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Source: entrepreneur.com
You know you want to start something for yourself. You just need to funnel your ambition and time into an idea that'll earn extra cash, make you proud and possibly lead to a full-time venture. Even better will be if you get that amazing moment when you say "I quit!" to your boss. But what great idea should you start?
From childcare, fix-it services, and party planning to business consulting, artisan manufacturing, and resume writing, there is a business for every skill level, interest and budget in our list of ideas you can start for less than $10,000. Some ideas listed here can even be started for less than $2,000!
These businesses can be started on a full- or part-time basis. Your location may be your clients' homes or businesses, a work van or truck, a small storefront, or even just a website. You'll advertise locally with fliers and coupons, cold-call potential clients, or set up shop with a website and online advertising campaign-finding customers will depend on the business idea you choose.
Each idea includes an overview of the business, a skill level recommendation needed to provide the service or create the product, ideas for marketing your business, and current average rates others are charging in this field. We've also included a list of resources for each business idea, including business associations, websites and books, which will help you continue your research should an idea spark your passion. Featuring a resource in this list of ideas is by no means an endorsement of the company or publication; it is the responsibility of every entrepreneur to make sure he or she is doing business with reputable organizations. Rather, these are the just first resources for your journey from idea to business ownership.
Personal Shopper
If you love to shop, this is the business idea for you. Earn great money and have fun by starting a personal shopping service assisting people who are too busy to shop, who don't like to shop, or who can't get out to do their own shopping. Lots of busy and well-heeled people love the idea of hiring personal shoppers to select gifts for any number of special occasions, including birthdays, births, weddings, holidays, and anniversaries. And it's not just new products they're after: Personal shoppers are also hired by interior designers and collectors to rummage through flea markets, consignment shops, antique dealers, and garage sales for collectibles, art, books, antiques, and funky home and office decor.
Corporations hire personal shoppers to purchase gifts for customers, prospects, business partners, investors, employees, and executives, as well as to purchase products for gift bag giveaways at special events, ceremonies and seminars. Seniors and other people who may find it difficult to get around hire personal shoppers to purchase groceries, clothing and other home and personal products. Best of all, no experience is required to get started. If you love to shop, have good taste, are creative, and don't mind networking with business owners, corporate executives and people from all walks of life, you're qualified to turn the personal-shopper business idea into a reality.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 1
Resources:
International Association of Professional Personal Shoppers
Personal Shoppers Association
FabJob Guide to Become a Personal Shopper by Peter J. Gallanis, Tag Goulet and Laura Harrison McBride (FabJob Guides, 2005)
Start Your Own Personal Concierge Service by Entrepreneur Press and Ciree Linsenman (Entrepreneur Press, 2011)
Resume Service
Under $2,000
Finding the perfect words to describe why people's experiences, special skills, and interests make them the right candidate for a job is difficult work. That's why resume services continue to flourish despite the fact that most people have the tools (a computer and word processing program) to write their own. If you are a wordsmith with a human resources, management, or administration background, this idea may be the perfect opportunity for you.
One of the best aspects about the idea of starting a resume service is that you can start small, part-time, and keep costs low by working at home with your current computer. It's the perfect opportunity for people looking to earn an extra few hundred dollars a month. In addition to resumes, other ideas include writing cover letters and thank-you notes, assisting with LinkedIn profiles, and helping clients build portfolios if their industry requires them. As a way to separate your resume service idea from competitors', considering offering consulting on how to dress for interviews, how to handle themselves in a stressful interview situation, how to make follow-up telephone calls, how to prepare for interviews, and how to network for that dream job. Advertise locally, online, and through career expos. Once established, word-of-mouth advertising and customer testimonials will go a long way to keeping you busy with this business idea.
Related: How to Start a Business Online
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 1-2
Resources:
The National Resume Writers' Association
Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches
Knock 'em Dead Resume Templates by Martin Yate (Adams Media, 2014)
Resumes That Stand Out! by L. Xavier Cano (Chester Publishing, 2014)
Homebased Alteration Service
Calling all people with sewing skills and a sewing machine! It's time to capitalize on your talent and ideas by providing garment and fabric alteration services right from the convenience of a home workspace, and earn a bundle of money in the process.
Dry cleaners, fashion retailers, uniform retailers, bridal boutiques, costume shops, drapery studios, and consignment clothing shops--all are potential customers for your service. In fact, any businesses that retail or rent clothing of any sort are potential customers, and for that matter so is any person who is in need of alteration services.
Try this idea as a quick-start marketing method: put on a comfortable pair of shoes and start calling on businesses most likely to require alteration services. Offer free pick-up and delivery, fast turnaround times, great service, and quality workmanship, all at fair prices. Your business clients benefit because they can offer alteration services to customers for free, ensuring repeat business. Or, they can make it in to a profit center by marking up what you charge. Along with your sewing skills, you will need the tools of the sewing trade and reliable transportation to bring this business idea to fruition.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $15+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
Custom Tailors and Designers Association
Business Plan Service
Did you know that a recent survey of new business owners revealed that only 33 percent surveyed had a formal business plan? With around 28 million small businesses in the United States, that points to fantastic market potential for a business plan service. To start such a service, you should have experience with business planning and be able to conduct the research and run the numbers a business plan requires.
Market your service by attending business networking meetings and be able to explain why a business needs a business plan. Also attempt to obtain a list of all new and renewal business registration licenses through your local business service center. In addition to new businesses, you can also aim marketing efforts at existing businesses and professionals who are expanding or need to update or create a new business plan. This service costs little to start and can be operated part-time or full-time, depending on your needs. Billing rates vary depending on the size and scope of the business plan being developed.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $50+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Association of Management Consulting Firms
Bplans.com
Institute of Management Consultants USA
Start Your Own Consulting Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press, 2014)
Online Marketing and Social Media Consultant
When you're running a business, you rarely have time to hop onto Twitter or Facebook to interact with customers or offer special sales. And how many business owners know how to optimize their listing on Yelp, keep up with changing algorithms on Facebook, or figure out if they need to be on the newest social media channel? This is where your expertise as a social media guru comes into play. First, ensure your own online presence and social media sites are topnotch. To get experience, offer your services to local nonprofits or friends' businesses. Once you have the results in hand, market your services -- including information on how you've increased the social media and online presence of other businesses -- to local retailers, restaurants, personal service businesses and others. Network at local business associations, and visit business owners to sell your services. The demand for social media and online marketing will only continue to grow, so your clients will be grateful you can keep them up-to-date with the changing online landscape and in front of consumers' eyes.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Internet Marketing Association
Social Media Association
Social Media Examiner
Word-of-Mouth Marketing Association
Start Your Own Consulting Business by Entrepreneur Press and Eileen Figure Sandlin (Entrepreneur Press, 2014)
Search Engine Optimization and Digital Advertising Consultant
In the old days, it was enough to take out an ad in the Yellow Pages to ensure potential customers would find your business. These days, you need a website, but you also need that website to rank high on search engines. How does the average business owner keep up? An online marketing and advertising consultant is similar to a marketing consultant in their goal--getting their clients new business -- but online consultants specialize in search engine optimization (SEO) and advertising on Google, Facebook, and other websites. Your expertise in this arena can help local businesses rise to the top of search results and ensure the advertising money they spend is well worth it. A background in digital marketing is required for this business, as well as the type of personality that thrives on change and new advances in their industry.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $2K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2-3
Resources:
Interactive Advertising Bureau
National Search Engine Optimization Association
SEMPO: Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization
Nonmedical Home Care
One of the reasons that nonmedical home care is an exploding industry is our aging population. In the United States, people 65+ accounted for 12.9 percent of the population in 2009. That number will grow to 19 percent by 2030. So the need for extra care for our aging population isn't waning anytime soon. Generally, as people age they tend to need more personal attention. Nonmedical home-care services provide clients with a wide range of services specific to each individual's needs. These services can include companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping duties, laundry, running errands, trips to appointments, and shopping for groceries and other personal needs. In addition to seniors, nonmedical home-care workers can also provide similar services for new moms, people with disabilities, and people recovering from injury or illness. People who are reliable and compassionate thrive in this field. This is an easy service to start, with minimal skill and experience requirements, although all nonmedical home-care service workers are required to carry insurance and be bonded. You can provide the care yourself or grow to become an agency with contractors or employees.
At a Glance
Investment: Under $10K
Rate: $25+
Skill Level: 2
Resources:
Family Caregiver Alliance
Home Care Association of America
Start Your Own Senior Services Business by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis (Entrepreneur Press, 2014)
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