Can't find work? Start a business

Well, kids, it's August. If you haven't found a summer job by now, it's hard to imagine you're going to land one.
But just in case, try this experiment: Make a list of 25 places you would have liked to work this summer.
Now call each one and ask for the manager. When you get the manager on the line, say: "Hello. My name is ------------. I'm calling to ask if you might need a summer worker. I'm available immediately, and I'd be willing to stay on part time when school starts, if you need me."
If you're speedy, the calls shouldn't take more than a day to make. If you're lucky, you might get an interview, or even a job offer.
What's the point of calling all the places that turned you down earlier in the summer? The magic word is "turnover." It's possible that some of the workers who were hired earlier have quit the job by now, or even been fired, creating a late-season opening. If it seems like a long shot, remember that you don't have much to lose.
What if the calls don't pan out? On to the next idea: Earn some money by setting up a quick and easy business. It has to be both those things if you're going to set it up, run it, and close it down -- all within a month.
Here are some steps to follow.
Choose a service to offer
With rare exceptions, you should avoid creating a product-based business because you won't have enough time to make the product as well as market it. An exception might be cookies, or another edible product, provided you have the money to risk on the ingredients.
Assuming you decide to go with a service, what would it be? The best advice is to look around you to find a need that isn't being filled. Why not start by talking to the people closest to you? What would your neighbors pay you to do for them?
Popular suggestions include mowing lawns, cleaning garages, watching kids, washing cars, walking dogs, watering plants, shopping for groceries (if you have a store nearby and access to a wagon or cart) and cleaning up after pets.
You can get more creative if you have a special talent or knowledge. For instance, you might help your neighbors set up their e-mail accounts, or tutor younger children in math or reading.
Once you know what you'd like to do, create a one-page poster that describes the service and how to reach you.
If you use your home phone number, be sure your parents have given you permission, and that you have coached everyone in the family to take messages for your business.
Start marketing
Now ask local store managers for permission to put your posters on their bulletin boards. To have a better chance of getting business, you should also go door to door in your neighborhood and try to talk to people directly about your service. You can also try to call them, but you might find it difficult to get past their answering machines.
Another source of customers could be aunts and uncles who live nearby or the people in your family's house of worship. Before you start contacting people, it's very important for your safety that you ask your parents to look over your marketing plan. They can also help you practice your sales pitch so you feel comfortable answering questions about your rates and services.
Each customer you serve well is likely to tell others about your service. Work hard and ask for referrals when you are done. At the same time, don't feel you have to give anything away. When it's time to be paid for your work, ask politely but firmly for your money, and don't leave without it. Remember that most adults have checking accounts, so if anyone tells you to come back when they have cash, tell them you will take a check made out to your parents.
Close up shop
Depending on what kind of business you have, closing up may be as simple as not doing any more work. Or you may need to contact all your customers and explain that you're going back to school and won't be able to work for them anymore. In either case, keep track of the people you served. If you enjoyed this business, you might decide to do it again next year. If you start at the beginning of the summer next time -- with a list of customers you already know -- you'll do very well indeed.
XAmy Lindgren, the owner of a career-consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn., can be reached at alindgren@pioneerpress.com.