Everyone has thought about starting up and running their own business at some point. Think of it. You can be your own boss, you can do what you love, you can have fun and make money. Starting up a business is a lot of work, but if you do it right and well, there’s a lot of reward. Don’t dismiss that business dream you had that one summer, decades ago, your ideas might more profitable than you think.
Need some ideas for starting your own profitable (and even fun) business? Consider a few of these.
Toy Business
Toys? Yes, toys. When you were a kid, you probably came up with some pretty cool ideas about how you could make your existing toys better. Sure, the children’s toy market is competitive, but if you’ve got a fresh idea and a test group of kids, you might have a pretty good chance. Remember, kids are the best (and most honest critics), they will let you know if you’ve got a winner. If you add an educational element, you’ll have bonus points with parents.
As you would with any business, it’s important to remember that all toys, games, and other products targeted to children is safe. Children are a vulnerable demographic, make sure your product is safe. Never try to sell or make a defective toy. Many successful toy makers started out small, just don’t forget the “kid in you” and always stand behind your product.
Event Planner
If you are an organized person with an eye for style and can stretch a dollar, you might make the perfect event planner. Today, with people’s busy schedules and lack of desire to plan their own events, event planners are in high demand. While it can be a competitive field, there’s no lack of need for event planning from small cocktail parties to corporate holiday gatherings to high brow galas.
The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor & Statistics reports event planning as a fast growing occupation (about 33% faster than average) and with no sign of slowing down anytime in the near future. The pay can be great, but you will work hard to earn every cent. One big plus with event planning is seeing the finished product: A magical evening.
Errand Services
Errand services could very well be grown up code for “chores”, but such a service is in high demand. Decades ago, people who wanted to run their own errand services had to rely on word of mouth, flyers, or the classifieds, but now the internet (as well as smartphone apps) has made errand services a thriving business idea.
If you don’t mind people calling you up and asking you to pick up their dry cleaning, go grocery shopping, organize the pantry, or even scoop the litter box, you’ll be successful. Some major pluses of starting an errand service is the ability to being your own boss, setting your own rules (like what you will or won’t do), and making good money. You can even vamp up your services my adding pet sitting, dog walking, and general cleaning (all things that are always in requested).
Be your own boss. Have fun, be safe, and make a profit.