knack for neatness, why not help the organizationally challenged? Messy closets, home offices and commercial offices alike could benefit from a more efficient setup. Put some order into others' lives, and arrange yourself some pretty profits.TutoringThought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on their studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced guidance and support.Power WashingOily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats . . . You name it, and entrepreneurs equipped with specialized power-washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results, target commercial as well as residential customers.Windshield RepairTo find potential clients for your windshield-repair business, simply canvas local parking and used-car lots for cars with cracked, chipped windshields. A basic repair kit enables you to offer clients what is clearly a better alternative to costly glass replacement.Private InvestigationBlaze your own entrepreneurial trail while following others' footsteps-literally. As a private investigator, make your mark in the industry by keeping a keen "eye" on other people's activities. Clients include attorneys gathering evidence for a case, or individuals seeking information about a significant other.Business ServicesBusiness-Plan ConsultingNot only is a business plan crucial in obtaining bank financing, but it's an invaluable tool for anticipating--and tackling--a business's inevitable ups and downs. With your writing skills, spreadsheet know-how, and general business savvy, show clients how to present their best-laid plans . . . while accomplishing your own.Packing and Unpacking ServicePacking up to move to a new home or office--not to mention unpacking on the other end--is enough to leave one feeling upended. Thank goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with their hassle- and time-saving services, make moving seem like magic.Business-Travel ManagementMake the skies even friendlier for business travelers--and less costly for business owners--as a business--travel manager. Help book low-price tickets, keep expense records, manage frequent-flier miles . . . and reap the high-flying rewards.Carpet DyeingFor a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained carpeting, carpet-dyeing professionals provide hotels, community centers, nursing homes and other businesses an attractive alternative. So go ahead, lay the options at your clients' feet . . . and start making wall-to-wall profits.Hospital-Bill AuditingThere's nothing worse than being laid up in the hospital for a few days . . . except maybe the pile of often confusing bills that follow. The remedy: hospital-bill auditors, who--thanks to their billing savvy and attention to detail--make way for their clients' smooth recovery.Specialized StaffingHelping clients meet their workforce needs is a matter of finding a niche and filling it--and keeping up with human resources trends. Work your way up in the industry by developing a roster of specially skilled workers, then use your "people skills" to build your business.BookkeepingThough today's software makes keeping your own books easier, it doesn't make it much less time-consuming. That's why, for business owners with little time to spare, a bookkeeping service is not only a time-saver, but an asset.Computer RepairIn today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be both costly and aggravating. As a repair professional--equipped with some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy--you can get clients' computers back up and humming again.Referral ServiceFor referral-service entrepreneurs--who act as a "welcome wagon" to newcomers--getting to know new as well as existing businesses pays off in more ways than one. Local companies pay to get their services introduced to newcomers, while these new customers pay for a little friendly advice.Video BrochureMake record profits taping corporate video brochures. Just get your video recorder handy, and zoom in on the action. Video-editing skills and special-effects techniques help you pull together the big picture--and reel in the profits.Executive SearchTake your business to a "hire" level: As an executive-search specialist, help busy clients find the right man--or woman--for the job. Your job involves placing ads and conducting interviews to screen potential employees for clients. Put on your best interviewing suit, and get down to business.Freight BrokerageOne sack of flour for a dozen eggs . . . Gone are the days of such no-frills, local trade. In their place: a sophisticated global commerce system requiring a thorough knowledge of land, sea, air and rail shipping rates and regulations. Knowledgeable freight brokers are indispensable to this burgeoning scene.Long-Distance ResellingBy buying time in bulk from wholesalers, long-distance resellers ring up sales by servicing long-distance consumers--often at significant savings. You make the call: Either purchase the telecommunications equipment you'll need now, or rent it and simply focus on the marketing of your service.Computer ConsultingTap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether you're an expert at Linux, putting together hardware components, or networking, a growing number of computer "newbies" will surely benefit from your services.Limousine ServiceWith a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force behind a new business venture. Stretch your market by adding more drivers and cars to your fleet. Then, once you've established a reliable reputation, start driving home your limousine-service sales.Language TranslationFalling foreign-trade barriers and improved communication technology translate into success for language translators and interpreters. An ear for multiple languages puts you at the forefront of this global movement.Office-Relocation ServiceHelping businesses get plugged in to a new neighborhood comes easy for office-relocation-service entrepreneurs who, as "locals," know who's who in providing such services as printing, restaurant delivery and equipment repair.Office Plant MaintenanceSet your roots in a growing business as an office-plant-maintenance entrepreneur. Regular watering, light pruning, and fertilizing are all in a day's work. Though a green thumb is helpful, some clients may also request maintenance of their silk plants. Either way, your business is sure to grow.Professional Office ConsultantIt's one thing to spend a day at the office, and another altogether torun the office. As a professional office consultant, you'll oversee such responsibilities as marketing, insurance and daily operations for professional lawyers, doctors or other specialists--while leaving the rest to the "pros."Miniblind CleaningPut an end to dusty miniblinds in offices, homes and other buildings with your miniblind-cleaning service. Immerse blinds in tanks of gentle, yet effective, cleansing solution . . . and give clients a squeaky-clean new perspective on the world outside their windows.Office-Support ServiceTyping, filing, sorting mail, entering data, and answering phones are just a few tasks an office-support service can perform to help out harried business owners. Hand out business cards to every businessperson you know--and get ready to spend a productive day at the office!Apartment-PreppingMove in on the housing market with some basic plumbing, painting, caulking and scrubbing skills. Busy landlords and leasing offices can both benefit from your handyman skills, while you, in turn, make some handy profits repairing vacated units for clients' new tenants.Debt-Collection ServiceMoney makes the world go 'round: You get paid when your clients get paid by the people who you get to pay them. Sound complicated? It doesn't have to be: As a debt collector, it pays in more ways than one to have some persistence in tracking down clients' delinquent debtors.Restaurant Delivery ServiceWhen "Let's do lunch" means eating at the office, an ordinary sack lunch doesn't have to suffice. Thanks to restaurant deliverers, busy professionals can order their meals from local restaurants. By collecting a delivery charge and tip, operators get a good taste of entrepreneurial success.CateringA caterer's place is in the kitchen . . . cooking up hot profits, that is. So long as your kitchen is commercially approved--and you've got a knack for stirring up some "dough"--you've got the makings for savory success. Service weddings, holiday parties, and other festive gatherings; if you're lucky, clients will have your cake and eat it, too!Seminar PromotionIf there's one thing consumers can never seem to get enough of, it's information. Give 'em an earful by planning and promoting informational seminars. You don't need to be an expert yourself; just schedule the speakers, reserve a location, promote the event, and get ready to collect the profits at the door.Window WashingBusiness has never been clearer for window washers. Grab your bucket, squeegee, and glass-cleaning solution, and rap at the dirty windows of local businesses and residences alike. Add repeat customers, and you'll soon be on a winning streak.Valet ParkingDrive right up to entrepreneurship as the owner of a valet-parking service. Restaurants, hotels and convention centers can all use the services of a well-dressed, bonded parking staff. The key is having your own team of drivers to keep clients' customers--and their cars--on the move.Professional OrganizerNeatniks need apply: If you've got a knack for neatness, why not help the organizationally challenged? Messy closets, home offices and commercial offices alike could benefit from a more efficient setup. Put some order into others' lives, and arrange yourself some pretty profits.Power WashingOily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats . . . You name it, and entrepreneurs equipped with specialized power-washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results, target commercial as well as residential customers.Marketing and SalesSales-Lead GeneratingStreamline salespeople's efforts by identifying prospects and generating sales leads. Some footwork, market research, and a phone set you on the path to compiling a list of potential customers for your clients.Public-Relations AgencyA way with words, enthusiasm and persistence are all necessary in this competitive business. Networking--by developing contacts with reporters and other media--is also crucial to helping your clients go public with press releases and more.Copywriting and Proofreading ServiceWanted: creative writer with a knack for finding typos and misteaks . . . er, mistakes. Writers who help ensure clients' advertising copy is both catchy and fault-free may not win a Pulitzer, but they will have some profits to write home about.Direct Mail/CouponCash in on consumers' coupon-cutting craze with a direct-mail coupon service. Get started by selling ad space in a direct-mail coupon package to local businesses. When you mail coupons to local residents, your clients will benefit from the exposure and you'll benefit from a first-class business of your own.Public-Relations AgencyA way with words, enthusiasm and persistence are all necessary in this competitive business. Networking--by developing contacts with reporters and other media--is also crucial to helping your clients go public with press releases and more.Mailing ServicesPost record profits fulfilling clients' envelope-stuffing and bulk-mail-processing needs. Advertise in the business section of your local newspaper, and start looking for your check in the mail.Sales TrainingDon't sell yourself short: With some self-promotion and marketing know-how, you could have what it takes to build your own business as a sales trainer. By sharing your sales savvy with other busy business owners, you not only help boost clients' bottom line, but yours, too.Welcoming ServiceWelcoming-service entrepreneurs--who greet newcomers to town with a package of coupons, samples from local businesses, and other community information--not only provide a welcome service to newcomers, but to local businesses, as well.Home ServicesPacking and Unpacking ServicePacking up to move to a new home or office--not to mention unpacking on the other end--is enough to leave one feeling upended. Thank goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with their hassle- and time-saving services, make moving seem like magic.Handyman ServicesIf it's broke, you can fix it. Advertise in local newspapers and bulletin boards, then get busy repairing everything from leaky pipes and stopped-up toilets to jammed cabinet drawers and broken windows.Carpet DyeingFor a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained carpeting, carpet-dyeing professionals provide hotels, community centers, nursing homes and other businesses an attractive alternative. So go ahead, lay the options at your clients' feet . . . and start making wall-to-wall profits.Home-Entertainment InstallationJust watch a novice attempt to connect the wires, cables and other components of their new or relocated stereo and television equipment, and you're likely to view consumer impatience at its finest. But with your sound electrical and wiring expertise, you'll have all systems buzzing in no time.Mortgage/Debt-Reduction ServiceBy explaining alternative payment structures to clients (which can result in a smaller total payment in a shorter period of time), mortgage and debt-reduction-service professionals are helping to relieve America's debt--one citizen at a time.Pool ServicesMake a splash in the pool-services business with little more than some cleaning equipment and a water-test kit. Just load up your tools in your car and make the rounds in your neighborhood. Then dive right into business by marketing your service to homeowners' associations, apartment complexes and individual residences.Lawn CareWhen push comes to shove, you've probably got what it takes to make some "green." Just roll up your sleeves and start mowing, clipping and fertilizing lawns for office complexes and residential clients alike.Home-Inspection ServiceA keen eye for structural detail paves the way to success in your home-inspection service. Start by assessing clients' homes for problems such as structural damage and foundation abnormalities, then refer customers to contractors who can ensure their homes are in good repair.House PaintingBrush up on your painting skills, and get ready to paint the town red--or white, blue or beige, for that matter. Just load up your truck with brushes, rollers and ladders, and get primed for business!Local Moving ServiceBe a mover and shaker with your own local moving service. This is no business for the faint of heart, however: Make sure you're equipped with some upstanding leveraging techniques . . . as well as brawn.House-SittingIs there a sitter in the house? If so, homeowners can rest assured that, while they're away, their plants and pets will be tended to. Don't wait for opportunity to come knocking; a reliable set of references get you in the door.Home DecoratingHome in on the decorating business with your flair for design. Work with local furniture and accessory stores, paint shops, and carpet and drapery outlets to coordinate clients' interiors. And remember: The key to getting in the door of this business is decorating your own home, first.Miniblind CleaningPut an end to dusty miniblinds in offices, homes and other buildings with your miniblind-cleaning service. Immerse blinds in tanks of gentle, yet effective, cleansing solution . . . and give clients a squeaky-clean new perspective on the world outside their windows.Pet-Food and Supplies Home DeliveryLugging pounds of pet food and supplies from the store each week or so can be a burden on pet owners, but it's certainly not too much for pet-delivery entrepreneurs. Once you've sniffed out some leads, start serving up success by delivering pet supplies directly to customers' doors.Custom Closet SystemsCalling all closet-organizing fanatics: It's time to come out and show your stuff! With a few hooks and shelves, and a lot of creativity (but checking any fear of small spaces at the door), you've got the makings of a custom closet-systems pro . . . with plenty of room to grow. New homeowners and long-time closet accumulators alike make up your potential clientele.Window WashingBusiness has never been clearer for window washers. Grab your bucket, squeegee, and glass-cleaning solution, and rap at the dirty windows of local businesses and residences alike. Add repeat customers, and you'll soon be on a winning streak.Residential CleaningNot only is residential cleaning a good way to keep a body busy, but it's also a way to clean up some profits while you're at it. Start on the ground floor by mopping, sweeping and dusting one house, and work your way up from there!Computers and TechnologyComputer RepairIn today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be both costly and aggravating. As a repair professional-equipped with some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy-you can get clients' computers back up and humming again.Computer ConsultingTap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether you're an expert at Windows 95, putting together hardware components, or networking, a growing number of computer "newbies" will surely benefit from your services.Internet ResearchPractice makes perfect when it comes to surfing the internet. With some search-engine and self-marketing savvy, put information at clients' fingertips--and "net" profits at yours.Web-Site DesignerWith specialized software, creating websites comes easy, so long as you have some basic technical and graphic savvy. Home in on business by helping businesses establish a site; existing clients will need help keeping their websites up-to-date, as well.Children's ServicesChildren's Party PlanningDo parents a favor and plan their next children's party. From hiring Sesame Street character look-alikes to coordinating games, decorations and food, you're sure to be the life of the party by allowing parents to relax and have fun, too. Plan birthday, holiday, and religious-ceremony celebrations . . . and let the festivities begin!Child CareAs a child-care provider, you'll need a state license, plenty of baby-sitting experience, and a lot of patience and TLC. Whether you "sit" at your place or theirs, you'll find busy parents aren't your only clients; many office complexes, gyms and other businesses need quality child care, too.Child-Identification ProgramSafety first: When it comes to keeping tabs on children, there's no excuse for kidding around. By offering parents a complete child-identification program, including information files, fingerprinting, identification tags and photos, you not only set parents' minds more at ease, but provide a safety net for our next generation.Children's FitnessIf there's one thing that never seems to run out, it's a kid's supply of energy. Tap into that vast resource with a children's fitness program. Put your knowledge of children's education and physical fitness to the test by renting a location, then coordinate activities such as tumbling, dance, gymnastics and karate. And hop to it!Children's Transportation ServiceFor working and nonworking parents alike, transporting junior to and from school (as well as to after-school activities) can become, well, taxi-ing. By providing a reliable children's transportation service, you give busy parents a break-and keep their busy kids on schedule.Baby-ProofingStairs, cabinets, electrical cords and outlets-they're all potential baby hazards. New parents, grandparents, and even baby sitters could all benefit from a more kid-friendly house. So grab your tools and be prepared to get down on your hands and knees (it helps to view things from a baby's perspective).Computer Training for KidsReading, writing, arithmetic . . . and computers. Though it seems like kids today are born speaking computerese, they've got to start learning somewhere. Teaching them the basics early on is sure to put kids at the head of their class . . . and you at the head of your own business.Nanny PlacementFor busy parents, finding a good nanny isn't child's play. Nanny-placement agents-who screen applicants, check references, match personalities, and set schedules-provide clients an invaluable service by saving them considerable time and worry.New Mother/Infant Home CareMake new babies' homecomings from the hospital less tiresome for parents by providing the in-home care and support they need. Preparing meals, diapering the baby, and providing light housekeeping are all a great relief to proud-but occasionally exhausted-new parents.TutoringThought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on their studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced guidance and support.Event ServicesPhotographyWith your eye for photo opportunities-at weddings, parties, special events and more-you could be zooming in on profits as a freelance photographer. Be prepared to work weekends and evenings (when many clients will need your services) and to hire an assistant to help you juggle your photo paraphernalia.Errand Runner/Personal ShopperCalling all shopaholics: Here's one business where you can truly shop till you drop . . . without spending a penny of your own! Personal shoppers-who may also perform other errands, such as picking up prescriptions or buying groceries-can never complain about a lack of things to do.Family-History VideoMoney can grow on trees . . . family trees, that is. Family-history videographers are hitting home by filming personalized accounts of weddings, births and other memorable occasions. Should a customer's other family members give the film a thumbs up, you may be looking at future generations of customers.Mobile Disc JockeyAs a mobile disc jockey, weddings, parties and other events are all music to your ears. Start jammin' with a collection of compact discs, a CD player, and a speaker system, then pass on the word about your services to wedding and event planners.Wedding-Planning ServiceGetting married isn't always as simple as saying, "I do." There's a caterer to be contracted, a location to be rented, and flowers to be ordered. So when it comes to making matrimony a more harmonious event for the new couple and their families, wedding planners take the cake.Event PlanningIf your life has been, well, uneventful until now, we have a solution: Be an event planner! Whether it's a party, wedding or convention, you're sure to be at the center of all the action when you coordinate everything from room rentals and speakers to decorations and food.Limousine ServiceWith a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force behind a new business venture. Stretch your market by adding more drivers and cars to your fleet. Then, once you've established a reliable reputation, start-driving home your limousine-service sales.Photo Birth AnnouncementsFor birth-announcement producers, business is booming as fast as the population! Some basic desktop-publishing software, scanning equipment, and the names of new parents put you in the starting blocks; from there, create fanciful photo-cards, including those all-important details: name, birth date, time and weight.Videotaping ServiceYou may not win a producer-of-the-year award, but you'll win the appreciation of your clients when you capture their weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays and more on videotape. Keep the film rolling at special events, then edit a final version for clients' own special screenings.Reunion OrganizingReunite 'em 'cause it pays so good: Whether it's one big happy family or one big high school class, reunions can be a joyful-and lucrative-occasion for reunion organizers. Schedule the accommodations, coordinate the catering and entertainment, send out the invitations, then sit back and let it all "come together."Still need me handy inbox meGraciasLaeeq Peeran

Sustainable Infrastructural Development in Nation Building: The Role of the EngineerA speech At the June 2018 Annual Conference of the NSE (Nigerian Society of Engineers) Asaba.By Engr. Prof Joseph Ifeanyi Achebo(Professor of Manufacturing Engineering)Department of Production Engineering,Faculty of Engineering,University of Benin,Benin City, Edo State, [email protected] everyone. I wish to thank the chairman of the NSE Asaba as well as the organising committee for the honour of being invited once again for this event. I thank you all.I also want to commend the organisers for their choice of theme this year. Sustainable Infrastructural Development in Nation Building: The Role of the Engineer. It shows that our engineers are inclined towards being forward thinking, inclined towards excellence, and geared towards adopting very current and Avant Guard ideas.Infrastructural development, within the scope of today's topic, can be defined as the drive by any organisation or country for the setting up of physical systems through the deployment of permanent or semi permanent structures, for a community, city, or country to function efficiently, geared towards the overall economic betterment and the resultant well-being of its citizens.Nigeria is a great Nation with Huge potential. This notion is repeated and reiterated all the time in various fora around the nation and abroad. Whenever Nigerians, or Nigerian interest groups gather and confer to rub minds in every part of the world, particularly to discuss the way forward for our great nation, the obvious potential of our nation always looms large. I shared my ideas on this with you in 2016 and 2017.In terms of natural resources our nation's bounty is almost unmatched. We have formidable oil and gas reserves which invariably means that in terms of fossil fuel energy we are materially self sufficient. We also have unlimited solar power potential being that our nation lies so close to the equator. We have untapped hydro and wind, power potential. We have expansive coast lines and we can even harness ocean waves for power. Nigeria boasts of discovered reserves of essential metals such as Iron ore and aluminium, which constitute the bedrock of industrialisation. In terms of human potential, we have for the last three decades managed to produce well baked science and humanitiesacademics numbering in the millions. To the extent that in the 1990s the mass exodus of highly skilled individuals to other countries amounted to a brain drain. The fact that so many Nigerians had left our shores for other more industrialised countries via legal and illegal immigration, which still goes on to this day, is testament, albeit unfortunate, of how much treasure we had and how Nigeria is becoming an epitome of a paradise lost.Let me break it down a bit. To run the government, for security structures to function, for functional efficient health care, you need constant uninterrupted power and transportation. Let me play out a typical scenario: A common criminal is given a paltry amount like N10,000 to assassinate a business rival. Because, the neighborhood is dark as there are no street lights, the criminal casually waits outside the business man's office. When the business man emerges he shoots the man and quickly runs away. Luckily for the business man the bullet missed all his vital organs but he is bleeding. There is no emergency system such as 911 to alert the police or an ambulance services. Afraid to call his wife to come to the danger zone, the man has to crawl in the dark to his car. He manages to drive to the hospital. The hospital has no power, and staff are scared to let him in because of poor security. After a long while, they eventually let him in but they had no fuel to run their generator set to carry out emergency surgery to remove the bullet. Someone courageously volunteers to venture out to buy fuel, but his route is cut off because of a flooded road that has collapsed. Hours have passed. Eventually power is restored but the business man has now lost a lot of blood and needs to be transfused. His wife and family have now been contacted but could not leave their highbrow neighborhood because their local vigilante have locked them in. They eventually arrive to donate blood, but the man has unfortunately passed on by the time they arrive. The police try to solve the crime by looking at CCTV camera footage for the area, however the time frame for the incident is blank because of the earlier power cut, and even the footage from the few cameras on other buildings outside were useless because of the power cut to the streetlights, it was too dark. The police forensics unit because of the rain and failed roads could not get to the crime scene in time and by the time they arrived the scene had been already been contaminated by office staff and onlookers. The man had died, and the crime will remain unsolved. The basic vital infrastructural systems controlling electricity power supply, and transportation failed that night. This failure led to the concomitant failure of the healthcare and security frame work. The man's death will inevitably compromise his business plans that had promised to create over 100 good paying jobs. His immediate and extended family will also suffer. The hundreds of millions of Naira languishing in his bank account will go uninvested and will waste away. Meanwhile the same careless small time criminal, who would have been caught by now anywhere else in the world, is just about to receive another N30,000 to kill 3 more people, one of them is an oncologist (cancer specialist), another is a large scale farmer, and the third a research scientist working on a cure for Kidney failure. The criminal is emboldened by his continued success and has advanced to kidnapping. This scenario is all too familiar.More and more people resident within this country collective feel that Nigeria is failing them, and one by one people plan to emigrate from the country, further worsening the brain drain and capital flight.When ever a nation is putting together a blue print towards development, it is extremely essential to first focus on infrastructure, for without basic modern infrastructure such as electricity and transportation a country can never properly industrialise. It isn't some made up fantasy. When one looks at the development models that got Europe, the United States of America, Japan, and China to where they are today, it started with basic infrastructure. In the 1970s, countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia where at similar developmental levels with Nigeria. The U.A.E (United Arab Emirates) was a set of small towns and settlements centered on light trade and fishing. Same with other Gulf States such as Oman, Bahrain, and to some extent Qatar. Today all these countries boast state of the art, ultra modern infrastructure. Nigeria on the other hand has experienced stunted growth. The nation looks nothing like it should. For the most part it would seem that there is a lot of talk about how to move the country forward; but when you look at the sorry state of the physical infrastructure in Nigeria in comparison with her potential, it feels as though for every step we take forward, we take two backwards. Very often the government lunches programmes with targets. Vision 2020 is one such program initiated under the Abacha regime. More recently we had the Sure P Program under the Goodluck Jonathan government. We even participated fully in the United Nations initiative tagged 'The Millennium Goals' where the international community sought to nudge developmentally challenged countries to set goals and targets for 2015, but Nigeria never met that target. We must therefore ask ourselves a rhetorical question. What is really wrong? Why is the Nigerian Story so different. Is there a solution. Is there a way to attain our goals?From my observations from traveling all over the world and following Infrastructural development trends, I have noticed the cyclical nature of infrastructural development and economic growth. For almost all the advanced cities, for every new visit you immediately notice dramatic changes for the better. Brand new airport facilities, trains, and buildings. Certain cities such as Dubai and Shanghai are like permanent construction sites with cranes dotting the city landscape. With the initial investment in basic Infrastructure, the development mill commences and results in some economic growth, improvements in security, and overall market stability, which in turn leads to even further investments in better infrastructure, thereby leading to another fresh boost in the economy, once again increasing the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) which leads, once more, to more high technology Infrastructural investments. One can now observe a dynamic self sustaining infrastructure growth cycle in action. Hence, Without starting with basic Infrastructure, a nation cannot kick start sustainable infrastructural development .For all these countries, the major propellant that sets the developmental mill going in the first place is the goal of human development. The essence of a nation is its people. The advancement of people to ensure that they live long fulfilled lives. The assurance of their freedom in the pursuit of happiness.Nigeria remains an infrastructurally backward country because successive governments have missed the point entirely. While other developed countries have embraced human development, knowing that it constitutes the bedrock of development in general, successive Nigerian Governments have shunned the well being of average Nigerians. We really dont have true High rise buildings in the country because you don't have constant reliable power supply to run elevators, and no sewage system to remove liquid wastes from these very large complex structures. You begin to understand how entrenched our problems are. We have a very high maternal mortality rate as well as serious Security challenges, boasting of a paltry life expectancy of less than 50 years of age. This is what Bill Gates was trying to get across several months ago when he urged us to first focus on improving the everyday lives of people. Bill Gates acutely recognised and understood the link between infrastructural development and raising the standard of living of everyday people. People matter. When a country decides to build its infrastructure because it truly cares for the people, it is very likely that infrastructural development will kick off and be sustained. When the government truly cares for its citizens, even corruption will take a back seat.I proffer a suggestion for the Nigerian problem; we need a major paradigm shift to deemphasize development for development sake and begin to reemphasize the raison d'etre of infrastructural development itself, which works best when it is focuses on the well being of people. This is the only way Infrastructural development can be sustainable. Having proffered this paradigm shift, the next and obvious question is 'What is the Role of the Engineer in Sustainable Infrastructural development?Having now understood the link between a drive for human development drive and the resultant sustainable infrastructural development, the role of the Engineer is brought to the fore. The next question arises. In what ways can Nigerian engineers take the lead?My research over the years has led me to now proffer a series of ideas which I will be so glad to share with you.I have theorised eight points which I strongly believe, if imbibed by our engineers, can give us a shot at turning this nation in the right direction.When ever engineers have a project at hand they can incorporate these small but very important changes towards human development which if sustained and once the concept of human development has genuinely taken hold, it should further drive engineers towards applying the following concepts and strategies.1. StandardizationIt is time for Nigerian engineers to stop thinking that only good structures or technology can be seen abroad. It behooves of us to not only have a grasp of the basic expected standards, but we also need to have an unrelenting impetus to meet those standards. Facilities as basic as clean functional rest rooms, immaculate hygiene, good secure parking space, provisions for special needs people, and special considerations for nursing mothers, must be provided. As I said before, people matter. Never be reluctant to deploy the latest technology either.2. QualityWith standards comes quality. For any of your projects, aim for the best. Avoid the temptation to settle for the lower end when selecting materials and design.3. VisionNigerian engineers need to be focussed, resolute, and bold about their aspirations. We must be courageous enough to elevate our ideas to match our ideals. You need to be grounded in the concept of human development. Once you have the correct mindset; if all engineers can have the correct goals, they will gain uniform conceptualization across the board. Imagine a city or country where every project is top notch and reflective of human development, things can only get better.4. Human capitalMy earnest desire is for Nigerian engineers to experience a paradigm shift regarding human capital. We need to believe in our own potential. To qualify as a Nigerian engineer, you can be assured that for the most part you have received a high level of education, even by international standards. You may not really appreciate who you are and what you have until you travel abroad and rub shoulders with your contemporaries from other parts of the world. I have had the privilege of presenting papers in China, Paris France, and the United States of America. I'm also widely published in prestigious international journals and text books. Believe me, we Nigerians, have it. We have it. One of the greatest challenges we have is a lack of confidence in our abilities. I believe that when we finally grasp our intellectual potential, we will be even more convinced of the validity of our vision, and we can venture more boldly in to greatness.5. EstheticsContrary to popular belief esthetics are not a waste of time. Esthetics can be an avenue for an engineering designer to place his stamp on a finished work, an expression of a signature look or appearance. Also, note that the pleasing appearance of a product or design is often a means to make it more appealing to patronisers, guests, or users. However, in reality a beautiful finishing often plays significant role in the durability and longevity of the product or design. On a smaller scale certain coating or paint treatments given to road vehicles or aircraft are applied to ward off corrosion. Don't be an engineer who designs a space without paying attention to the landscaping. Landscaping isn't mere esthetics. Landscaping is used for flood and other climatic controls, in fact it is crucial and it also has a huge effect on the observable behavior of users of the space. Landscaping is important in planning for lighting, power savings, parking, fire hazard preparedness, as well as security. When designers have these concepts at the back of their minds you can now understand why when you travel to industrialised countries everything seems so beautiful. You begin to wonder why they seem to leave no stone unturned to produce visually impressive edifices. However, when you dig deeper, you realize that esthetics are all part of the strategy towards efficiency, and longevity. This mindset forms a vital aspect of the ever relenting drive towards sustainable infrastructural development.6.MaintenanceMaintenance and safety in my view, constitute the bedrock of sustainable infrastructural development. If you take nothing home in this speech, you should at least take this home. Without attention to the inculcation a maintenance culture and the essential safety of users (a facet human development), sustainable infrastructural development is unthinkable. Every single creation of Engineering design comes with its own maintenance protocol. If the maintenance protocol is followed, the designed life span of the product is extended. Product failure is reduced to its barest minimum. Once all the components of any system, for instance an underground railway system, are working at their optimum efficiency, wastage is minimised, costs are streamlined, and budgets are not stretched thin. This will free up funds for further research and development. Which is ploughed back into infrastructural development. Maintenance is also a factor of safety.7. SafetyFrom my brief sojourns in the US, I observed first hand something we all know about that country, they don't joke with safety. Safety has become a cultural phenomenon in the US and in other industrialised countries for three major reasons. First, the main reason safety is taken seriously is that accidents and safety incidents are very bad for business. When users realise that your design or product is dangerous they will avoid it like a plague. That would naturally mark the end of that development cycle. Taking it further, engineers appreciate that every accident or safety incident has a root cause, a root cause analysis most often exposes the design factors responsible for an accident. Investigators strive to identify at least one individual or a set of individuals responsible for the failure and they are either prosecuted under criminal law or they become the target of civil litigation usually ending in seven figure settlements. Hence, the fear of jail and financial penalties makes designers sit up. The third factor is that these countries are liberal democracies where elections are credible and the populace actually have a voice. Almost all catastrophes are treated as having been caused by government failure. Even when they occur in the private sector, the government is still held responsible for its perceived failings in its oversight or regulatory functions. We often hear of government officials resigning because they understand that the buck stops with them. In this way, safety concerns remain one of the most powerful driving forces for sustainable infrastructural development. Nigeria can catch up with the rest of the world in this regard.8.EnvironmentalismIt is impossible to speak about infrastructural development without delving into the issue of environmental protection and green culture, one of the most recent and cutting edge ideas today. Every country is trying to catch up because Green culture is the future. There is even a branch of environmental studies coined 'Sustainable Development'. This is the bedrock of development in general today where governments are encouraged to develop their countries and economies conscious of the fact that resources are not infinite and that long term environmental concerns do matter. Nigerian engineers should show a keen interest in renewable energy sources such as solar power in all their designs. Designs must have the least environmental impact, moving away from plastics to bio degradable materials, and must as much as possible have their designs blend seamlessly with the ecosystem. Designs such as the use of sun roofs encourage the appreciation of natural sun lighting in spaces thereby saving costs on power. All designs should consider waste management, clean air, and reduction in pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. Research has shown that in the long term environmentally sensitive designs are cheaper, earn investors a much lower carbon foot print, produce healthier residents and users, and act as a spring board for even more innovation. Entire neighbourhoods, in fact entire cities such as Masdar city in Dubai have embraced environmentally friendly designs as their new standard and goal. As environmental designs are the most thoughtful types of design in general, with a very strong bias for general human wellbeing, I strongly believe that this is one of the routes which serves as the greatest potential to Jump start the cycle of infrastructural development in Nigeria.In terms of excellence I'm inspired by the Japanese concept of Kaizen (Continuous Improvement). I remember reading a few months ago how the local government a city in Japan, in record time repaired a totally failed portion of a road within 24 hours. It was so astonishing that the story was aired on News networks in the US.In terms of human development I'm inspired by Canada where some roads are so good that people tend to indulge in over speeding, so much so that local governments have to print out computer generated images of pot holes to place on the roads to perhaps trick people into slowing down organically, thereby saving lives. That is how far they have gone.In terms of political will and drive, I'm inspired by China. I made copious reference to them last year when I was invited here to speak on a similar topic in this forum.In terms of courage and innovation I'm inspired by Dubai.Engineers need to take the bull by the horn and step forward to lead the rest of the nation on the right path. I do believe that by taking the lead, through professional rather than political means, engineers can introduce palpable changes to jump-start the cyclical nature of infrastructural development with a focus on human development.In the light of this we need to focus on continued training. Engineers must continue to read wide, attend seminars, take more courses, and sharpen your knowledge and skill.The lawyers may be learned, doctors may be revered for their proficiency and importance, but in terms of actually moving the country forward to its infrastructural nirvana, the role of the Engineer is paramount. I believe in the Nigerian engineer. I believe in you.Thank you