【2003 Archives】

Starting a business today no longer requires months003 Archivesmarket research and thousands of dollars to get started. You can simply stay in your pajamas, although I wouldn’t recommend that, and start 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

It’s easy to understand why there are more than 54 million Americans who have joined 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 isn’t 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 of freelance job sites immediately.

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

I’ve decided to lump several online retailing ideas together since they’re extremely similar.

• Affiliate marketing. I just mentioned this, so it’s a great place to start. Essentially, you plug other products or services on your website. You’re provided a unique link so whenever a visitor clicks on that link and make a purchase, you get a commission.

• eCommerce site. Thanks to sites like Etsy you can sell your handmade crafts.

• 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 up cash in my ebank.

• Drop shipping is when you sell other people’s 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 it’s how to become a more effective leader in the workplace or the Spanish language, you can make money by teaching online classes, becoming a tutor in 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. That’s 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 of consulting for app companies. As there are an estimated 5.8 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 join TaskRabbit or Care.com to find jobs.

7. Babysitting/Petsitting/Housesitting

Don’t fool yourself. These jobs aren’t 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 you’ve started your own business.

10. Repairman

Whether it’s computers, furniture, or cars, if you’re 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. That’s why they’re 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 you’re 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 essentially refer businesses to customers. For example, you could be hired by an attorney’s 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 isn’t much to see because you don’t 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.