1. Produce Christmas cards which are printed on the front with, for example, "Happy Christmas from the Smith Family". Or, instead of the name 'Smith', pick one of the dozens of other popular surnames. Sell packs of these cards by direct mail to people listed in telephone directories.

2. Make money from renting out expensive children's toys. The toys you rent out will include remote controlled models and computerised games. Use a little van to deliver the toys to customers. Paint in toy town colour scheme. Call the van a toy mobile or similar suitable name.

3. In a city where there are many theatres, open a small shop which is devoted to selling things related to Shakespeare.

4. Begin a confidential newsletter about how to get the best things from life. The best things in this case include: money, expensive property, respect an quality cars. Your newsletter should suggest some of the legal short cuts which can be taken.

5. Design and manufacture kits for making models with cocktail sticks, for example: model churches, castles, windmills, houses, etc. Buy the cocktail sticks in their unpacked state from the manufacturer. Sell your kits by mail order from ads in craft magazines or distribute to model shops.

6. Establish a directory of products no longer made. This directory might include sections on toys, novelties and household goods. Design the directory for business people and inventors who want to know both what has been made before and what ideas might be revived and/or modified.

7. Become a make-up consultant. Advise women on what make-up suits their individual mix of: skinshade, hair and eye colours, nose and facial shape, etc. Once you have established your consultancy, make more money by teaching others to be make up consultants.

8. Set up a business which makes nightshirts and nightcaps. Have these stocked at up-market clothes retailers.