98.3% attend post-secondary
Joanne Laucius, Canwest News Service
An astonishing 88.3% of young Chinese immigrants in Canada go to university -- more than double the figure for young Canadians as a whole, according to a new study.
When community college was added to the mix, 98.3% of young Chinese immigrants sought post-secondary education by the time they were 21 years old.
Ross Finnie, an economist at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa , expected the figure to be high. But this was astounding, he said.
"These numbers are so high, they don't even seem possible," said Mr. Finnie, who crunched the numbers from Canada 's sweeping Youth in Transition Survey with coauthor Richard Mueller at the University of Lethbridge .
Arthur Sweetman, an economist at Queen's University who has done extensive research on immigrant education and labour force participation, calls them "Generation 1.5" -- immigrants who came to Canada as children and spend at least some years in the Canadian school system.
Generation 1.5 has been thriving in Canada , despite figures that have suggested for the past 20 years that their parents have suffered in the quest for prosperity, said Mr. Sweetman.
"Many immigrants come here for the kids. The kids understand that and they work for it."
The numbers suggest not just a brain gain for Canada , but the foundation of an entrepreneurial class with schooling in Canada and one foot in another culture.
Immigrant hustle is nothing new. But the China effect continues into the first generation born in Canada , with 81.3% going to university and 13.6% going to college, Messrs. Finnie and Mueller found.
The China effect was the strongest in the study, but it wasn't the only one. Firstand second-generation immigrants from many parts of the world were more likely to seek post-secondary education than those born in Canada . (In the study, second-generation immigrant refers to a child born in Canada of immigrant parents.)
Just less than 38% of nonimmigrant youth went to university compared to 57% of all first-generation immigrants and 54.3% of second-generation immigrants, said Mr. Finnie, who mined the data from the survey, which asked in-depth questions of 26,000 Canadian young people who were 15 in 1999.
The survey, which is following that same group as they grow up, has some of the richest data in the world, ranging from youth study habits to perceptions of their own self-esteem and the social support they get from family and friends.
The immigrant effect was obvious in youth from a number of regions. More than 90% of immigrants from Asian countries other than China (including India and the Middle East ) as well as those from African nations went to university or college.
Start a Service Business
Everyone has skills, knowledge and experience--and anyone can turn those assets into a thriving business.
By James Stephenson
Who can sell a service? The answer is simple--anyone and everyone. Everyone is qualified because each of us has skills, knowledge or experience that other people are willing to pay for in the form of a service; or they're willing to pay you to teach them your specific skill or knowledge. Selling services knows no boundaries--anyone with a need or desire to earn extra money, work from home, or start and operate a full-time business can sell a service, regardless of age, business experience, education or current financial resources.
What Are the Advantages of Selling Services?
There are many advantages associated with starting your own business selling services. Perhaps the biggest advantage is you become your own boss, take control of your future, and in effect become the master of your destiny. I've been self-employed for a number of years, and for me the lure of self-employment is the freedom and independence that calling the shots affords, which can be difficult to achieve when you work for others.
Operating your own business also gives you the potential to earn more money, in some instances two, five or even ten times more than you're currently earning. Why? Simple duplication. When you work for someone else, there is only you and only so many hours in the day to work for an hourly wage or a salary. When you operate a business, you can duplicate yourself by hiring employees and salespeople to increase revenues; you can duplicate your customers and find more just like them to purchase your services; and you can duplicate your business model and open in new geographical areas to service more customers and earn more profit. These are all things you can't do when you work for others, and if you do, chances are it will financially benefit the boss a lot more than you.
Capitalize on Your Skills
Don' t worry if you lack business skills and experience in areas such as time management, personal-contact selling, negotiating, bookkeeping and the ability to create effective advertisements. There's no question these are all important skills to have, but at the same time they're also skills that with practice can be learned and mastered. More important is the question, "What skill(s) do you have that can be sold as a service?" Any skill(s) you possess can be your best, and by far your most marketable, asset. If you know how to safely walk a dog, that's a skill people are willing to pay you for. If you know how to plan and throw one heck of a party, that's also a skill people are willing to pay you for as their event and party planner. If you know how to play the piano, this is a skill other people will pay you to teach them. If you know how to sell products and services online, once again that's a skill that people are willing to pay you for as an online marketing consultant. All are examples of skills that people pay other people to perform, or teach them how to learn.
Every person has one or more skills other people are prepared to pay for in the form of a service provided to them, or to learn. However, with that said, most people have a tendency to underestimate the true value of their skill sets and experiences. You have to remember, what may come naturally to you may not come so naturally to others. Likewise, you might think your particular knowledge or expertise may be of little value, but if someone else needs or wants to learn about that knowledge, it's very valuable to them.
Selling Services Part Time
The first option is to start off selling your services on a part-time basis, which is a good idea because it enables you to eliminate risk by limiting your financial investment. It allows you to test the waters to make sure that being self-employed is something you enjoy and want to pursue. If all goes well, you may decide to transition from your current job, devoting more time to your new enterprise each week, all the while decreasing the time at your current job until you're working at your new business on a full-time basis. There are many advantages to starting off part-time, including keeping income rolling in, taking advantage of any current health and employee benefits, and building your business over a longer period of time, which generally gives it a more stable foundation. If it turns out you're not the type of person who's comfortable being the boss, you've risked little and still have the security of your job.
Of course, if your ambitions are only to generate extra money to pay down the mortgage, save for retirement, put yourself through school, or pay off credit cards, selling services part-time is the perfect choice. It's important to do what you want to do and what best suits your individual needs. If selling services part-time works for you, then go for it.
Selling Services Full Time
You can also jump in with both feet and start your new business selling services full-time. This option would appeal to people without a current job or people who are confident about being the boss and operating a business. There's nothing wrong with starting off full-time, especially if you take the time required to research the business, industry and marketplace. You must also develop a business and marketing plan, and have the necessary financial resources to start the business and pay yourself until it becomes profitable.
The main downside to starting full time is risk. If you jump ship and leave your job, you risk loss of current employee benefits and have no guarantee of steady income, contributing spouses or partners excluded. The upside to starting off full-time is potential rewards, including the opportunity to make more money than you can at your current job, and to gain control of your future. Your decision to operate your new business on a full-time basis will largely be determined by your current financial situation, your own risk-reward assessment, and your goals and objectives for the future. Jumping in full-time will appeal to the true entrepreneurial mindset--people who prefer to blaze the trail rather than follow behind in the wagon train.
Selling Services Seasonally
Another option is to start a seasonal business selling services, which can be operated with a full- or part-time effort. But most are run full time to maximize revenues and profits over a normally short time span. Examples of seasonal businesses selling services would include snow removal in winter, yard maintenance in summer in northern climates, income tax preparation service in spring, and serving as a vacation property rental agent. Just about any business can be run seasonally or occasionally, but some are obviously better suited than others.
A seasonal venture will appeal to people who want the ability to earn enough money during part of the year in order to do as they please with the remainder of the year--travel, pursue education, or work a job in another season. The potential to earn a very good living operating a business only part of the year is a genuine opportunity, as proven by the thousands of people who are currently doing it. The main downside to a seasonal business, especially one that can be operated year-round, is that you don't want to spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours promoting your business only to shut it down for half the year, sending current and potential customers running to your competitors while your business is closed. It may prove very difficult to lure them back when you reopen for business.
Selling Services to Supplement Your Retirement
The fourth option is to sell services to supplement your retirement income or just to have fun and stay active in your golden years. Retirement businesses have become extremely popular in the past decade, mainly because the cost of living has dramatically increased, often outpacing wages and retirement savings. The result is that many people head into retirement needing a little extra income to cover expenses and provide an adequate lifestyle or to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle.
People are living longer and much healthier now than in decades past, and because of this many are seeking new challenges; starting and operating a business is a way to stay active physically and mentally. Older people also have a proverbial ace up their sleeves when it comes to starting a business and selling services: a lifetime of knowledge and experience that can only be acquired by spending lots of time on this planet. Because of the value of these skills, many people are willing to pay big bucks for them. This is why many people who are reaching or have reached retirement age have chosen to start a consulting business selling their experiences, knowledge and skills for the benefit of their clients.
Financial Compatibility
Before you decide to get into business for yourself selling services, there are two issues to consider regarding financial compatibility--income and investment money. First, when deciding what type of service to sell, you have to consider how much money you want to earn and how much money you need to earn. If you need to earn $75,000 per year to pay your personal expenses, there is little sense in starting a dog-walking service. Perhaps there are a few dog walkers earning this much, but it's not a realistic expectation. How much money do you want to earn--that is, how ambitious are you? Again, you must be realistic and relatively sure the service you choose to sell has the potential to generate enough income to live on in the short-term, and the potential to match your income goals in the longer term. Income doesn't have to factor into the business startup equation for everyone. If you want and need to earn only a little money from a part-time or retirement business, the income equation will not factor as heavily as other issues.
The second big financial compatibility issue affecting your decision about which business to start or purchase is the amount of money needed to start or purchase the business. Not only will you need to have or have access to the investment needed to get rolling, but you'll also need extra money for working capital to cover day-to-day operating expenses until the business achieves positive cash flow. This can take a week, a month or even a year.
Ultimately, financial compatibility is important when starting a business and deciding what services to sell. If you cannot afford to start the business and don't have the financial resources to pay operating expenses and your wages until the business can break even, you'll probably have to look at alternative options, such as starting part time, choosing a different business to start, or waiting until you have acquired the money needed to get started.
Finding a Good Match
You also must be well suited to start and operate the business and services you're considering providing. You and your business must be a good match. You may have an interest and even experience in a specific business or in providing a specific service, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good match. Here are a few points to consider when determining a good business match.
- Do you have the financial resources to start or purchase the business, and enough money to pay the day-to-day operating expenses until the business breaks even and is profitable? If not, it's probably not a good match, and you should consider alternatives.
- Does the business have the potential to generate the income you need to pay your personal expenses, and does it also have the potential to generate the income you want to earn? This is very important because if you can't pay your own personal bills, you'll soon be in trouble. And if, over time, you can't earn the income you want to earn, you'll lose interest in the business--a recipe for disaster.
- Are you physically healthy enough to handle the physical strains of starting and running the business? If not, you may end up having to hire people for the job, which can be problematic if the business revenues aren't there to support both management and employee wages.
- Do you have experience in this type of business or service, and do you have any special skills that can be utilized in the business? You can gain experience and knowledge on the job but skills that can be utilized and capitalized upon right away are extremely valuable.
- Are there any special certificates or educational requirements to start and operate the business, and are these readily available? Find out the upfront costs associated with these, how they can be obtained, and the time frame needed to obtain specific certificates. Training and certification shouldn't be viewed negatively because often the return on time and investment is substantially rewarded financially. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
- Will you enjoy operating the business, and does it match your personality type and level of maturity? This is very important. If you don't think that you would enjoy it, then don't start. Again, the loss of interest in a business is almost certainly the kiss of death. You can't stay motivated and rise to new challenges if you don't like what you're doing.
Tips for Entrepreneur from Larry Page
Google co-founder Larry Page provides several tips for entrepreneurs.
Tip 1: Just don't settle. Especially with employees, it is very important to find great people you are compatible with.
Tip 2: There is a benefit from being real experts. Experience pays off.
Tip 3: Have a healthy disregard for the impossible. Stretch your goals.
Tip 4: It is OK to solve a hard problem. Solving hard problems is where you will get the biggest leverage.
Tip 5: Don't pay attention to the VC bandwagon. Don't start a company just because you can. Instead, have a really good idea that is good regardless of the funding situation.
Tip 1: Just don't settle. Especially with employees, it is very important to find great people you are compatible with.
Tip 2: There is a benefit from being real experts. Experience pays off.
Tip 3: Have a healthy disregard for the impossible. Stretch your goals.
Tip 4: It is OK to solve a hard problem. Solving hard problems is where you will get the biggest leverage.
Tip 5: Don't pay attention to the VC bandwagon. Don't start a company just because you can. Instead, have a really good idea that is good regardless of the funding situation.
Young Millionaires
Shari Misher Stenzler, 36, & Andy Stenzler, 38
Kidville, NY
New York City
Projected 2006 Sales: More than $10 million
Description: Upscale educational and play facility for children age 5 and under and their families
Child’s Play: What started as just a dream for husband-and-wife team Andy Stenzler and Shari Misher Stenzler has since become a dream come true for Manhattan parents of children age 5 and under. Kidville, NY, their $3 million, 20,000-square-foot, four-story-high family facility, opened in January 2005 and is home to developmental classes such as “Run, Wiggle, Paint & Giggle,” music classes such as “Little Maestros” and enrichment classes such as “Baby Sign Language” for parents and caregivers. Kidville also features an indoor playground, a beauty salon, a retail boutique and a 50-seat cafe, making it the complete socialization center for kids and parents that the Stenzlers so gallantly envisioned during startup.
In the Genes: A business in its infancy risks floundering, but Kidville, NY is one business that was born to succeed. The Stenzlers are seasoned entrepreneurs who have each found overwhelming success with their previous undertakings, including Cosi Inc., a nationwide salad and sandwich franchise Andy co-founded. Connections made from their previous endeavors, as well as strong ties to their New York City community, allowed the Stenzlers to bank on the wisdom and financial support of an influential group of friends, including tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff. Says Andy, “It was about finding the right team of friends and partners who cared about kids and wanted to do something in that space to change people’s lives.”
Cause for Change: Kidville, NY is flourishing with 3,000 member families, the recent opening of a second New York City location and plans to open similar centers in other states, not to mention the future launch of related media, books and music. Meanwhile, the Stenzlers’ single source of inspiration continues to be their kids--Kylie, 3, and Colby, 1. Parenthood opened their eyes to the unappealing options available to parents at the time and motivated them to create a better facility for children. Says Shari, “Going through [parenthood] ourselves not only gave us great ideas, but also created a passion that I don’t think we could have had if we weren’t parents.”
Follow Their Lead: Don’t settle for less than the best, and if the best doesn’t already exist, you might have just discovered your niche.
Kidville, NY
New York City
Projected 2006 Sales: More than $10 million
Description: Upscale educational and play facility for children age 5 and under and their families
Child’s Play: What started as just a dream for husband-and-wife team Andy Stenzler and Shari Misher Stenzler has since become a dream come true for Manhattan parents of children age 5 and under. Kidville, NY, their $3 million, 20,000-square-foot, four-story-high family facility, opened in January 2005 and is home to developmental classes such as “Run, Wiggle, Paint & Giggle,” music classes such as “Little Maestros” and enrichment classes such as “Baby Sign Language” for parents and caregivers. Kidville also features an indoor playground, a beauty salon, a retail boutique and a 50-seat cafe, making it the complete socialization center for kids and parents that the Stenzlers so gallantly envisioned during startup.
In the Genes: A business in its infancy risks floundering, but Kidville, NY is one business that was born to succeed. The Stenzlers are seasoned entrepreneurs who have each found overwhelming success with their previous undertakings, including Cosi Inc., a nationwide salad and sandwich franchise Andy co-founded. Connections made from their previous endeavors, as well as strong ties to their New York City community, allowed the Stenzlers to bank on the wisdom and financial support of an influential group of friends, including tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff. Says Andy, “It was about finding the right team of friends and partners who cared about kids and wanted to do something in that space to change people’s lives.”
Cause for Change: Kidville, NY is flourishing with 3,000 member families, the recent opening of a second New York City location and plans to open similar centers in other states, not to mention the future launch of related media, books and music. Meanwhile, the Stenzlers’ single source of inspiration continues to be their kids--Kylie, 3, and Colby, 1. Parenthood opened their eyes to the unappealing options available to parents at the time and motivated them to create a better facility for children. Says Shari, “Going through [parenthood] ourselves not only gave us great ideas, but also created a passion that I don’t think we could have had if we weren’t parents.”
Follow Their Lead: Don’t settle for less than the best, and if the best doesn’t already exist, you might have just discovered your niche.
The Entrepreneurial Melting Pot
African Americans, Asians, and Latinos are launching new businesses at rates far above the national average
U.S. entrepreneurs are often described as one of the primary drivers of the nation's economy. For starters, small outfits create some 75% of all new jobs, represent 99.7% of all employers, and employ 50% of the private workforce, according to the Small Business Administration. However, today, the biggest driver within the small-business sector appears to be minority-owned businesses. And there is some fairly dramatic data to support this emerging trend.
According to a series of recent surveys released by the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1997 and 2002, the total number of U.S. businesses grew by 10%. However, during the same time period, Asian-owned firms increased by 24%, Hispanic-owned businesses by 31%, and African-American-owned firms spiked 45%.
According to the Census data, Asian-American-owned businesses grew at twice the national rate compared with all U.S. companies. The 1.1 million Asian-owned firms produced $326 billion in revenues in 2002, up 8% from 1997. The nearly 1.6 million Latino-owned businesses generated $222 billion in revenue in 2002, a 19% increase from 1997. Finally, the 1.2 million African-American-owned businesses earned $89 billion in 2002, a jump of 25%.
DO IT YOURSELF. The sharp trajectory in minority-owned businesses is a reflection of overall changes in American business, industry, and society, and the successful inroads in the economy that minority entrepreneurs are making. As well, it illustrates the results of several initiatives launched over the past couple of decades, particularly those designed to encourage minority entrepreneurship.
"One of the reasons that I think is causing the increase," says Sanford Ehrlich, the director of the Entrepreneurial Management Center at San Diego State University, "is the availability of technical and business services. There are a lot more programs in existence, like micro-lending, and they are beginning to show results."
At the same time, the instability of corporate America and the economic downturn following the dot-com years has driven many people, minorities among them, to launch their own ventures.
BUSINESS DIVERSITY. According to Thomas Boston, a professor of economics at Georgia Tech University and the owner of Atlanta-based economic consultancy Boston Research Group, minority entrepreneurs have found that they can create new and better opportunities by going into business for themselves. "The rate of entrepreneurship among Hispanics and Asians over the past 15 years has been high because migrating immigrants in general tend to have a higher rate of entrepreneurship," he says. However Boston also notes that more recently, he has found a strong latent desire among African-Americans to own their own businesses.
"I've done specific surveys of the Gazelle Index -- 350 CEOs of the fastest-growing African-American businesses," says Boston. "One question that I ask and rank is why do they want to start a business. The highest response is that they want control over their destiny, the second is the opportunity to put into practice the experience and education that they've gained, third is to secure their finances, and fourth is to contribute to the community.
"Another indicator of the strides that minority-owned businesses are making is the shift in the types of outfits they are launching. For instance, many are beginning to move out of the traditional areas of retail and service and into such businesses as high-tech, finance, management consulting, and construction. "As you see they are finding greater access to capital and nontraditional financing," says Boston, "you are seeing a growing diversification."
BANKING ON GROWTH. To maintain this momentum, the next challenge is sustainability and growth. "That means creating businesses with more growth potential," says Michael L. Barrera, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Those that have "a greater reach outside of the local community are continuing to move into nontraditional retail and service areas such as high-tech, and we are starting to see that now."
Indeed, recognizing the need to create tools and resources to fuel this growth, a group of Latino and non-Latino investors announced the launch of a new bank in California, created primarily to serve the swelling ranks of Hispanic entrepreneurs. With a capitalization of $20 million and set to launch in the fall, it will target Latino family businesses that generate $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue.
The Entrepreneurial Management Center's Ehrlich says: "In five years, I don't expect that minority entrepreneurs will experience [challenges] different than any other small-business owner. Their issues will be similar: how to grow."
U.S. entrepreneurs are often described as one of the primary drivers of the nation's economy. For starters, small outfits create some 75% of all new jobs, represent 99.7% of all employers, and employ 50% of the private workforce, according to the Small Business Administration. However, today, the biggest driver within the small-business sector appears to be minority-owned businesses. And there is some fairly dramatic data to support this emerging trend.
According to a series of recent surveys released by the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1997 and 2002, the total number of U.S. businesses grew by 10%. However, during the same time period, Asian-owned firms increased by 24%, Hispanic-owned businesses by 31%, and African-American-owned firms spiked 45%.
According to the Census data, Asian-American-owned businesses grew at twice the national rate compared with all U.S. companies. The 1.1 million Asian-owned firms produced $326 billion in revenues in 2002, up 8% from 1997. The nearly 1.6 million Latino-owned businesses generated $222 billion in revenue in 2002, a 19% increase from 1997. Finally, the 1.2 million African-American-owned businesses earned $89 billion in 2002, a jump of 25%.
DO IT YOURSELF. The sharp trajectory in minority-owned businesses is a reflection of overall changes in American business, industry, and society, and the successful inroads in the economy that minority entrepreneurs are making. As well, it illustrates the results of several initiatives launched over the past couple of decades, particularly those designed to encourage minority entrepreneurship.
"One of the reasons that I think is causing the increase," says Sanford Ehrlich, the director of the Entrepreneurial Management Center at San Diego State University, "is the availability of technical and business services. There are a lot more programs in existence, like micro-lending, and they are beginning to show results."
At the same time, the instability of corporate America and the economic downturn following the dot-com years has driven many people, minorities among them, to launch their own ventures.
BUSINESS DIVERSITY. According to Thomas Boston, a professor of economics at Georgia Tech University and the owner of Atlanta-based economic consultancy Boston Research Group, minority entrepreneurs have found that they can create new and better opportunities by going into business for themselves. "The rate of entrepreneurship among Hispanics and Asians over the past 15 years has been high because migrating immigrants in general tend to have a higher rate of entrepreneurship," he says. However Boston also notes that more recently, he has found a strong latent desire among African-Americans to own their own businesses.
"I've done specific surveys of the Gazelle Index -- 350 CEOs of the fastest-growing African-American businesses," says Boston. "One question that I ask and rank is why do they want to start a business. The highest response is that they want control over their destiny, the second is the opportunity to put into practice the experience and education that they've gained, third is to secure their finances, and fourth is to contribute to the community.
"Another indicator of the strides that minority-owned businesses are making is the shift in the types of outfits they are launching. For instance, many are beginning to move out of the traditional areas of retail and service and into such businesses as high-tech, finance, management consulting, and construction. "As you see they are finding greater access to capital and nontraditional financing," says Boston, "you are seeing a growing diversification."
BANKING ON GROWTH. To maintain this momentum, the next challenge is sustainability and growth. "That means creating businesses with more growth potential," says Michael L. Barrera, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Those that have "a greater reach outside of the local community are continuing to move into nontraditional retail and service areas such as high-tech, and we are starting to see that now."
Indeed, recognizing the need to create tools and resources to fuel this growth, a group of Latino and non-Latino investors announced the launch of a new bank in California, created primarily to serve the swelling ranks of Hispanic entrepreneurs. With a capitalization of $20 million and set to launch in the fall, it will target Latino family businesses that generate $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue.
The Entrepreneurial Management Center's Ehrlich says: "In five years, I don't expect that minority entrepreneurs will experience [challenges] different than any other small-business owner. Their issues will be similar: how to grow."
105 Service Businesses to Start Today
At your service: 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, we provide some inspiration for aspiring service providers-from adventure-tour leaders to window washers. With 105 ideas to choose from, you have no excuse not to get started today with your own service business.
Once you've scrolled through our ideas and gotten a taste of what's out there, read "How to Start a Service Business" to learn how to get started.
Personal Services
Snip, 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 Search
Collectibles 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 Delivery
Whoever 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 & Delivery
Are 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 Locksmith
You 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 & Abatement
Equipped 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 Cleaning
Take 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 Instructor
You 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
Got 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 Sitting
When 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 Massage
Success 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 Chef
Cook up tasty profits as a personal chef. Those with culinary competence can likely find a hungry clientele among the ranks of
Mobile Mechanic
As 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/Tailor
As 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 Serving
You 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 Repair
Rub 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 Service
Not 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 Shopping
Now, 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 Preparer
One 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 Publishing
For 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 Detailing
Take 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 Inspection
Sometimes, 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 Organizer
Neatniks 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.
Tutoring
Thought 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 Washing
Oily 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 Repair
To 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 Investigation
Blaze 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 Services
Not 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 Service
Packing 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 Management
Make 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 Dyeing
For 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 Auditing
There'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 Staffing
Helping 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.
Bookkeeping
Though 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 Repair
In 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 Service
For 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 Brochure
Make 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 Search
Take 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 Brokerage
One 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 Reselling
By 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 Consulting
Tap 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 Service
With 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 Translation
Falling 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 Service
Helping 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 Maintenance
Set 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 Consultant
It's one thing to spend a day at the office, and another altogether to run 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 Cleaning
Put 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 Service
Typing, 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-Prepping
Move 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 Service
Money 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 Service
When "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.
Catering
A 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 Promotion
If 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 Washing
Business 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.
Drive
Professional Organizer
Neatniks 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 Washing
Oily 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 Sales
Sales-Lead Generating
Streamline 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 Agency
A 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 Service
Wanted: 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/Coupon
Cash 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 Agency
A 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 Services
Post 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 Training
Don'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 Service
Welcoming-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 Services
Packing and Unpacking Service
Packing 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 Services
If 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 Dyeing
For 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 Installation
Just 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 Service
By 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
Pool Services
Make 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 Care
When 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 Service
A 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 Painting
Brush 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 Service
Be 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-Sitting
Is 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 Decorating
Home 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 Cleaning
Put 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 Delivery
Lugging 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 Systems
Calling 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 Washing
Business 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 Cleaning
Not 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 Technology
Computer Repair
In 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 Consulting
Tap 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 Research
Practice 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 Designer
With 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 Services
Children's Party Planning
Do 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 Care
As 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 Program
Safety 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 Fitness
If 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 Service
For 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-Proofing
Stairs, 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 Kids
Nanny Placement
For 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 Care
Make 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.
Tutoring
Thought 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 Services
Photography
With 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 Shopper
Calling 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 Video
Money 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 Jockey
As 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 Service
Getting 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 Planning
If 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 Service
With 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 Announcements
For 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 Service
You 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.
Reunite '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."
10 Most Expensive Cities
Norway has seen some strong economic growth
*After 14 years as the world's most expensive city, Tokyo has been knocked off its top spot - by Oslo.*
The dubious honour to the Norwegian capital was awarded by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which compared the cost of living in 130 cities.
Fellow Nordic city, Reykjavik, in Iceland, jumped to third place, and Japan's second city, Osaka, was fourth.
And the cheapest place to spend hard earned cash? Tehran - which was the most expensive city 14 years ago.
*EU effect*
Apart from the Japanese entries all of the top 10 on the survey were in Europe.
The EIU said the result "highlights a much wider increase in the relative cost of living across Europe".
10 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES
1st - Oslo, Norway
2nd - Tokyo, Japan
3rd - Reykjavik, Iceland
= 4th - Osaka, Japan
= 4th Paris, France
6th - Copenhagen, Denmark
7th - London, UK
8th - Zurich, Switzerland
9th - Geneva, Switzerland
10th - Helsinki, Finland
"The displacement of Tokyo comes as little surprise. A gradually weakening yen has been compounded by years of low inflation and deflation in the Japanese economy," the EIU said.
"Norway has seen strong economic growth following a recovery in 2004, enjoying high consumer confidence, rampant investment and still-low interest rates," it added.
Eastern Europe has seen price hikes too, especially in countries given entry to the EU or undertaking accession talks.
The cost of living jumped more than 5% in Istanbul (48th place), Prague (58th place), Warsaw (63rd place), Kiev (82nd place), Bucharest (95th place) and Belgrade (107th place) .
*Cheapest spots*
The cost of goods and services in the 130 cities was compared in US dollar terms, so the results partly reflect the currency's long-term underperformance, the report said.
The highest placed US city was New York, ranked at number 27.
In South America the biggest rises were in Brazil where Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo jumped 22 places to the joint 87th spot thanks to an economic revival in the region.
While Tokyo and Osaka are among the most expensive cities in the world, the cheapest region as a whole is Asia, home to five of the seven lowest-priced cities.
*After 14 years as the world's most expensive city, Tokyo has been knocked off its top spot - by Oslo.*
The dubious honour to the Norwegian capital was awarded by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which compared the cost of living in 130 cities.
Fellow Nordic city, Reykjavik, in Iceland, jumped to third place, and Japan's second city, Osaka, was fourth.
And the cheapest place to spend hard earned cash? Tehran - which was the most expensive city 14 years ago.
*EU effect*
Apart from the Japanese entries all of the top 10 on the survey were in Europe.
The EIU said the result "highlights a much wider increase in the relative cost of living across Europe".
10 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES
1st - Oslo, Norway
2nd - Tokyo, Japan
3rd - Reykjavik, Iceland
= 4th - Osaka, Japan
= 4th Paris, France
6th - Copenhagen, Denmark
7th - London, UK
8th - Zurich, Switzerland
9th - Geneva, Switzerland
10th - Helsinki, Finland
"The displacement of Tokyo comes as little surprise. A gradually weakening yen has been compounded by years of low inflation and deflation in the Japanese economy," the EIU said.
"Norway has seen strong economic growth following a recovery in 2004, enjoying high consumer confidence, rampant investment and still-low interest rates," it added.
Eastern Europe has seen price hikes too, especially in countries given entry to the EU or undertaking accession talks.
The cost of living jumped more than 5% in Istanbul (48th place), Prague (58th place), Warsaw (63rd place), Kiev (82nd place), Bucharest (95th place) and Belgrade (107th place) .
*Cheapest spots*
The cost of goods and services in the 130 cities was compared in US dollar terms, so the results partly reflect the currency's long-term underperformance, the report said.
The highest placed US city was New York, ranked at number 27.
In South America the biggest rises were in Brazil where Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo jumped 22 places to the joint 87th spot thanks to an economic revival in the region.
While Tokyo and Osaka are among the most expensive cities in the world, the cheapest region as a whole is Asia, home to five of the seven lowest-priced cities.
Stephen Gately choked to death on his own vomit
Stephen Gately died in his sleep when he choked on his vomit after drinking at a gay club until 6am.The Boyzone star, 33, was found at his £1million apartment in Majorca in his pyjamas kneeling against the sofa with his face buried in a pillow.
He was discovered by his distraught partner Andy Cowles on Saturday afternoon. The pair, who were on holiday, had been partying at the club together.
A family friend said: “The family have been told the most likely scenario is Stephen had a bit too much to drink, vomited in his sleep and choked. It was a terrible accident.”
Stephen is thought to have been drinking wine and champagne at the Black Cat, Palma’s biggest gay nightclub.
One witness said: “He was with Andy when I arrived at 3am and they were still there when I left around 5.45am.
“They weren’t off their faces but they were drinking. They weren’t being rowdy – they were just two lads on a night out.
“Andrew was dancing and Stephen was jigging around. People went up and chatted to them but it was all very low-key.”
Lawyer Gerald Kean described Stephen’s death as a tragic accident.
He said: “There’s no foul play involved. There is nothing untoward. It’s not drugs, it’s not suicide, it’s not murder, it’s not a fight.” Another friend, who has known the singer for 10 years, said: “Stephen was the jester of the band. As far as I know, there were no health problems.
He suffered from depression in the past but he was the happiest and most confident he had been in years.
“As far as I know, he wasn’t a drug taker. The Irish boy bands tend to be drinkers.”
Investigators said Stephen was discovered in a crouching position. One said: “He was squatting down on the sofa almost in a praying
position. His partner was beside himself with grief.”
Stephen’s heartbroken bandmates Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch last night arrived at the flat near Port
Andratx to comfort Andy, 31. Earlier Ronan, 32, said: “I’m devastated. I can’t believe it’s real.
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“We’ve lost a best friend and a brother. Stephen was loved by every one of us. He was one of the most caring, compassionate and gentle people I’ve known.”
Mikey, 37, said: “Stephen was one of the best. We’re all trying to pull together to see what we should do from here.”
Boyzone’s distraught ex-manager Louis Walsh pulled out of last night’s live X Factor results show.
Louis, who had been at The Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards with Stephen last week, said: “We are all utterly devastated. Stephen was one in a million. He was the most grateful person, humble and modest.
“I’ve spoken to Andy and he is utterly devastated. He can’t believe he is gone.”
Stephen, known to bandmates by his nick name Steo, had told at the awards how contented he was. He said: “I’m really, really happy in my professional and personal life and everything has finally come together to for me.”
Sir Elton John yesterday led the tributes.
He said: “Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.” Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: “I know the family, I know Stephen. It’s a huge, huge tragedy.”
Fellow Irish boyband Westlife added: “We are, like everyone else, in shock today. Himself and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band. He was a friendly, spirit and a passionate performer.”
Boyzone, who had six No1 singles, split in 2000 but reformed last year. The lads had been together in London last week for a meeting about recording new material and a possible tour. Just hours before his death Stephen had texted Ronan to say: “I’m so excited about the new album.”
Scores of devastated fans posted tributes on the singer’s Facebook page.
Lynda Gammon wrote: “Heaven has gained an angel. We are so shocked.”
Fans also left tributes and lit candles outside Stephen’s North London home.
The singer’s body will be flown home later this week for a funeral in Dublin.
Spanish police are trying to trace a Bulgarian man called Giorgio who met Stephen and Andy at the club and returned to their flat with them.
A police source said: “We don’t think this man is involved at all in Stephen’s death but his testimony could prove vital in helping us get to the bottom of what’s happened.”