1. Accountant: Many businesses prefer to hire an outside accountant rather than keep one on staff. If you excel in mathematics, study how to draft balance sheets, manage accounts receivable, create income statements, do tax accounting and keep track of overall bookkeeping for businesses of all sizes. Practice using accounting software like Quickbooks and FreshBooks and watch tutorials to master skills.
2. Cleaning Specialist: Depending on your stamina and the quality of equipment you can purchase, determine whether you want to provide a cleaning service for corporations, private residences, college campuses, retail stores, restaurants, or public institutions (such as a library). Passing out fliers is a solid way to market your services when getting started, and referrals should keep bringing in business.
3. Computer Training Specialist: Tech-savvy entrepreneurs can help people with little computer knowledge to grasp the basics of using the Internet, sending emails, starting social pages and using Microsoft Word or Excel for small tasks. If you have knowledge in both PC and Mac, that will be especially valuable for training customers who own different computer types. Offer customers a checklist of Internet skills you will help them master over time.
4. Editorial Specialist: Have a passion for creative or technical writing and a good eye for detail? There are many different lucrative careers to consider in the editorial field. Consider becoming a proofreader, copywriter, website content editor, ghost writer, magazine writer, or even book writer. Choose topics you are most knowledgeable in and tap into the industry that has a particular demand for your editorial service.
5. Expert Witness: In the legal arena, you can serve as an expert witness that can testify on a subject during a trial. Create a personal website to market directly to attorneys and firms. To support your career and establish credibility as an expert witness, provide studies on your website or papers you have written on the subject. You must have a very flexible schedule as court dates can change immediately and you may need to travel promptly for a meeting.
6. Fence Installer: Handy with construction work and want to avoid the grueling hours of a larger construction company? Private and commercial residences are always in need of installing fences. With general wear and tear from weather and other elements, fences will need to be fixed and replaced. Emphasize to customers the value of a vinyl or wrought iron fence, as they are attractive and durable.
7. Financial Planner: Undergo the process to become certified as a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). Families and businesses search for financial planners to hire on a contract basis. You must have a bachelor’s degree to become certified. Retirement planning is a good specialty to have as a financial planner, as Millennials and Generation X are thinking about ways to save for their golden years.
8. Gift Basket Specialist: Check out discounted stores like TJ Maxx or Costco to find high quality products at low prices, and put them together into gift baskets for every occasion. For example, you can make a fun gift basket that includes root beer, popcorn, candy and a gift card for Netflix, and market it for “movie night at the office”! Holidays are the perfect time to create specialty gift baskets as well.
9. Hair Stylist: If you have a job at a hair salon, are a certified cosmetologist, or are a self-taught hair connoisseur, establish a home-based/travelling hairstyling service. Develop a website that showcases your styling skills in before-and-after photos, as well as videos. Purchase high quality, organic products that won’t damage hair. Consider offering a Groupon to gain new customers and pass out business cards at community events to get connected.
10. Interior Decorator: Reach out to realtors and make connections to gain business from the new homeowners. Offer a free consultation to hear what the homeowner desires as a finished product. Make sure to question them about each area of the home, to gauge if they want one overall theme or different looks. Take note about whether there will be pets, children and frequent guests, to determine the types of furniture and decorations to use.
11. Jewelry Maker: Handmade jewelry is trending in a fashion world that propagates being hip and unique. Work with metal and silver to make quality products that the majority of people can afford. Add semi-precious stones to pieces to increase their value. A smart way to market your jewelry business is by attending celebrity gifting suites, as A-listers are always looking for a new undiscovered yet haute jewelry brand to flaunt on the red carpet.
12. Massage Therapist: Attain a massage therapy certification to gain a thorough understanding of the human physiology and how to safely and properly conduct a massage. Practice on family members and friends after you are certified, to gain confidence for paying customers. Set up a home “salon” for local customers and market yourself as a travelling business as well. Request a small transportation fee for in-house visits.
13. Personal Trainer: Fitness buffs can turn their passion for exercise into a profitable venture. Get certified as a trainer and set up a website to market your training service. Write blogs on health and fitness topics to reach people on the Internet, get active on social media pages and pass out fliers for businesses to display at their locations. Offer the options of group classes and private sessions for clients.
14. Tax Preparer: If you have a degree in finance or experience working at a financial firm, consider starting a tax preparation business. Take courses at a community college or watch free tutorials online to learn how to be a tax preparer. Many families and businesses will want to hire a single tax preparer to handle their tax planning during each year to keep their finances very private and help lessen their tax bills.
15. Wedding Planner: Fashionistas with an eye for design, romance and a knack for organization will do well as wedding planners. Study magazines such as Elle and Vogue to keep note of dress trends and the color of the season. Help clients with dress shopping, hiring a catering company, picking out floral decorations, scheduling a venue and even designing invitations. Gain training by reading books and watching online videos for inspiration.
For additional information on starting a home-based business, visit http://www.homebusinessexpo.com/.
