Sunday, 4 December 2011

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS SHOULD I START?


“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” Gen26:12

Many people feel the urge to start a business but why have they not started? These may be some reasons:
·         Not sure of what to do.
·         Not knowing how to go about it.
·         No money to start
·         Fear of failure
·         Risky nature of business.
·         Their ego would be hurt.
·         White collar job is a comfort zone.
The truth is these reasons are bullshit reasons. You see, you can’t be as wealthy as you desire working for other people. God didn’t start to bless Jacob until he left working for Laban.

Now, here are 8 tips to enable you decide on a business that could be rewarding for you.

1.       EVALUATE YOUR INTERESTS, TALENTS, AND SKILLS: Make a comprehensive list of everything you like doing. Study the list carefully, there is always a probability that a business idea would jump out at you. You may show the list to your family and friends and ask for their input. This will help you focus on businesses that will provide the greatest probability for success and eliminate possible failures.
2.       CONSIDER YOUR HOBBIES: Whether you are a musician, an artist, a writer, a crafter, an athlete, an entertainer or a chef, you may be able to find a business that takes advantage of these gifts. Gifted writers can make money writing articles for magazines and newspapers.
3.       INTERVIEW YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Ask the people closest to you for input, you could gain some surprising insight. Your best friend could remind you of your decorating skills. Your brother may compliment on your baking skills, etc. Asking those closest to you will breed discussion that may lead to the spark of inspiration you are seeking.
4.       ASSESS YOUR PERSONALITY: Ask yourself; are you a people person or you enjoy working alone? Do you love to serve others or do you find people a pain in the neck? What age groups do you enjoy working with? What is your tolerance limit? These are some questions that could help you know yourself. Self-awareness is very important in business and relationships. One ingredient that is sure to lead to failure is a reclusive or abrasive personality.
5.       THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Let’s say you’ve just won a lottery for #500,000.00, what business could you possibly start? But this money may not be available to you now, so ask yourself; in what smaller way can I start this business and then gradually nurture it to a big one? If your dream is to open a restaurant, but you don’t have the resources, consider ways to launch the business on a smaller scale first. People fail not because they don’t know what to do but because they don’t know how to go about doing it.
6.       READ BUSINESS BOOKS AND VISIT BUSINESS WEBSITES: Books provide you the best opportunity to self-educate. You can learn about virtually any topic under the sun just by reading or surfing the web. There is something out there you can modify and do better. As you read God may open your eyes to something you never thought of.
7.       LOOK AT THE BUSINESS WORLD THROUGH NEW EYES: Every business you see was started somewhere by someone. The dry cleaner you visit weekly, the grocery store where you shop, and your favorite eatery were all born from somebody’s idea. Pay attention to every business you encounter, there will always be something new to add.
8.       KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN: You never know when inspiration is going to strike so don’t give up. Keep looking at the world around you. Even a scene in a movie could inspire your dream business. Your chances of success will be greatly increased if you select a business you can be passionate about. You’ll know you’ve found it when thinking about it keeps you up at night and the excitement takes over. When that happens, all of your struggles will be worth the effort.

Here is a list of 70 small businesses one can start with little or no money for those who are looking for a means of livelihood or better yet are working but are looking for an alternative source of income. With much commitment, the sky is the limit. Best of favour.

1
Proposal Writing
21
Computer Programmer
41
Internet marketing
61
Mobile Supermarket
2
Real Estate Agency
22
Computer Repairs
42
Interpreter/Translator
62
Viewing Centre
3
Web Publishing
23
Phone Repairs
43
Foreign Language Teacher
63
SMS Marketing
4
Fruits Selling
24
Management Consultant
44
Market Research
64
Day care center
5
Baking
25
Cooking service
45
Music Lessons
65
Car Wash Service
6
Home Tutoring
26
Cosmetic sales
46
Nanny Service
66
Dry Cleaning Service
7
Bead Making
27
Relationship Coach
47
Painting
67
School Runs
8
Freelance Writing
28
Directory Publisher
48
Proof reader
68
Selling Chilled Zobo/Yoghurt drinks
9
Weight Loss Classes
29
Editor
49
Public Relation Agency
69
Recharge Cards selling
10
eBook Publishing
30
Email Marketing
50
Motivational Speaker
70
Call centre
11
Exercise Instructor
31
Employment Agency
51
Reporter


12
Party/Wedding Planner
32
Event Management
52
CV Writing


13
Business Plan Writer
33
Errand Service
53
Self Improvement Seminars


14
Carpet Cleaning
34
Ezine Publishing
54
Self Publishing


15
Fumigation Service
35
Facialist
55
Song Writing


16
Corporate Cleaning Service
36
Hair Stylist
56
Script Writing


17
Computer Instructor
37
Beautician
57
Teaching


18
Dance Instructor
38
Make-Up Artist
58
Tour Guide


19
Graphic Designer
39
Freelance Photographer
59
Travel agency


20
Web Designer
40
Greeting Cards Designer
60
Typing service