Redundancy. 10 years IT professional SQL Server. 拢100K to invest. What options to start/run a business?

I am taking voluntary redundancy after 10 years as a SQL Server IT Professional. I have 拢100K to invest.
I would like to start or buy a business that uses my knowledge and (alleged) talents in computer databases etc.
What options do I have?
Become a recruitment consultant is one, but there is fierce competition in that area, and there are some web ones that are so cheap that I'm sure I would end up making a loss.

Thanks

Don't just consider a database business. Consider anything you are passionate about. I like computers but there must be 100 completely different businesses I'd start if I had the money. For example, right now I'm thinking about creating audio visualization software, a device for flossing teeth, and a system for trading stocks. I actually did have a database last year, but doubt if it works well.

If you are dead set on databases, you should start by thinking about what tools could be in existence to make your job easier. After 10 years of work, you must be able to think of plenty of ways you could have done your job easier. Center your business around building and selling those tools. If its more information than tools, then author a book on databases. If no tools in mind, there must be other database jobs that aren't simply consulting jobs, though nothing comes to my mind.

Consider investing only 20k of your 100k, because very few businesses require 100k to start. If you spend wisely and pinch pennies, much less is possible.

Consider finding a partner you know and trust who is good at business. Unless you are starting your own business because you are good at business, having someone to act as manager will help.

Great books that are a must for you include:
"The E Myth Revisited" and "Never Eat Alone"

Contact me if you need more info.

PS - I meant I had a database idea last year, not a database app. If I had the database app I'd know how well it worked! Report It

Find your passion, THEN decide.
Well...... provided your passion differs from what you already do.

Judging by the mails I get from the recruitment robots they are screaming out for SQL skills in Belgium.

Recruitment is a saturated market in the UK with usually large overheads and little margin.

I would suggest looking for an existing company with an existing and diverse client base. The market is moving toward on-demand database applications that are accessed online through any internet connection. I would look to invest that way and take an active role in the development of client applications.

Hope this helps.

With all those hot-to-death SQL skills, why don't you make something searchable that, as of now, isn't searchable?

Stick it into an income account and use the income off the 100K to start a small one man consultancy that is geared towards the small business.

People always look at the big boys and leave the smaller businesses that could benefit from this kind of consulting but no one seems to take the initiative to break into what is currently a niche market, you find that the chamber of commerce a big help and often used by local businesses who are struggling from lack of information and resources.

lol, i'v just finished university for the summer and I have just landed a 6 week contract to design a web based database system for there work.I also do freelance work while im at university.Heres a web which will start you off. www.rentacoder.com
It may use american dollars as currency but that shouldnt be a problem with conversion.

Good advice to invest your money and grow it.

Send an email - I have a great resource that you can research. It may help you choose your direction.

Where you are is based on your accumulated knowledge to this point.

To move ahead, you require new information to expand your thoughts.

Tip: Check the fruit on the tree before parting with your resources.