content and style, even substantially rewrite content. Copy editors generally check for grammar, spelling, clarity—perhaps also doing some rewriting. Proofreaders check for typos before copy goes to press.
Trainers/Instructors/Teachers: Corporations and government institutions need their employees to be as productive as possible. To that end, they frequently sponsor training programs and seminars—often hiring outside, independent contractors to run them. These programs range from teaching very specific skills (such as how to use equipment, software, or manage a production process) to more generalized training, such as sales, communication, or customer service. Some training responds to government requirements (such as sexual harassment or safety issues).
As a corporate trainer, you might develop your own curriculum and teaching materials, or you might be contracted to come in and teach a pre-existing program developed by the company.
There’s also a world of possibilities for non-corporate training. In particular, athletic or fitness training is also a growing area for entrepreneurs. You might be capable of specializing in a specific sport (golf, tennis, karate), or perhaps providing more generalized fitness guidance (personal trainer, aerobics instructor). You can work with adults or children. But there are many training opportunities in other fields as well (nutrition, beauty, cooking, technology—to name a few).
Opportunities to teach children have also greatly expanded. In addition to fitness and sports, there’s academic tutoring, test preparation (such as S.A.T.), art and music, science.
Tour guides: If you love to travel or just show people around your home town, being a tour guide may be up your alley. With the continuing strength of the tourist industry, this field should offer many opportunities for entrepreneurs for some time to come.
You can run/offer your own tours or be hired as a contractor to other tourist agencies. It may help if you speak more than one language, especially if you’ll be traveling internationally or working with international tourists visiting your community. If you set up your own shop, look for a specialty—wine tours, ecotourism, bicycle adventures.
Translators: With increasing globalization—and the easy worldwide reach of the Internet—there’s need for those with multiple language skills. Whether you’re translating written documents, website content, or translating in person, there are many opportunities for self-employment. Another form of translation is signing for the deaf.
Presenters/Speakers: It’s not easy to become a public speaker. You have to have a body of knowledge and experience and expertise that makes you credible to an audience—and potential clients. On top of that, you must be able to communicate effectively to groups. However, public speaking is an option for those who have such a background and talent—and don’t mind a lot of travel.
You may be this E-Type if . . .
1.You are good with words, whether written or spoken. This is an absolute key to being a Communicator/Trainer E-Type. You probably enjoy reading and are likely to be interested in language-related subject matter (e.g., word origins, crossword puzzles, grammar, etc.).
2.You are good at communicating concepts to others. You are able to make complex concepts easier to understand and your ability to communicate is a major part of your success, whether in business or personal settings. You bring clarity to murky subjects.
3.You may be outgoing, willing or eager to get up in front of people and talk or give a presentation. If so, you may find the options for this E-Type relating to training or public speaking a good fit.
4.You may be shy. You’re good with words but don’t necessarily want to communicate in person. If so, you may find the options for this E-Type relating to writing, copyediting, and other “behind-the-scenes” communication opportunities a better choice.
Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Business Choices for This E-Type
This E-Type’s secrets & strategies:
