1. Art Gallery
I see two routes to success in this business: 1) Focus on artists with
well- established followings that you are comfortable that you can sell or
2) Take on less well-known artists on a consignment basis, meaning you
don’t actually buy the painting from the artist until the day you sell it.
This can be a finicky business–people’s tastes can change and a gallery
that is successful one year can find itself struggling enough. So, keep
your overhead manageable and watch for changing trends.
2. Party Planner
While you might first think of parties for kids, parties for adults is a
rapidly growing field. To break into this field, I would start by offering
some really attractive package deals. Then I might try to upsell
additional services once the parting host became more comfortable
working with me, or at least on repeat engagements.
3. Music Teaching
Refusing to accept that I had no musical talent, my parents took me to
many music teachers over the years, from a home based piano teacher
to school based trumpet teachers. If you are patient with young
students or talented enough to work with more experienced musicians,
this could be a very satisfying way to make money good.
4. Craft Beer Pub
A few years ago, I overheard a conversation in a gym about a fellow who
was planning on starting an Irish pub, of which there are close to million
(well almost a million) in Boston, but then changed his mind and opened
a pub focusing on craft beers. It was wildly successful! In addition to
being a unique idea at the time, he also chose an excellent location and
developed a solid food menu. Unless your overhead is extremely low,
you are probably going to need to serve food to make a go of this
business, so yes you can be extremely successful–but it is no small
undertaking.
5. Garden designer
Many people have the willingness to do the dirty work in their
backyards, but few have the know-how to design a backyard space to
begin with. Draw up the designs for your clients’ outdoor spaces and let
them do the actual digging.
6. Online dating consultant
Dating consultants usually charge for their time. They help people create
successful online dating profiles, source possible matches from outside
normal online channels, and offer a level of personalization Tinder just
can’t. Think you’ve got a knack for the match? This might be the
business for you.
7. Resume writer
Submitting a resume, cover letter, and — when necessary — portfolio
for a new job can be tough and time consuming. That’s why many
people hire help. Assist clients with tailored resumes, beautifully edited
cover letters, and carefully crafted portfolios that make it impossible for
employers to ignore.
8. Travel planner
The time of the travel agent might be passing, but people are still
looking for those with a knack for more nontraditional travel
coordination. If you always plan the perfect vacations complete with
beautiful hotels, the ideal location, and a bevy of delicious restaurants
lined up for every evening, consider advertising your services as a more
modern approach to travel planning profitable ideas.
9. House cleaner
With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start
doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your
neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small
businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck
for a similar amount of work.
10. Outdoor Adventures
Choose an adventure really carefully. One that people will easily pay
good money for. “Focus group” it. At least informally ask lots of people
for their feedback on a suggested adventure before you put any money
into marketing it. Then when you do offer your first trip, make it
incredible! Research it carefully and surpass people’s expectations. On
your first few trips it is more important to build a great experience and a
great reputation, then to make a lot of money right out of the gate.
11. Home Bakery
One of the challenges of running a home bakery will be finding
customers. That basically means going out and selling your products to
stores, restaurants, cafeterias, caterers or anyone else. You want to
find customers that you can service on an on-going basis and that you
won’t have to travel too far to reach. You may want to canvas potential
resellers even before you decide what products you plan to be baking.
12. Event planner
You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like
weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event
planner of all trades. If you’re highly organized, pay keen attention to
minute details, and have experience planning large events, it might be
time others benefit from your skills.
13. Scrapbooking
This is a big business with lots of opportunities. It is largely a do-it-
yourself hobby, so you make money by selling supplies, expertise or
services to scrap bookers. You could give courses or hold events on
scrap booking. A common way to break into this business is to hold
“scrapbooking” parties. You invite friends and acquaintances to your
house, tell them all about scrapbooking, and try to sell the supplies they
will need to get started.
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