Most of us aspire to have a business of our own. Some of us are stuck in a dead-end job to pay our bills. The monotony of life hits hard and the dreams of a business come shattering down. Having a home business on the side comes as a recluse in such times and so does the extra cash. It’s most certainly not an easy task to pull off though. There’s the concern of the initial investment that bothers the most. But it can give you the liberty to do things your own way in your own sweet time. You will be able to do these from the comfort of your own home. This will give you the experience needed to start a larger enterprise as and when it seems feasible. It could be after work or a full-time thing that you do. But this can go a long way in starting a business of your dreams.
What I personally suggest is starting a business that aligns with your interests. This will keep you motivated and looking for better ways to manage it. Instead of running after a business that is trending, always opt for something that innately fits your qualities. The chances of you giving up on bad days are decreased when it interests you more.
Here are nine affordable part-time home businesses you can start right away:
1. Party Planner/Events Coordinator
If you are someone who arranges parties for everyone in your social circle and family, this is your calling. It may seem like an easy task for you, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. The work of arranging multiple activities simultaneously that you enjoy isn’t as fun for others. This is why people look for party organizers when they have small or big events lined up. It could be corporate or private events like birthdays and weddings. The initial investment is smaller and the return on investment is pretty high. All you need is to spread the word and requests will start pouring in.
2. Tutor
If you are someone who enjoys teaching and spreading knowledge, why let that talent go to waste? It’s not possible for everyone to explain things in a manner that the listener can understand. Communication is a key talent for being a successful tutor. Select a subject that you enjoy and are passionately interested in. Tutoring is a great way to stay connected to a subject that you want to be an expert at. College or high school students can meet at your place or decide on a location that is mutually convenient.
3. Photographer
Every family and friends group has a person who takes better pictures than the others. He or she is the one who is always sought out when deciding on taking portraits. Not everyone has the eye or technical knowledge to take great pictures. If that’s your hobby, monetize it. People love to capture their memories for future reference. If you think you can help them do that the way they visualize it, this can be your business.
4. eBay Seller
This is one business that you can start with no initial investment. Well technically, you have to sell things in advance for a profit on eBay. The profits start coming in as soon as you list and sell a product on the website. If you have already done this successfully for yourself, you can help others do the same. Visit their homes, list items, take pictures and sell them. You will take a percentage of each sale that is made. Don’t just limit yourself to eBay though; there are many other websites that sell used items.
5. Affiliate Marketer
This business is catching up really fast in today’s digital world. All you need initially is a strong internet connection and some knowledge of how to sell a product/service. It is a good mix of word of mouth marketing and commission sales. How you promote the products/services depends on you and your expertise. What matters here is if you made the sales or not. It could be through a blog or by email marketing to everyone in your mail list. For example, if you are a food blogger and you are telling your audience to use a certain flour for baking, you are basically doing affiliate marketing for the flour brand.
6. Writer/Blogger
Not everyone enjoys writing as much as a limited few of us. If you are someone who enjoys writing, turn this into a business. Entrepreneurs and corporate individuals alike have writing requirements for their businesses. Select a genre that you know about and enjoy writing about. This is a mutually beneficial equation and requires a minimum of initial investments. List yourself as a writer on the right forums for people and businesses to find you at.
7. Social Media Manager
Social media has become an indispensable part of our personal and professional lives. However, not everyone understands its nuances as well as what is required. If you know how to start social media campaigns and understand how they work, go for it. You will have to create and schedule them for businesses and entrepreneurs. You will also have to maintain their customer relationship and encourage interaction with their business.
8. Artist
Art is a hobby that very few people pick up during childhood. And even a lesser few stick to it after growing up. If you can connect to this, you understand that you are among the rare group. Your hobby is what some people are willing to pay for. It could be the painting you make or the craft work you do after office hours. List yourself on the right platforms for the right customers to find you.
9. Caterer
Expertise in food and managing people is a rare combination. However, food as a business is something that will never fail. If you are someone who enjoys serving great food to people, this is what you should be doing. Become a caterer for events around your locality, for corporate and private events. You will have to understand what food the customer wants and suggest what you have to offer.
These are most certainly a few of the home-based businesses you can start. Having the willingness to start and learn from your mistakes will take you a long way in starting yours.
Tell me about your at-home business and your stories in the comments section below.
