Opportunity Surround Sound

Training our eyes to spot opportunity is an ongoing process for Savvy Intrapreneurs. There's an old saying "if you want to hide something from someone, place it right in front of them". Many times opportunities appear the same way. We are surrounded by not so obvious opportunities. Practice does make perfect, over time.

For example, all of us have been doing something for many years, but haven't been paid for doing it. What is the commonality of various companies like Amazon, Circuit City, Barnes & Noble, American Express, Marcal paper products, Kleenex, Kellogs, Ace Hardware, Kenneth Cole, Google, Sharper Image, Office Depot and even social networks like Network2Connect or ETP Network? They pay people, in cash, for buying or referring their products / services. The list of companies is virtually endless that give back cash rebates for buying their products, including cell phone companies, magazine subscriptions, movies, clothing, jewelry, food etc.

Cash back opportunities are only limited by the imagination, because that's how many companies are actually doing it. Although this concept has been around for over 50 years, it's only been in recent years more companies are doing it. Since people focus more on price, they will easily switch between stores. Cash back rebates establishes more long term relationships and the loyalty of returning consumers.

Entertainment companies, such as Sony and Dish Network, have also jumped on the cash rebate band wagon. Even Nielsen media pays qualified people to watch TV. How do you think the TV show ratings are accomplished?

Receiving cash rebates we can deposit into our bank account, brings clipping store coupons to a higher level of tangible profit. And all a Savvy Intrapreneur has to do is buy everyday products s/he needs anyway, from those stores that pay cash rebates. It's like getting paid to shop.

We're doing it. We like it. It is profitable. We don't allow any money to go out of our household, unless the store or vendor pays cash rebates. Doesn't it make sense to make money when regularly buying even the most mundane products, like bathroom tissue, coffee or copier paper?

How about receiving a cash rebate check at the closing, when buying or selling a house? Yes, that too is a reality today, in certain real estate organizations.

This is a WOW moment or it could be one those things that make you go Hmmmm . . . . .

Copyright (c) 2006 Savvy Intrapreneur & C. E. Reid