Home>Life
You can start something without even having to change out of your pajamas
ByJohn Rampton on
Credit: Getty Images/Ikon Images
Starting a business today no longer requires months or market research and thousands of dollars to get started. You can simply stay in your pajamas, although I wouldn’t recommend that, andstart a successful business from the comfort of your home.
Even if you decide to leave the house, there are more than enough business ideas floating around that require little time and resources to launch.
In fact, here are 15 business ideas that you could start today.
1. Freelancing
It’s easy to understand why there are more than 54 million Americans who havejoined the freelance revolution. They have a flexible schedule, can work from anywhere they want, and can make a comfortable living doing something that they either enjoy or are talented at. And,this trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
If you have a little bit of experience and are skilled at anything from graphic design to writing to photography to coding, then you can become a freelancer with little more than a computer. Of course, it does take time to build a solid reputation and list of clients, you can still start applying for gigs at any number offreelance job sitesimmediately.
2. Blogging
Whether it's building your own blog through WordPress or using a website builder like Wix, Anyone can start a blog in just a matter of minutes. Blogging is also affordable since you just have to purchase a domain name and host.
There are also many companies (like our blog) that pay freelancers to write for their blog. This can make you good side income and for some be a full time job.
3. Online retailing
I’ve decided to lump several online retailing ideas together since they’re extremely similar.
Affiliate marketing. I just mentioned this, so it’s a great place to start. Essentially, you plug other products or services on your website. You’re provided a unique link so whenever a visitor clicks on that link and make a purchase, you get a commission.
eCommerce site. Thanks to sites like Etsy you can sell your handmade crafts.
eBay or Craigslist for unloading used items. I've even asked neighbors if I can sell their things and take a 50% commission on anything I sell. It's worked out great at building upcash in myebank.
Drop shippingis when you sell other people’s products online, but the items are shipped from the manufacturer's warehouse.
4. Public Speaking/Teaching/Tutoring
If you want to share you knowledge with others, whether if it’s how to become a more effective leader in the workplace or the Spanish language, you can make money by teaching online classes,becoming a tutorin your neighborhood, or speaking at libraries, rec centers, or adult education education classes.
5. Consulting/Training
Another way to pass along your knowledge is by launching a consulting or training business. That’s because there are plenty of entrepreneurs and companies looking for talented individuals to teach their employees how to do everything from learning a computer program to becoming an eco-friendly business.
There is also lots ofconsulting for app companies. As there are anestimated5.8 million apps that have been created, the need for countless consultants to maintain their apps persists.
6. Errand Running/Personal Assistant
There are seniors and busy people who need someone to run errands for them, or even become their personal assistant. These tasks could include going to the grocery store, cooking, cleaning, or driving them across town. You can joinTaskRabbitorCare.comto find jobs.
7. Babysitting/Petsitting/Housesitting
Don’t fool yourself. These jobs aren’t just for teenagers. There are a lot of people out there who have made a career out of these types of jobs. Of course, it may take time to build your trustworthiness after receiving word-of-mouth recommendations but you could start asking your family, friends, and neighbors today if they need someone to watch their children, pets, or home.
8. Landscaping
Do you enjoy being outside? Do you also enjoy doing yard work, like mowing and gardening? Then you can start your own neighborhood landscaping. You can even eventually go on to design beautiful garden beds. But, in the meantime, you can start off small. Trust people. A lot of people dread pulling weeds!
9. Catering/Baking
If you have a knack for cooking or baking, then this is an obvious business idea for you to start. You probably already have all the equipment too. Just start going out and inform your network that you’ve started your own business.
10. Repairman
Whether it’s computers, furniture, or cars, if you’re good with your hands then start offering this service to paying customers.
11. Social Media Management
Brands have realized the importance of having an online presence, and that includes being active and engaging on social media. That’s why they’re willing to pay individuals to manage their social media channels. If you have that talent, then you can start this business today.
12. Event Planning
If you’re organized and have the ability to thoroughly plan events, then become an event planner and handle anything from weddings, birthday parties, to retirement parties.
13. Language Translation/Transcribing
Do you know a second language? If so, you can make a living by translating or transcribing this language for others.
14. Referral Service
These types of entrepreneurs essentiallyrefer businesses to customers. For example, you could be hired by an attorney’s office specializing in family law to find individuals who may be seeking to divorce their spouse.
15. Local Tour Guide/Relocation Service
If you know your neighborhood like the back-of-your hand then you can either become a local tour guide. But, what if there isn’t much to see because you don’t live in a historical city like Boston or Philly? You could scout office location for businesses and connect them with local businesses like restaurants that deliver or sell office equipment.
John Rampton is a serial entrepreneur who now focuses on helping people to build amazing products and services that scale. He is founder of the online payments company Due. He was recently named #2 on Top 50 Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine. Time Magazine recognized John as a motivations speaker that helps people find a "Sense of Meaning" in their lives. He currently advises several companies in the bay area.
Recommended For You
How to watch Virginia vs. Colorado State basketball without cable
Watch the Cavaliers take on the Rams in a men’s college basketball tournament game.
By Erik Hall
How to watch Howard vs. Wagner basketball without cable
Watch the Bison take on the Seahawks in a men’s college basketball tournament game.
By Erik Hall
How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona online for free
Stream La Liga for free from anywhere in the world.
By Joseph Green
How to watch Manchester United vs. Liverpool online for free
Stream this massive FA Cup fixture from anywhere in the world.
By Joseph Green
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks online for free
Bypass geo-restrictions to stream the NBA without spending anything.
By Joseph Green
Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 20
Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #283.
By Mashable Team
Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 20
Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1005.
By Mashable Team
NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.
The deep space mission that changed everything.
By Mark Kaufman
When NASA crashed into an asteroid, it did way more than 'nudge' it
Historic planetary defense mission.
By Mark Kaufman
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 19
Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #282.
By Mashable Team
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!
- TECH
- SCIENCE
- LIFE
- SOCIAL GOOD
- ENTERTAINMENT
- BEST PRODUCTS
- DEALS
- About Mashable
- Contact Us
- We're Hiring
- Newsletters
- Sitemap
Mashable supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Group Black's collective includes Essence, TheShadeRoom and Afro-Punk.
©2005–2024 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.
Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission.
- About Ziff Davis
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Advertise
- Accessibility
- Do Not Sell My Personal Information