5 Businesses You Can Start Without Breaking The Bank

businesses you can start small

Most of us fall in the category of those whom at some point have desired to start up a business … but didn’t or couldn’t. Either because we felt overwhelmed by the very idea of it, felt unprepared, undeserving, not capable for financial reasons, etc. If you are like most folks who don’t have thousands of dollars laying around to invest in an idea that may eventually bloom into a full-blown business, I am sure you will love the ideas behind these 5 businesses you can start small.

The most solid component behind these recommendations is to mold and create the business around your gifts and then develop your baby over time. The secret is to provide a product or service that most people consume. The ingredients for growth and longevity are consistency, patience and outstanding customer service … not necessarily in that order.

Here are 5 businesses you can start small:

1. Child care

Do you love kids? Most of us know quite a few parents … most of whom need help with their children. Offer to watch the kids while these parents are at work, traveling or just need some alone time. By offering your services to a good number of families starting in your neighborhood, you increase your chances of getting ‘yes-s’. You must be flexible and prepared to not have a life (during work days especially) – kids tend to take over our lives, whether they are yours or someone else’. Parents need to sense that you are trustworthy,  patient and loving. This is a sure way to make a steady income.

2. Cleaning services

Well, the one commonality between homes and offices is that they all need cleaning. These days, busy hardworking families do not often have the time to give their living quarters the shine that they so desire. This is where you come in … why not be the provider of the service that is much-needed? To attract residential customers, focus on those who can afford your services – you may want to check out some gated communities in your city. The secret here is to be meticulous, reliable, safe/trustworthy … and may I add, humble?

Most business facilities meanwhile cannot do without cleaning services; one of the challenges they face is finding the right cleaning company. It is worth noting that small businesses don’t often pay as much as larger corporations; however, cleaning contracts are easier earned from the smaller companies where these services are not so highly contested. Target your local insurance companies, convenience stores, pawn shops, etc. Keep your offers simple and on point.

3. Hair braiding

Well, not everyone has flexible fingers, but the art of braiding sure can be learned. The interesting thing about this skill is it’s potential to mushroom into bigger things. Women and young girls always need their hair done. Start with close friends and then ask for referrals; fill up your calendar and stay busy beautifying your clients; before you know it, your appointment book will be buzzing. The secret is to provide a personalized service based on what’s convenient for each client. As your client base grows, develop your skill and branch into other aspects such as hair styling, cosmetology and maybe offer professional hands-on trainings to newbies. This business requires individuals to be tenacious and to have a great love for their trade – otherwise all those hours of standing over hair could become gruesome. May I add that good personal hygiene ought to be one of your greatest ‘fortes’?

4. Catering

Are you gifted with the “cooking skill”? Do you have a flair for good food? Oh, yummy. If well packaged and advertised, this business has the potential to quickly grow. With so many events taking place these days, all year round – from baptisms to weddings, graduations, cultural events, family get-togethers, professional dinners, etc, you may find yourself staying quite busy. Talk to people and tell them what you do. Do not shy away from offering your services. Offer a variety of “cuisines” and most importantly, make sure the food you provide drives people into asking, “who’s the chef?” We all love delicious, well prepared food … your phone will begin to ring. The key is to make yourself and your brand known.

5. Event planning

Probably the most interesting, this is one where you cannot afford to under-deliver. Most events are of sentimental value to those they involve. Event planners pick up the tab by stepping in to make life easier for clients, while helping them create special memories of important occasions.  Like most businesses where you deal directly with people, the key for the event planner is to be tolerant and likable, while taking their work seriously (and being thorough) at the same time. Being sloppy is not an option for serious event planners. Do your homework and add a special touch of glam that is completely unique to you. A well planned event leaves people talking long after. Start small, and watch your list of accomplishments grow as the word gets out.

Have a plan, stick to your goals and think big even as you start small!

Lema is on Twitter: @LemaAbeng; Website: www.lemaabeng.com

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