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National Radio news this morning carries the advice that people should start tightening their belts, avoiding high debt levels, and preparing for tougher economic times ahead.

This, we're told, is because the Kiwi dollar is about to take a dive and oil prices are heading up again.

Surely this must mean there's no better time to get into a knowledge-based export-earning business?

A low Kiwi dollar would mean that you'll get more in your pocket for every US dollar earned and the price of oil has far less effect when you can deliver your products through the Internet.

Now have your say Got something to say about today's column, or want to see what others think?  Visit The Forums While you're here, why not visit the Aardvark Hall of Shame and perhaps make your own nomination. 7

Of course there's always the vexing problem of exactly what knowledge-based product you should be making and selling, plus the issue of funding the R&D needed to create such a thing.

Well you'll be pleased to know that there are still a huge number of opportunities in a knowledge market that remains young and dynamic. Those seeking proof need look no further than the Million Dollar Webpage and curse quietly "why didn't I think of that?"

Yes, the reality is that anyone with the willingness to put in some hard work, the clues to understand and utilise the technologies we've got at our fingers, and the ability to spot an opportunity, can still make a small fortune.

"What about venture capital?" I hear you say.

Forget it!

True VC is rarer than an albino moa here in NZ. What's more, VCs will rob you of the sense of control and ownership that are so often needed to keep you going during those dark hours while you're getting things off the ground.

A government grant? (falls off chair laughing) -- forget it! Unless it's referenced in The Treaty or involves one of The Arts then if you work out how much money you get and divide it by the hours spent filling out forms then you'd be better off flipping burgers at McD's.

Fortunately, most KB ventures can be set up in your spare time. Instead of wasting your life watching TV in the evenings, get stuck in and start working on "the next big thing". It'll cost you nothing but time and hard work but could pay huge dividends.

If you're still short of ideas, I'll be trawling through my million-dollar ideas notebook and offering some suggestions this week. If something takes your fancy then run with it and try to become a successful member of this country's appallingly small knowledge based industry.

Tell us all and see what others have to say in The Aardvark Forums

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