Every now and again some idea that might seem crazy at first ends up being an instant hit with consumers. Thinking outside the box and seeking seemingly impossible solutions to improve our lives have paid off for many creators around the world.

Also, companies dedicated to innovation baffle us with products we never thought possible. Quirkiness sells. Finding a niche market, rather than catering to the masses, can make these less greedy entrepreneurs wealthy.

Take women for women taxi services. The trend started with Pink Ladies in London in 2006, and the concept went global. In Malaysia, the female only taxi service even got government funding. In no other city, for obvious reasons, has this service had more success than in New York.

Waitrose created the “Bag for Life” scheme, they were the first retailer to introduce this concept 10 years ago. Now the term “bag for life” has become generic and made room for more trendy alternatives.

British Accessory Designer of the year, Anya Hindmarch, wildly fashionable “I am Not a Plastic Bag” is just a simple, rope-handled, sturdy cotton shopping bag – albeit one that’s rather beautifully designed.  It got trendy young women who wouldn’t be seen alive with a “Bag for Life” doing their bit for waste reduction.

Quirky Apps that made their creators filthy rich

People love apps. We all know somebody who has an app for practically everything. Some are very useful and some save you time and worry. Then there are apps most of us mercilessly mock, yet they too have an audience.

Take Game for Cats as an example.This iPad app got press attention from the New York Times, L.A. Times, WIRED.co.uk, Gizmodo, ABC News and more. Cat owners with bored pets can download the app and buy the “mouse level”. Their feline companions get to chase rodents on the screen with their paw. An instant hit among cat lovers worldwide.

Another remarkable “problem solving” app which has made the inventors rich is the “Fake-An-Excuse: Hangup Now!” app. What this does is help you find a way to hang up when you are dying to get off the phone with somebody by inventing fake excuses for you. Not an app you want your wife to catch you using.

Crazy online casino concepts

There is a bespoke casino for you, whatever your inclinations, hobbies or preferences are. The variety of online casinos will baffle anyone who cares to check out the myriad of choices out there, from amusing to mind-boggling.

If you like to smoke a joint from time to time – there is a casino for you.

If you like cats and kittens, you will be well looked after. If you practice Voodoo – combine this with soul slots for fun. Desperate Housewives fan? You can relive it all. There are “manly men” casinos, gay and lesbian casinos, sexy casinos and so on.

You will find less exotic casinos focussed on the mobile player or the high-roller. You name it, there is a casino for you. On online casino sites like these, any player can enjoy an equally varied amount of eclectic themed slots and relax while playing.

Ocean plastic waste innovations

Sportswear made out of ocean waste? Sounds impossible. Well, good old Adidas, the German athletic gear company, started a business sustainability partnership with Parleys.

Making shoes out of ocean waste is possible today, but only with the help of forward-thinking and innovative global industries. The ocean waste shoe has taken off and is said to be as good as any other trainer.

Another product made from plastic debris is Method’s Ocean Plastic 2-in-1 Dish & Hand Soap. Innovators view this project both as a means of working to fix a major environmental problem and raising ocean pollution awareness. Method’s soap has a biodegradable formula and is great for washing both dishes and hands.

If you are still reading you are probably buzzing with other and better examples. Maybe you have an idea of your own which fills a need and has a niche audience? Thinking outside the box is not just fun – it can turn a “crazy” idea into big bucks.

I can bet, on several occasions, you have been asked to do something at work you were not that eager to do, either because you disagreed or just because you did not like the task. However, because of fear or insecurity, you do not say no. And not because you do not dare to do it, but because you do not know how to say it.

In most situations, bosses are not the ones claiming for things to be done. Workers tend to ask their bosses to clearly state what they want, and what they expect, in order to fully fulfil their requirements. On one hand, bosses want their employees to be clear and organized when performing tasks, recognize their mistakes and fulfill their commitments. On the other hand, workers want more than anything to satisfy their bosses, even if that implies doing something they dislike.

When these aspects are not met by both sides conflicts arise, making it more complicated to carry a clear line of communication. In general, bosses have the last word, but workers also have the option to propose alternatives.

Sara Lopez, teach coach in Trendhim, a Danish fashion company of men’s jewelry and accessories, such as lapel pins or bracelets, shares with us some valid arguments that you can use when you do not know how to say no to your boss:

Do not be impulsive

If you are given a task and your temper is irrational, keep calm and before exploding. Take a deep breath and calm down. Perhaps the task is not that demanding, and you are making a situation out of something that is not worth it.

What you can see as a problem, might be a benefit for your future. The best option is to study the details of the task, the effort it implies. Once this is done, take time to think about its benefits before refusing to refuse it.

Choose the right moment

Now that you have studied the pros and the cons of that specific task, and you still want to refuse it,  either because you do not like it or because it does not correspond with the abilities for which you were hired, talk to your boss during a schedule where he is not busy or performing other activities. The best option is in the morning when work begins or before lunch.

Take into account that it is not about giving a complete NO. Honestly you should make clear that you are not qualified to carry out the request, but you are willing to observe how another person performs it and maybe on other occasions you can do it.

Study the alternatives

When you are asked to make or participate in new projects is because someone believes in you. Someone has chosen you among other people to be part of a project, because you have the right skills. So even if you do not like it, or even if it seems hard, once more, think about its benefits. How can the project benefic your future? What can you learn from it? What can you do instead? Do you have other options? Whatever your decision is, do not provide negative arguments. Better propose other strategies that can facilitate your work.

Provide Valid Arguments

When you are willing to say no to your boss, study of your position in the first place, before taking risks. The secret to not having a confrontation with your boss is be assertive and not negative.

Now that you know how to say no to your boss, use these arguments as long as you have no other alternatives. But remember, it is not about complaining and denying, because after all you have been hired to perform functions which cover your professional profile.

Even if you put these arguments into account your boss does not change? Then it’s time to change your workspace. Nothing is going to change if you do not do something about it.

The endless demand to have the hair fixed, cut, or colored is one of the reasons that hair salon industry grows by 1.8% by the year. In fact, it is one of the most resistant businesses, surviving even the Great Recession in 2008. If you are planning to jump on the bandwagon and open one yourself, then there are a few industry secrets that you have to learn.

The potential for growth of a beauty salon depends on a lot of factors including population growth, economic status of the country, and the characteristics of your target market. However, these are often beyond your control. What you can manage is the marketing of your salon and your customer service. To increase your profit, you need to be smart.

Watch Out for Your Stock

Make an inventory of all the stocks that you have. These include your shampoos, gels, waxes, hair treatments, dyes, and more. If you want to run a good salon, don’t settle for cheap products. You can resell good quality hair care products for reasonable prices. In fact, 5% to 15% of a hair salon’s revenue is usually made from these sales. If you know how to capitalize on this, you’ll earn a considerable amount of money every month.

Do Your Homework on Bank Charges

Business credit card accounts and checking can incur fees, often at higher amounts compared to individual accounts. So before you sign a deal with a bank, make sure that you understand their policies and their rates. A lot of banks waive the monthly maintenance fee for the business accounts as long as you maintain a minimum balance.

Use a Merchant Service Provider

When you allow credit card payments, you will appeal more to your customers. However, you must take into consideration the cost of using merchant service providers. They might charge you for every transaction and for your monthly fee. You have many options, though. So you can choose the provider that offers you the best deal.

Manage Your Appointments

A salon software allows customers to book an appointment and pay in advance.This allows you both you and your customer to manage your time better. A day or hours before the set schedule, be sure to send the customer a reminder so that you can reduce no-shows. You might want to review your deposit and refund policy as well.

Use Vouchers and Give Promotions

Customers love getting good deals and discounts. It’s not a bad marketing strategy, especially during special holidays. Customers get to pay a cheaper price for your service, and you improve your sales and increase customer loyalty.

Final Thoughts

The strong demand for hair salons continues to provide great opportunities for those wanting to get into the beauty industry. However, in order to succeed, you need something more than hard work and high capital. You need to make smart choices, partner with good service providers, run the latest software, and improve your marketing strategy.