Many aspire to own and run their own small business.
But often get deterred by the finances involved and lack of ‘guaranteed’ income compared to having a job.
But most of the entrepreneurs and small business owners have shared numerous ideas where large capital is not involved. Sometimes you could start your own small business with 'things or products or skills you already have'.
Author of The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau is a firm believer that you don’t need a lot of money to start a business. He points out that the core philosophy at starting and running a small business is about finding the intersection between your “expertise” and what other people will pay for. You don’t need an MBA, a business plan or even employees. All you need is a product or service that springs from what you love to do anyway, people willing to pay, and a way to get paid.
Take a look at what you could start today.
Deliver Groceries in your local area:
Do you have a car with petrol and a phone? You could start delivery service. Your first task would be to tie up with your local grocery store (not supermarkets), fruit and vegetable market or bakery. Tell them that you will deliver their products for a fee.
Take it to next level: Buy local products, sell it via your website and deliver it across the city/state/country.
Build websites:
Source: Wikipedia
If you have the skills to build a website, a computer to work on and internet access, all you need to do is list your services on websites and get started.
Take it to next level: Build a website showcasing your business, build a Facebook page to promote it. You could also teach others to build websites and start their own small business.
Tutoring/Teaching:
Source: Pixabay
Have amazing math skills? Know foreign languages? Can teach classical dance or play a musical instrument? You could impart these skills for a fee within your local community.
Take it to next level: Film these classes and promote it on your Facebook page. How about organising an annual concert? This helps in marketing your school as well as provides a platform for your students to showcase their newly acquired skills.
Freelance writing/copywriting/blogging:
Source: Wikipedia
If you think you can write, you could sign up on various blogging and copywriting platforms to sell your writing skills.
Take it to the next level: Conduct your creative writing courses at the local library or community hall. Teach creative writing to school students.
Source:
Source: https://edubirdie.com/.
Catering:
If your family and friends have always praised your culinary skills, you could easily convert that into a business. Start with small parties, functions, gatherings and festivals. Showcase your delicious delights at local community fairs, festival melas. Build a Facebook Page to showcase your catering orders and testimonials to get more clients.
Take it to the next level: Build your own kitchen and supply for wedding functions. You could also start your own food truck, a café or a restaurant.
Virtual Assistant:
Source: Wikipedia
Do you have a computer/laptop and internet access? A virtual assistant is someone who helps create an itinerary, book tickets and hotels, make appointments, manage utility bills payment, shopping online and planning and maintaining a calendar.
Take it to the next level: Create personalised holiday itineraries and sell them to your well-established clientele. You will earn money from both ends – your clients and the hotels.
Photography:
Source: Pixabay
If you have a DSLR or a digital camera and the skills to capture some great memories and Photoshop, all you need is a Facebook page to showcase these to the community and take bookings. Start with your own photos. Put up some of your sample photos and offer a discount coupon to your first five clients to get the business rolling.
Take it to the next level: Learn to make videos. Choose your niche – whether its wedding, baby and pregnancy shoots or travel photography and demand a premium price for your services.
Did you start your business on a small budget? Share your story with us. Email us at Mosiqi.acharya@sbs.com.au
Source: Pexels
