Starting a business today no longer requires months or market research and thousands of dollars to get started. You can simply stay in your pajamas, although I wouldnt recommend that, andstart a successful business from the comfort of your home.
Even if you decide to leave the house, there are more than enough business ideas floating around that require little time and resources to launch.
In fact, here are 15 business ideas that you could start today.
1. Freelancing
Its easy to understand why there are more than 54 million Americans who havejoined the freelance revolution. They have a flexible schedule, can work from anywhere they want, and can make a comfortable living doing something that they either enjoy or are talented at. And,this trend isnt going away anytime soon.
If you have a little bit of experience and are skilled at anything from graphic design to writing to photography to coding, then you can become a freelancer with little more than a computer. Of course, it does take time to build a solid reputation and list of clients, you can still start applying for gigs at any number offreelance job sitesimmediately.
2. Blogging
Whether it’s building your own blog through WordPress or using a website builder like Wix, Anyone can start a blog in just a matter of minutes. Blogging is also affordable since you just have to purchase a domain name and host.
There are also many companies (like our blog) that pay freelancers to write for their blog. This can make you good side income and for some be a full time job.
3. Online retailing
Ive decided to lump several online retailing ideas together since theyre extremely similar.
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Affiliate marketing. I just mentioned this, so its a great place to start. Essentially, you plug other products or services on your website. Youre provided a unique link so whenever a visitor clicks on that link and make a purchase, you get a commission.
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eCommerce site. Thanks to sites like Etsy you can sell your handmade crafts.
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eBay or Craigslist for unloading used items. I’ve even asked neighbors if I can sell their things and take a 50% commission on anything I sell. It’s worked out great at building upcash in myebank.
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Drop shippingis when you sell other peoples products online, but the items are shipped from the manufacturer’s warehouse.
4. Public Speaking/Teaching/Tutoring
If you want to share you knowledge with others, whether if its how to become a more effective leader in the workplace or the Spanish language, you can make money by teaching online classes,becoming a tutorin your neighborhood, or speaking at libraries, rec centers, or adult education education classes.
5. Consulting/Training
Another way to pass along your knowledge is by launching a consulting or training business. Thats because there are plenty of entrepreneurs and companies looking for talented individuals to teach their employees how to do everything from learning a computer program to becoming an eco-friendly business.
There is also lots ofconsulting for app companies. As there are anestimated5.8 million apps that have been created, the need for countless consultants to maintain their apps persists.
6. Errand Running/Personal Assistant
There are seniors and busy people who need someone to run errands for them, or even become their personal assistant. These tasks could include going to the grocery store, cooking, cleaning, or driving them across town. You can joinTaskRabbitorCare.comto find jobs.
7. Babysitting/Petsitting/Housesitting
Dont fool yourself. These jobs arent just for teenagers. There are a lot of people out there who have made a career out of these types of jobs. Of course, it may take time to build your trustworthiness after receiving word-of-mouth recommendations but you could start asking your family, friends, and neighbors today if they need someone to watch their children, pets, or home.
8. Landscaping
Do you enjoy being outside? Do you also enjoy doing yard work, like mowing and gardening? Then you can start your own neighborhood landscaping. You can even eventually go on to design beautiful garden beds. But, in the meantime, you can start off small. Trust people. A lot of people dread pulling weeds!
9. Catering/Baking
If you have a knack for cooking or baking, then this is an obvious business idea for you to start. You probably already have all the equipment too. Just start going out and inform your network that youve started your own business.
10. Repairman
Whether its computers, furniture, or cars, if youre good with your hands then start offering this service to paying customers.
11. Social Media Management
Brands have realized the importance of having an online presence, and that includes being active and engaging on social media. Thats why theyre willing to pay individuals to manage their social media channels. If you have that talent, then you can start this business today.
12. Event Planning
If youre organized and have the ability to thoroughly plan events, then become an event planner and handle anything from weddings, birthday parties, to retirement parties.
13. Language Translation/Transcribing
Do you know a second language? If so, you can make a living by translating or transcribing this language for others.
14. Referral Service
These types of entrepreneurs essentiallyrefer businesses to customers. For example, you could be hired by an attorneys office specializing in family law to find individuals who may be seeking to divorce their spouse.
15. Local Tour Guide/Relocation Service
Ifyou know your neighborhood like the back-of-your hand then you can either become a local tour guide. But, what if there isnt much to see because you dont live in a historical city like Boston or Philly? You could scout office location for businesses and connect them with local businesses like restaurants that deliver or sell office equipment.
John Rampton is a serial entrepreneur who now focuses on helping people to build amazing products and services that scale. He is founder of the online payments company Due. He was recently named #2 on Top 50 Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine. Time Magazine recognized John as a motivations speaker that helps people find a “Sense of Meaning” in their lives. He currently advises several companies in the bay area.