99 New Small Business Ideas - Small Biz Ahead

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99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASand what you need to get startedBy Kelly Spors

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASTABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction.3CHAPTER 1: Business Services.4CHAPTER 2: Personal Services.9CHAPTER 3: Professional Services. 20CHAPTER 4: Retail. 27CHAPTER 5: Financial Services. 39CHAPTER 6: Technology. 42Conclusion. 48

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASINTRODUCTION99 NEW SMALL BUSINESSIDEAS: INTRODUCTIONYou’re ready to start a business, but you need inspiration. And you need toknow exactly what’s involved.You’re not alone. Many people are drawn to the idea of owning a business,gaining independence and reaping financial rewards; yet they’re unsure of howto best get started. Every line of business has its own unique characteristics –from the education, training and skills required to be successful to the startupinvestment costs. This e-book walks through a long list of business startupopportunities and explains the key information you should know to pursueeach one.Keep in mind that it’s essential to find a business opportunity you’repassionate about – regardless of the startup requirements and costs – asyou’ll likely be working on it around the clock, at least in the beginning.And don’t forget that every business needs certain basics, such as softwarefor accounting and bookkeeping as well as insurance, which you can furtherexamine once you begin planning for your business.For now, explore your options and thoroughly research any new businessopportunity before you dive in. Now for the fun part: Let’s explore newbusiness ideas you may want to consider.3

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1: BUSINESS SERVICESOperating a business that provides services to other businesses allows youto sell an expertise you’ve developed either over many years or within a fewmonths. While you might be a one-person show in the beginning, you couldhave the opportunity to add employees as your business service matures.CONTENT MARKETING MANAGERCompanies and nonprofits increasingly seek people who understand how tocreate engaging content that bolsters their reputation – and, ultimately, theirrevenue. To start a business as a consultant in this space, you should be astrong communicator and have experience either as a professional contentmarketer or be able to show that you’ve achieved content marketing successon your own, such as by running a successful blog or website. Social mediaexpertise is essential. Online courses can teach you current best practices forcreating and distributing compelling content and building an online audience.Also consider joining at least one networking organization, such as theContent Marketing Association.Startup needs: Content management experience/expertise; a phone and a computerFREELANCE WRITER/EDITORCalling all wordsmiths: People who can string wordstogether eloquently can make decent money. Havingan English or journalism degree may be helpful toyour resume, but you can also gain experience bytaking on low-pay writing assignments from small orlocal publications. There are also plenty of ways to getbusiness online, from signing up on LinkedIn Pro to creating a portfolio onContently to searching for projects on Upwork and Influence. Startup costsare low, because all you really need are a phone and a computer.Startup needs: Writing and/or editing experience; a phone and a computer4

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 1PROFESSIONAL BLOGGERAre you witty and a great storyteller? You may want to publish a blog – for aliving. Professional bloggers earn money either through selling advertisingand affiliate marketing on their own blog or by getting paid to blog for anothercompany or organization. Demonstrate your writing prowess by publishingyour own blog and building up several strong writing samples that showyou’re able to engage an audience. All you need to get started is a computerand a strong vision for what your blog would include and who the targetaudience would be.Startup needs: Blogging experience; a computerPROOFREADING SERVICEIf you love to correct grammarand punctuation, being aproofreaderIf you love to correct grammar andpunctuation, being a proofreader may beyour calling. Perks can include workingfrom home and setting your own hours.may be your callingStartup costs are generally low, as allyou’ll typically need are a computer,grammar style guides (such as the latest AP Stylebook and Chicago Manualof Style) and perhaps certain software programs used by your clients. You canpromote your service on sites like Upwork, LinkedIn, and other places whereprospective clients may look.Startup needs: Computer; style guides; grammar proficiencySOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERYou’ll need to know all the latest trends and tricks for building and engagingan audience through social media – whether through Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest, LinkedIn or other social sites – as well as how to use analytics togauge how well your social campaigns perform. Being active and building alarge following on social media sites is a good first step. Working as a socialmedia manager for another company may give you a strong background forlaunching a business as a social media guru. If you don’t have that, consider5

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 1taking a course or two such as those offered by Udemy or GeorgetownUniversity’s College of Continuing Studies as well as signing up for emailnewsletters on the latest social media marketing strategies, such as the onesoffered by Marketing Land and Social Media Examiner.Startup needs: Social media management experience/expertise; a computerPODCAST PRODUCER/EDITORPodcasts remain an integral part of contentmarketing, and can be a great niche forsomeone who wants to have a thrivingcontent marketing business. It all comesdown to experience, and having a portfolioof existing work to sell your expertise to newclients. A professional website with examplesof your best work is a must.Startup needs: Expertise in interviewing, managing podcasts, and podcastproduction; editing software; a strong portfolio of existing work which isdisplayed on your website; a computerEMPLOYMENT AGENCYLearning the ropes by working for someone else first may serve you wellbefore opening your own business. The great news is that a staffing orrecruitment agency is a relatively affordable business to start; you couldeven work out of a home office for awhile. You still need to think about suchrequirements as business and liability insurance, and be sure to check on locallicensing requirements. A good recruitment database is important, too. It’s keyto have a strong network lined up that includes potential business clients.Startup needs: Existing recruiting experience; a strong network; a phone6

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 1GRAPHIC DESIGNEREven if you have a degree in design – or just ample design experience – staycurrent on all the latest design programs and trends. If you need a refresher,graphic design courses at local colleges can help. Designers with animationand web development experience typically have the most opportunities.Develop an attractive website that houses various samples of your best workto show off to prospective clients, and network through business-networkinggroups and in places where businesses look for graphic designers – such asUpwork and LinkedIn.Startup needs: Design software; portfolio of work; a computeranimation andweb developmentDesigners withexperience typically have the most opportunitiesBOOKKEEPERFor someone who knows how to manage financial records, this can be a solidbusiness opportunity requiring minimal startup capital. You can even workfrom home. You can acquaint yourself with bookkeeping through onlinecourses, but it still might make a great deal of sense to pursue a two-yearassociate degree in bookkeeping or accounting and get on-the-job experiencebefore striking out on your own. Certification from the American Institute ofProfessional Bookkeepers might also enhance your credentials.Startup needs: Associate degree in bookkeeping or accounting; perhaps onthe-job experience; high-speed internet; accounting software7

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 1CO-WORKING SPACEThe freelance economy means an increasing number of people are workingremotely. Some desire spaces outside their homes, and that’s where co-workingspaces can come in handy. Your business could be for profit or a nonprofit.A neat location is extremely important, as is providing required utilities,especially high-speed internet. After that, make sure you have a stylish spacewith comfortable furniture. Some kind of value-add is a major plus. Could youadd businesses incubator-type services to what you’re offering?Startup needs: A great location; high-speed internet and other utilitiesnecessary to working professionals; ties to a community of entrepreneurs whomay be interested in the space8

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 2CHAPTER 2:PERSONAL SERVICESMany service business opportunities are gearedtoward consumers rather than other businesses.An advantage to starting a consumer service isthat startup costs are often low.FOOD DELIVERY SERVICEDepending on your location, you may needseveral licenses and permits, including thosethat allow you to handle food. Considerpartnering with popular local restaurants and food businesses for a win-win:They can bring in more business while you benefit from their establishedrecognition in the community. (If you plan to prepare the food yourself, youmay need to work from a commercial kitchen.) You’ll need a website unlessyou work with an established food delivery company, such as BiteSquad.Startup needs: Several licenses (depending on business format) and a reliabledelivery vehicleFURNITURE MAKERDemand for unique crafted items has been growing. Furniture could be onearea that’s ripe for more high-end, uniquely designed, domestically-madefurniture. Success in this area will likely depend on finding a niche andutilizing unique, signature designs. Your marketing strategy will also be key.Do you want to sell online, get your furniture into retail stores, or both?Startup needs: Furniture-making expertise, including college woodworkingand design classes; equipment and raw materials9

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 2NUTRITION COACHYou may need a license to start a nutritionbusiness, depending on the state. Whether ornot you must be licensed, you still need deepknowledge in nutrition to provide safe, effectiveadvice. In terms of gaining clients, word ofmouth can be key. Also, it’s important that you’rewilling to work odd hours, and that you have thepatience to allow others to grow your businessand generate new clients.You may need a licenseto start anutritionbusiness,depending on the stateStartup needs: College courses or training on nutrition; licensing, dependingon the state; strong marketing knowledgePROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERBeing a “neat freak” could make you a natural fit for this type of startup.But you’ll want to stay abreast of trends in home and office organizationand be savvy about how you market your services. Industry groups suchas the National Association of Professional Organizers offer training andcertification and provide pointers on how to launch a business and networkwith prospective clients. Many professional organizers use social media toshare organizational tips and meet potential clients.Startup needs: Certification and professional websiteHOUSE CLEANERIf you’re in good physical health and enjoy washing and organizing, thencleaning homes for a living may be a good opportunity. It’s strenuous, grittywork – as you’ll likely need to carry around a vacuum cleaner and otherequipment and spend time on your knees scrubbing. But it’s an affordablebusiness to start. All you need are cleaning supplies and transportation to getto your clients’ locations. Do some market research to determine what kind ofhousecleaning service would be most in demand in your area. Then carve your10

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEASCHAPTER 2niche and come up with a competitive pricing structure. For example, manystartup cleaning services focus on using environmentally-friendly practicesand products. You’ll need to get the word out about your service any way youcan, such as word-of-mouth referrals through friends, family and neighbors.You can also use social media and online business review sites to market yourservices. Nextdoor.com and Angie’s List are good sites to consider.Startup needs: Good physical health, cleaning supplies, transportationPET SITTERWant to turn your love of dogs and cats intoa business? Becoming a pet sitter could be anoption. Reputation is going to be everything,and you may have to offer discounts as you buildthe business. It also wouldn’t hurt to contact alawyer to make sure you have the necessary legaldocuments and insurance to shield yourself fromliability should something unexpected happento a pet while their owner is away.Startup needs: Love of animals; scheduleflexibility; marketing skills; liability insuranceLUXURY VEHICLE SERVICEA good way to start might be earning your chops as a driver for Lyft, Uber orone of their competitors. Save money, and when you think you’re ready, breakout on your own. Buy or lease some classy, upscale vehicles to truly take theexperience to the next level. Competition can be ruthless in this industry,so be prepared to constantly market yourself, understanding how you candifferentiate yourself.Get a website up and running, too.Startup needs: Good driving and navigation skills; necessary license andpermit; insurance for your vehicle or fleet; a

99 NEW SMALL BUSINESS IDEAS: INTRODUCTION You’re ready to start a business, but you need inspiration. And you need to know exactly what’s involved. You’re not alone. Many people are drawn to the idea of owning a business, gaining independence and reaping financial rewards; yet they’re unsure of how to best get started.

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