Dig Up a New Career

There seems to be no end to the demand for information on the interent. It's bought, sold, bartered, and begged for.

This demand has opened up a huge market for "Internet Researchers". Many dot-com companies rely on the ability to provide timely, relevant information but they don't have the time or the resources with which to get it.

Some researchers specialize in a particular market such as Geneaology. People are very interested in their family history and tracing the family tree. Other researchers offer their services to clients seeking any type of information.

This business is certainly not for everyone. An Internet Researcher must be detail-oriented, tenacious and have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Below you'll find a comprehensive overview of what it takes to become an Internet Researcher:

Start-up Cost: $4,000-$12,000
Potential Earnings: $18,000-$75,000
Typical Fees: $45-$75 per hour
Advertising: Networking, contacts in fields where you have experience, seminars, newsletters, advertising in trade journals, bulletin boards
Qualifications: Familiarity with the requirements of the databases in your specialized field, ability to scan information rapidly and pick out what is relevant
Equipment Needed: Computer, modem, fax, printer, on-line accounts, office furniture, business card, letterhead, envelopes
Potential Home Business: Yes
Staff Required: No
Handicapped opportunity: Yes
Hidden Costs: On-line time, marketing required to sell such a new service