For instance, a retiring engineer did just that and said, "I would love to teach sculpting." He then figured out a way to fund the construction of a sculpture studio.

Some people dream of creating a business that ties into a charity.

Recall what you were interested in during the period when you were the most optimistic in your life, another financial adviser suggests. That time may hold the key to what your small business will be.

If you would like to be an entrepreneur, but don't have a great idea you might buy a business. There are more businesses for sale. Why? Because owners are thinking about retirement.

If you're interested in buying a company, there are trade publications that list businesses for sale. But often owners are quiet about selling, because they don't want rumors around. For this reason, accountants are an excellent source of businesses for sale.

Have you noticed how many ads from financial-services firms are directed at business owners?

Business owners generally are financially conservative clients who keep some money in the bank. In addition, many families have built up considerable nest eggs in the businesses they've run for many years. Some are now looking for conservative management of that money.

One banker says business owners typically aren't looking to double their assets. They're looking to preserve and protect them. "That's the kind of client you want," he says.

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