Are you interested in entrepreneurship and have no idea where to start? Maybe you have been wondering what in the world you could use to start a business of your own or if you could even do it.
The goods news is that a business can be started with plenty! And it does not have to be something you hate either. In fact, you should start a business that you believe in. Something you have a passion for.
That could look like anything.
Reasons for Starting a Business
Typically, sources of a business are derived to fill a gap in the market, fix an unsolved problem, or create/change environmental trends.
Environmental trends encompass economic and even social trends. But it doesn’t stop there, technological innovation, political actions, and regulatory changes are also part of this aspect.
Typical purposes that people start businesses are things like
- Financial stability
- To be their own boss
- To help people
- Pursuing their passions
- Time flexibility
Whatever your reason is for starting a business, I am rooting for you!
What to Know Before Your Start-Up
Countries, states, even counties, may have stipulations for the business you want to start. You should ALWAYS do your research first before beginning any start-up or freelancing role. There are different types of entities for businesses, in America these typically include:
· Sole proprietorship
· LLC or LLP (Limited Liability Company)
· S-Corp
· B-Corp
· C-Corp
· Non-Profits
Freelancers are typically a sole proprietorship, but they can establish this as a different entity such as an LLC. LLC’s are a common entity in the USA, and so are C-Corp’s. There will be a more thorough post on these later in the blog. Again, always do your research folks!
Simple Home Start-Up Ideas
If you cannot figure out what kind of passion to pursue or you just want to dip your toes in to get a feel, these simple start-up ideas can give you just that!
For the artist, designer, or photographer:
1) Graphic Design
a. This is utilizing visual or textual content for clients, creating logos, designing websites, to inspire people, art and illustrations, etc. You can freelance these kind of services and create a landing page for people to contact you, see your other work, etc. You can even start a Facebook page or a group!
2) Photographer
a. Photography can be an easy start-up! You need a camera, and perhaps a website for showcasing your work. For some people choosing a specific niche is helpful so you can become pretty dominant in the area, for others, maybe they branch out some more.
3) Make a Shop
a. Places like Redbubble and Etsy allow you to create products that they print on demand and then pay you royalties for. There are many services like this, a little research will show you many ways to begin! I currently own a Redbubble shop featuring my artwork. Which you can check out here.
4) Create printables
a. A lot of people look to printables for things like to-do lists, finances, chore lists, routines, etc. Making your own style with your creative vibes could be just what people are looking for!
For the writer:
1) Start a blog
a. Yup, blogging is an easy one to start if you enjoy writing. After you are up and running you can begin an affiliate marketing program on your website. Or make it subscription based and be paid for each subscriber. I am not doing affiliate marketing currently, but I have a link to my Redbubble shop on my other blog site and printables in progress to start selling. Affiliate marketing is simply posting a specialized a link by whoever you start affiliating for, and you make royalties on the purchases utilizing that link.
2) E-Books
a. If you have a story in you, write it! Fiction or non-fiction, you can use Amazon’s self-publishing, or my personal favorite, Barnes and Noble self-publishing. If you do not want to use these and just want to do it yourself, advertise your E-books yourself. Social media is pretty active, and you could get hits this way. There are all kinds of groups for writers on Facebook as well.
3) Copywriting
a. This is a form of persuasive writing, there are many ways to get started with this, cold e-mails, joining a group like The Barefoot Writers or the parent company AWAI. Or simply browsing Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or some other page. Yes these last 2 provide jobs, but some listings are for contractors, and you could become a contracted copywriter. Ergo, your own boss, to get started. After enough work is thrown your way, make a website to show your work and get clients yourself!
Other Ideas from the Home Base.
1) A vehicle detailer
a. If you enjoy cleaning vehicles or have a great knack for it, maybe this is for you. You don’t even need a website; you just start getting your name out there and what kind of service you provide. A business card, a Facebook page, talking to neighbors, etc.
2) Mechanic
a. You need to look up any specifications necessary in your area. See if you are able to offer mobile services and provide to those who cannot get to a shop. This is actually a gap in the marketplace as well.
3) Website building
a. You know who needs a website? Most companies in the world! If you get good or are good at this and provide examples of your work, you can definitely find clients.
Other Ways and Ideas for a Start-Up
If you are a builder, then starting a construction company could be a great fit! You should always check out laws and regulations in your area. Here in Montana, you need to become an independent contractor.
· Start a furniture building company.
· Become adept at making frames for photos.
· Knick-knacks.
· Become a tutor.
Essentially, find out what your area is lacking, or maybe what the internet is lacking and try to build from it!
You can also invest in a franchise and own some kind of chain food store or retail, etc.
If you enjoy cooking, perhaps your area is similar to Montana and has a cottage food law where you can make home baked and other types of goods from home to sell to the public.
Or just start your own restaurant! If you can’t buy an entire restaurant (I do not think most people can) then start with a bus or lease a building. Get your proper licensing and get started! Please do your research first.
Starting an herb farm is a good choice for the gardener with little room, they take up little space and you can do things like make spices and teas, beauty products, wellness products, etc.
If you have ample space, consider starting a vegetable or fruit farm, if you are able to make the correct environment in colder regions, you could even do this year-round! People need to eat and that will never change!
Final Thoughts
Basically, you can start a business with little money, or a lot, and it can be in many realms. Businesses are started for a reason. You need motivation, an idea, and to be ok with failure and risk. Investing in your business, is an investment in yourself!
Do not see a failure as a bad thing. View it as a learning thing, because then you know what not to do next time. You need to be okay with risk because there is not a guarantee that your hard work will pay off. You should not let this stop you, instead, let it inspire you and fuel your motivation to try again!
If giving up easily is in your nature, change your mindset and keep trying. No one was successful by giving up, and usually not during their first try either. I sure was not successful my first try!
As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
A great resource for those looking to start from home is The Work at Home Woman, don't be deceived, the opportunities are not just for women!
And one more time if it did not click, DO YOUR RESEARCH before starting your business. Sometimes there are a lot of regulations, and sometimes there are none.
To future success,
~TKNott~
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