There is a recent book published called "Super Freakanomics" by economist Steven Levitt (sp ?) that has a chapter dealing with the business aspects of providers and features a woman named Allie from Chicago.  Its an interesting read about the business from an economists perspective written in laymen's terms.  The whole book is pretty interesting but thought some here might find that specific chapter noteworthy.  However, no providers are allowed to read it or follow Allie's  business model  In the interest of full disclosure, I have nothing to do with the book, the publisher, nor the author.  Enjoy.