Brian Chesky, the Airbnb co-founder Business owner, stated that if we had tried to come up with a good idea, it would have failed. The key is to solve a problem in your life.
If you are like Brian, and have already thought of a solution to a problem in your life or are on the road to it, then starting your own small business could be for you. If you’re looking to leave your 9-to-5 job and become your own boss, it may be the right choice.
You might feel ready to start a new venture, but you may be seeking direction.
1. Handyman
Do you find yourself fixing up things around your house all the time? Are you available to help friends with small projects? Create a website, conduct a competitive analysis to determine what your time and expertise are worth, and turn to the friends you’ve helped before for referrals.
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You could also start your own small business if you are passionate about crafting furniture and other home goods from wood. Get started by listing a few of your pieces on sites like Etsy. After you have built a loyal following, you might consider setting up a website to accept custom orders or expand into upholstery and refinishing.
3. Online dating consultant
Most dating consultants charge for their time. These consultants help people make successful online dating profiles and find potential matches through other online channels. They also offer a level of personalization that is not possible on sites like Tinder. Do you think you have the knack for finding the right match? This could be the right business for you.
4. Specialize in Sewing and Alteration
You could be the one to help people hem their clothes and fix their buttons. Start small if you are passionate about sewing. As you grow your customer base and demand, you can expand your services to include dressmaking and design.
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From building websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. You will naturally possess technical skills as a web developer. Your knowledge and expertise can be distilled so that customers without your experience can understand what you are helping them to achieve.
This will help you test your messaging with friends and family members who don’t know much about the work that you do. Your messaging will be effective if they can summarize your work.
6. Personal trainer
To get the word out, offer in-home consultations, customized nutrition and exercise programs, as well as community boot camps. It’s an easy way for fitness gurus in the digital age to create a following on Instagram with inspiring quotes, exercise videos, and delicious snack ideas.
It’s okay to start small and then grow if you decide to pursue this route. For instance, MOURfit is a personal training business in Indianapolis that started in a shared gym, then grew into a private gym that offers group fitness, personal training, and nutrition services.
7. Graphic Designer for Free
You can set your own hours and choose the projects you want to work on. This will allow you to build a portfolio that you are proud of and a business. Many companies look for experienced graphic designers to help with a wide range of projects, including website design and blog graphics.
If you’re just starting out with graphic design, try these eight tips and tricks that are ideal for beginners. If you’re more experienced but need to build your portfolio to attract clients, these prompts will get your creativity flowing in no time.
8. Life/ Career Coach
You can use your experience in navigating career, personal and social transitions to be a career or life coach. Many people are seeking guidance in their careers, and it can be difficult to find someone who is willing to mentor them.
Although they don’t come cheap for life/career coaches, they can offer the intensive and practical advice and training that clients need to make big changes in their professional and personal lives. Everyone needs some encouragement from time to time.
Are you looking for inspiration? Nariah Broadus is a leadership and career coach who has spent more than twenty years helping people navigate change and create better work environments. Check out her story for more inspiration to get started with this small business idea.
9. Resume writer
It can be difficult and time-consuming to create a resume, cover letter, and portfolio for a job. Many people hire help because it’s easier than you think. Help clients create tailored resumes and cover letters that are beautifully edited. Also, provide portfolios that employers will not be able to ignore.
10. Writer for a Free
If you have writing skills, there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. You can write blog posts, articles for magazines, and web copy. Just make sure that you have enough work to show potential clients. Even if you only have a few samples to show your work, it will help attract new clients and showcase your talent.
11. Translator
Speak a foreign language? Start a translation company. You might consider specializing in one type of translation such as financial or medical translations to meet a niche in your community.
12. Garden Designer
While many people are willing to work in their backyards and have the ability to dig, few have the knowledge or skills to plan and design the space. Let your clients do the digging and design the outdoor spaces.
13. eCommerce store owner
Are you a creator, collector, or curator of something special? Consider starting an eCommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. An eCommerce store is a great way to make your passion a reality.
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All your neighbors need is mow, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor. A landscaping business is a profitable venture if you own the equipment.
15. Videographer
You will need to invest in equipment upfront, which can be very expensive. Your services are valuable because of this. You can share a reel of your work or make a website that has several examples of your work for potential viewers.
16. Photographer
Begin by taking photos for family and friends. Ask for reviews and referrals as you build your portfolio. Photographer businesses are often built by word of mouth. Create a Facebook page to tag your clients. The videos you tag clients in will appear in their newsfeeds, where they can see your work. You can ask them to leave reviews for your Facebook business page.
17. Travel Agents
Although the days of the travel agent may be over, people still need those who are skilled in non-traditional travel coordination. You can advertise your services as a modern way to plan vacations.
18. Specialist in car-detailing
You can also be the devil in the details. For busy people, car-detailing services that come to them are a great option. You must ensure that you have the ability to transport your equipment and the flexibility necessary to get your business off the ground.
19. Home Inspector
Certification is required to work as a home inspector. However, it can provide a stable income and flexible work hours. Before you start this type of small business, make sure to check the licensing requirements for your state. To ensure you provide the best possible service to your clients, it is important to have all your credentials in order.
20. House Cleaning
House cleaning is a great way for you to get started doing what you love, and with a low barrier of entry, it can also be an easy way to make a living at housecleaning. Advertise to your local homes and you can get more for your money by gaining small business clients. For the same amount of work, they’ll typically earn a higher salary.
21. Personal Chef
Everyone loves to eat but not everyone has the time or energy necessary to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Advertise your services to local businesses and families. Consider scheduling clients in groups, such as vegetarians, to save money on your start-up expenses and allow you to cook more of the same dish.
22. Rent Property
Many people have properties that they don’t live in, often in different states or cities. You can assist property owners in ensuring their homes are well maintained, addressing minor repairs as needed, and serving as a liaison with renters.
23. Packing Services Facilitator
Many people outsource the whole process of moving. Do you want to build a steady client base? You can partner with a local moving company that will refer you to new clients.
24.
Massage therapists can relieve aching muscles and promote relaxation for clients. You can find training and certification programs in your state or city, and you can purchase a portable bed for client visits.
25.
It’s a unique and fun way to start your own small business. Whether you make jewelry, knitted comfort items, or even custom wigs, there’s probably a market for your products. You can tap into your audience through creative marketing and search engine optimization of your website to promote the unique products that you make.
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You will need to find the right licensure in your state for this business venture. However, it is worth it to make your dreams come true. You can create themed packages or stays that correspond with the interests of your guests by considering their travel plans.
27. Interior Designer
Like landscape design, many people have the means to purchase the furniture and decor they need for their homes. But few know where to begin. Although it may take time to build a portfolio, documenting your projects online and sharing them with others can help you build a following beyond what you could ever imagine.
28.
It might be time for you to create a nonprofit if you have a dream to dedicate your life to a cause that you believe in. It’s necessary to incorporate your company and apply for tax-exempt status as 501(c). You will then be required to comply with ongoing compliance standards. But the reward is having a significant impact on a cause that you believe in.
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Do you love the history of your state or city? You might consider becoming a tour guide. You’ll have to do a lot of research in order to do the job right, but that’s only half the fun. You can set yourself apart by providing tours that focus on a particular area of the history of your community.
Some tour guides, like the ones at Freedom Trail in Boston, offer historical walking tours of their town’s most haunted spots while others curate guided foodie tours for guests to get a true taste of the city.
30. Tutor
You don’t have to be a math genius, a piano guru, or a Shakespeare fanatic. There’s always someone who can use your expertise and will pay you for it. To get the word out about your services and build a client base, advertise them through community colleges, community centres, and social media.
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Consider becoming a consultant if you have extensive knowledge or experience in a particular field. Perhaps you’re an expert at hiring practices, have a knack for SEO, or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. You can market your expertise by identifying the best rates and charging them.
32. Clothing Boutique Owner
Start a local boutique if you have dreams of owning a fashion business. You can create buzz by displaying impressive windows and engaging social media accounts.
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You could choose to focus on a particular type of event, such as weddings or company events, or you might be able to work as an all-purpose event planner. You might find that others will benefit from your experience in large-scale event planning if you are organized and detail-oriented.
34.
There are specialty food stores that sell gourmet foods, cheeses and wine. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to good use and open a store like American Provisions where you offer the kind of expertise and selection your audience couldn’t dream of getting from their local grocer.
35. Personal Assistant
If you are organized and meticulous, you might consider becoming a personal assistant. Do you not want to be tied down to one person or office all day? You might consider becoming a virtual assistant to have more flexibility in your work life.
36.
Have you ever wished to own a restaurant, but aren’t quite ready to make the leap? You can test your ideas with a food truck. This is a great way for you to get familiar with the state’s food licensing and see what people enjoy before opening or investing in a restaurant.
Taco Nganas, a taco truck in Memphis, TN, started with one food truck and expanded to three, building a loyal customer base along the way.
37.
Consignment is a great option if you are a fashion-conscious person who doesn’t want to spend a lot on inventory. Consignment will let you curate clothing that suits your aesthetic and goals without the expense of selling new clothes in a boutique.
38. Caterer
Catering is an option if a personal chef job is too difficult for you. Choose your projects and work on smaller but more important events to improve your time management skills.
39. Gym owner
Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! You can turn your passion for fitness and make it a community by opening your own gym.
40. Daycare Owner
The demand for childcare is still high. Nanny shares and nanny are very popular, but it is difficult to find quality daycare. You can fill a local need by opening your own daycare. As always, ensure you comply with the zoning, licensing, insurance, inspection, and other requirements of your state and city.
