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