Photos: Unsplash.com
Starting a business is an exciting way to take charge of your future. Working for yourself takes persistence, dedication and a lot of hard work. That said, it also gives you the freedom to pursue a life you love.
With that in mind, here are five small-business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Florist
Florists can exercise their creativity, turning clients’ visions into stunning reality. However, a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes. Flowers are a luxury product, which means purchasing and selling them is expensive.
Flowers are delicate, require constant care and must be stored in the perfect conditions. Florists are responsible for moving lots of equipment before and after events. Their job is physically strenuous, and they work long hours.
If you’d like to open a flower shop, start by volunteering or working at one. That way, you can learn from professionals and see if this is right for you. The next step is to conduct market research. Create a business plan and establish professional connections before you jump in.
Website Developer
You could also consider becoming a freelance website developer. Front-end developers work on the part of a site clients see. Back-end developers work behind the scenes to ensure it loads quickly and functions properly. Full-stack developers do both.
You can take a course or use YouTube videos to teach yourself how to code. Build a portfolio of projects to show clients once you have the skills you need. You’ll then want to create a landing page for yourself and a legally binding contract. Communicate with new clients in person so you can assess them for a successful fit.
Building a reliable business takes time. You can find your first few clients on sites like Fiver or Upwork. Start small and build a good reputation with quality work. You’ll be able to scale your prices up and make consistent income as you become known in the industry.
Expedited Trucker
If you enjoy being on the road, you might want to start your own expedited trucking business. Many companies use sensitive items that need to be shipped quickly and handled carefully. Examples include laboratory specimens and nuclear plant parts.
Expedited trucking is similar to hot-shot trucking, where a small load needs to be transported quickly. However, expedited trucks are larger and don’t have to leave immediately after an order is placed. You can start an expedited trucking company with a few simple pieces of equipment.
Cargo vans, straight trucks and tractor-trailers are all a good fit for expedited shipping. Before you invest in a truck, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits and choose a system for tracking and payment. As your business expands, you can invest in more trucks and hire additional drivers.
Social Media Manager
If coding isn’t your thing, consider freelancing as a social media manager instead. This role involves creating digital marketing content that helps businesses reach their goals. This could include videos, photos, captions and editing, depending on the platform you use.
You’ll need to build a portfolio before you look for clients. You can run your own social media or give family and friends discounted work to get started. Your portfolio should have high-quality content and metrics that can impress a future employer.
You’ll need to develop a process for onboarding and communicating with clients. Freelancers should also create legally binding contracts that include a payment plan. You’ll build your reputation and expand your business by delivering high-quality work and thinking like a business owner.
Artisan
Crafty people can sell handmade or personally designed products on Etsy. This platform is filled with unique items like personalized mugs, clay earrings, embroidery kits, sewing patterns, pottery and so much more.
This platform is free, apart from a few small fees. You can upload brand-based content like a banner and profile image when creating your account. You’ll need to choose a shop name and list at least one item ready to sell.
Be thoughtful about the information you give to potential customers. You should explain shipping and return policies carefully. Give accurate time estimates for delivery and look into shipping options. Regularly check your email to make sure you don’t miss any orders.
Start ASAP
As your own boss, you share the responsibility for and the profits from your business. Use these five ideas to get started on your entrepreneurial journey. Whatever you choose to do, start with research and a solid business plan. You can create a career you love by combining passion and hard work.
About The Author:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
This blog post may contain links to external websites or products. We encourage you to do your own research to make sure a company or product is right for you.