As you settle in to the new year the seed of a dream to change your life by starting your own business may start to play on your mind. Busy lives and responsibilities can often prevent people from taking the plunge in to self employment. However, with the right business idea you can weave your business activities around the other tasks that dominate your time, in whatever way suits you.
So what are the kinds of business that could take you from dreamer to doer in 2024?
Online business
The internet has revolutionised how we do business since its widespread adoption in the 1990s. Business ideas range from freelancing using creative and specialised skills to online trading.
- Ecommerce shop – Software such as Shopify has enabled anyone with something to sell, to set up a virtual shop online. To be successful you need to understand search engine optimisation and digital marketing or your shop may not be seen by any potential customers. Alternatively you could sell via one of the established platforms such as Ebay.
- Ebay, Esty, Amazon. Selling preloved, handmade, vintage and new goods have never been easier. These platforms invest huge amounts of money to ensure your potential customers see your wares, so you can focus on fulfilment. You could build a reputation and customer loyalty by selling via such platforms, which may transfer to your own online shop should you wish to set one up in the future.
- Consulting services. If you have specialist experience and knowledge you may wish to set up a consultancy. By arranging your appointment schedule around the other activities that fill your life, you can take control of your time commitment. Legal, business related and medical services would be ideal for this kind of work.
- Online teaching, course creation and design. If you have something to teach there are platforms out there that want to help you do it. From Udemy to Teachable, online course creation has exploded over the past decade. Whatever the subject, if you enjoy teaching this might be right for you.
- Content creation and social media management. Any online business needs to get their product in front of existing and potential customers. That’s where you come in. By creating the right content and building an audience via social media you play your part in ensuring the success of online businesses.
- SEO services. SEO is more than content creation and social media. If you understand or are willing to learn about on page and off page optimisation, you could find yourself heading to a freelance career as a digital marketeer.
- Virtual assistant services and online sales. Every business needs support. The beauty of freelance services is that businesses with budgetary constraints can access that support, via freelance virtual assistants, when they need to.
- Language translation. If you have a second language you might consider translation work. Translating written material in to another language may be work you can fit around your other commitments quite easily.
- Mobile app development and software services. More and more businesses are looking to take advantage of technological advancements. AI is becoming an integral part of business and forms the first point of customer contact for many in the form of a chatbot. Mobile apps are increasingly a must for businesses looking to drive sales. If you have the skills this might be worth considering.
- Book keeping and accounting services. Every business needs to focus on the numbers, not just for cashflow but to ensure they correctly file their taxes. If you have the skills, this is the kind of service that will always be in demand on a freelance basis.
Offline businesses
If you’re a more active person who prefers to conduct your business, as much as possible, away from the computer here are few more business ideas to get started.
- Personal training and fitness coach. If you like to keep fit and would like to help others reach their fitness goals, this one might be for you.
- Event planning. If you are highly organised and enjoy organising others, event planning may be for you. Pick your niche and build your reputation.
- Catering and baking business. If baking and cooking is your thing and you are good at what you do, a catering business could be worth considering. Word of mouth marketing is crucial for small local businesses so make sure you always deliver great results.
- Handmade crafts and artistic creations sold via retail outlets and markets. Whether its knitting or cabinet making, if you’re good with your hands selling your wears via tourist shops and craft markets might grow in to a profitable business in the long term. Its certainly ranks as one of the most natural business ideas for those talented enough to create beautify things.
- Property management and holiday rentals. If you have friends or family with a second home or holiday home which they might be interested in letting out when not in use, this might be an option. You could offer an Airbnb service where you advertise via the website and then take the part of the host. This would mean you meet the people renting the properties, provide keys and arrange return of the keys when the rental period ends. You would also need to arrange cleaning between lets and maintain contact with all upcoming rentals. By negotiating a fair fee or percentage of the rental for your work you can earn a decent income.
- Pet services such as dog walking and pet sitting. If you love animals, particularly the domesticated kind, this is one of those business ideas that might be worth considering. Websites such as Rover.com make it easy to offer services to care for the pets of others. So if you like walking dogs or would like to look after someone else’s pet for a while, why not give it a go.
- Tour guiding. For those with an interest in architecture, history or the geography of an area might like to consider tour guiding. The Institute of Tourist Guiding provides details of how to become a tour guide and offer qualifications for anyone wanting to pursue tour guiding professionally.
- Photography and videography. Weddings, parties and other events need photographers and videographers. If your interest is more creative, photos for online stock reserves are always in demand. Istock is a great place to start for anyone interested in submitting photos.
- Event performer such as make up artist or magician. If you’re an entertainer or creative that enjoys interacting with others you might consider setting up a small business as a performer. Children’s parties of local events are great places to practice your skills.
- Professional home or office organiser. Helping people organise and declutter their spaces. If you’re one of those people who hates clutter, believes everything should be organised and ordered for easy reference and would like to change the world, this is the business for you. Contact local companies, advertise via business directories and encourage word of mouth marketing to raise awareness.
And finally…
Whatever your interests or talents, if you’re looking for a business that can fit around your busy life there are options. Although there are only 20 small business ideas listed here the list is far from exhaustive. So if you’ve been feeling like a change of direction this year, perhaps its time to take the plunge in to the world of self employment. Good luck!