Saturday, March 4, 2017

Small Business Ideas (for When You Don’t Know What Business to Start)





If you’re Mr. or Ms. Fix-It:

Does your ideal career involve getting your hands dirty—or, at the very least, working with your hands, as opposed to sitting in an office?
There are, of course, a million possibilities here; however, I’ve researched a few to get you started.

Start a plumbing, electric, or “handyman” type business

If you’re a fan of tinkering and solving a problem, starting a plumbing, electrician, or general handyperson type business might be a good fit for you.

While it’s not as simple as, hey, go start plumbing, if you’re looking for a hands-on career, you might want to consider seeking out a vocational degree in one of these fields and building a business around it. I’ve also linked our free sample plans below, including one specific to starting a plumbing business.
Start a construction business

Similarly, a construction business could be a great fit for someone who enjoys hands-on work.

While you’ll probably need to complete either an apprenticeship or a trade program to get started, if you’re already an amateur or have worked construction in the past (or simply have interest in seeking the education), this might be a great fit.

Start a mechanic business
Do you love working on cars? Would you like to do it for a living?

Like most other suggestions on this list, trade skills need—you guessed it—a trade or vocational degree before you get started.
However, don’t write off your interest as merely a hobby; it could make a great small business idea.
Start a sewing and alterations business

If you enjoy sewing, you might like a business specializing in altering or repairing garments.
While you don’t need a specific degree or training, you’ll need a certain level of skill to get started with this one. However, if you’re already a great sewer, an alteration business could be a great fit.
Start an accounting business

Do you enjoy bookkeeping, preparing taxes, and generally managing money? Consider starting an accounting business. However, unlike many suggestions on this list, becoming an accountant and opening your own firm will require the right education—generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll also likely need to be licensed as a CPA.

Start a financial planning business

Like starting an accounting business, you’ll want to look into the requirements for starting a financial planning business. However, if you have a background in finance, or would like to pursue the schooling, starting a financial planning business might be the right small business idea for you.

If you’re great at motivating people:
Start a personal training business
If you’re into some aspect of fitness, a personal training business could be a great small business idea. From general fitness coaching to becoming an instructor (think Zumba or Pilates)—if you’re more motivational than Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec, a personal training business might be a successful route for you. After all, the best business ideas for you will be the ones that play to your strengths.



Bear in mind that like many options on this list, you’ll need certification. NASM, ACE, and ACSM are a few of the most common and well-respected certifications, but the path you choose will depend on your specific focus.

Start a life coaching business
Did you successfully navigate a difficult situation against all odds, and come out stronger on the other side? Do you see the best in people, and want to help them reach their full potential? If so, you could consider building a small business around life coaching.


Start your own freelance writing business
Sites like Elance and Upwork are great places to get started freelance writing, and you can easily build a small business around your skills as a freelance writer, or potentially expand to include other writers (or graphic designers, web designers, and so on) down the road.

Another great thing about starting a freelance writing small business? You can tailor it to your strengths. Whether you’re interested in copywriting, technical writing, or writing for trade publications, writers are always in demand.

Start an editing and proofreading business

Similarly, editing and proofreading services are always needed, and would make a great small business idea. You can begin by taking on freelance work, and go from there (and surprise—you’re already a sole proprietor!).
If you have a green thumb:
Start a garden center

If you love gardening, but would rather share your expertise than physically help others with their personal gardens, starting a garden center might be the right small business idea for you. You can advise and educate other enthusiasts on what it takes to make their gardens beautiful.
Start a landscaping business



If, on the other hand, you do love the idea of working hands-on, you might consider a landscaping or lawn care business. While you’ll certainly need the skill set to get started, some lawn care services are ultra-basic to start (think mowing) and you can learn and add on more services over time.

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