I attended the 2010 Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition at McCormick Place from June 8 – June 10, 2010.  Yeah, I know this is a little late which is why you should hire The Write Design Company to share details of your events and meetings in real-time via live blog.  As your South Side Resource and entrepreneur, I would like to share the entrepreneurial opportunities I discovered at the conference.

Know that there are ALWAYS ways to make money – legally.  As an entrepreneur, I am always seeking those opportunities to share with others.  In fact, it’s a blessing to let you know what’s happening in an effort to expand your mental horizons and cash flow.  Especially in this recession.

Business Opportunity 1: Start an Online Business

The purpose of this conference was to provide education, tools and resources for online businesses.  Retail sales plunged 7% while internet sales actually increased 2% during these challenges economic times.  In fact, ecommerce sales were 18.48% in March 2010.

You can’t really lose by starting an online business.  You can start part-time at home with little overhead.  But you must have a quality product for the right audience with excellent customer service.

Business Opportunity 2: Become a Service Provider to Online Businesses

Businesses from all over the world attended this conference.  Over 400 vendors providing approximately 70 types of business services displayed and discussed their products and services.  Some of the services included: web design, credit card protection, internet security, customer service, live chat for online customers, and multi-channel marketing.

Visit www.interneretailer.com to learn more about the opportunities available and how to get started in this industry.

Business Opportunity 3: Become a Service Provider to Conference Organizers

There were complimentary appetizers, alcohol and beverages, massages – chair and feet, and cell phone charging.  I know for certain that the massage therapists were independent contractors hired to work the conference.

Business Opportunity 4: Mobile Solutions to Internet Businesses

Most people start their shopping online with mobile phones coming in a close second.

Armed with this information, figure out how to make shopping easier for customers; create applications and software for organizations; or come up with something so unique that Apple and Google will compete for it.

Business Opportunity 5: Writing, Design, Editing, Publishing, Printing

Each of those 400 companies had marketing materials ranging from business cards to manuals.  They all had logos to distinguish themselves from other organizations in attendance.  All of the 175 speakers needed bios, and may have other promotional needs outside of the conference. The conference materials were outstanding.  Also, The Internet Retailer magazine may be open to freelance journalists.

These were just a few of the opportunities I discovered during my 2010 Internet Retailer Conference experience.  I hope you use this information to consider business ideas, and to create opportunities for yourself.  Maybe you can loosen the chains of Corporate America if you are in a position you just absolute don’t love.  If you don’t have a job, now is the best time for you to start your own business.  As you can see, you can’t depend on other people to take care of you, so it’s best to put your destiny in your own hands.

Also, to view live blogging and tweets from the conference, check out June 8th and June 9th of the conference.