Theres a lot to like about running a small business.
When youre your own boss, you get to make your own rules and set your own hours.
And if youre lucky enough to run a successful business, it can pay more than a 9-to-5.
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But what kind of business should you start?
Often, we hold a romanticized view of what it takes to come up with a business idea.
Does it need to be a genius invention?
A Shark-Tank-worthy smartphone app?
You dont need flash to start a profitable business.
If youre still searching for that perfect business idea, read on.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
What Makes a Good Small Business Idea?
At their core, good business ideas identify existing problems and offer a solution.
Could you solve problems with a scientific breakthrough, a smartphone app or a genius invention?
A good business idea doesnt have to be glamorous.
It just needs to be realistic.
In addition to practicality, she said that business ideas should revolve around you, the owner.
We all have that friend that will tell you youve gotten fat, she says.
They are the best to run things by.
You know they will tell you the truth.
Turn Your Current Skills Into Business Ideas
Take a moment to think about what youre good at.
It could be something you create, niche knowledge about an interesting topic, an artistic ability anything.
Here are some profitable business ideas to get you brainstorming.
Youre already familiar with Amazon, but there are tons of other ways tosell stuff online.
These websites are great options for those who make products but dont want the overhead of a storefront.
Coryn chose Etsy because the website caters to more handmade and artistic products.
Babysitting
There will always be a need for childcare.
Thats why sites likeCare.comattract so many parents and workers.
But this article isnt about side gigs.
While those apps can help you get your start similar to freelancing platforms theyre not the end goal.
To establish yourself and earn the trust of clients, try earning a relevant certification.
And there is always high demand from the legions of pet owners out there.
Dog Walking
A niche within pet care is dog walking.
Dog walking requires a very low initial investment just buy some leashes.
House Sitting
The popularity ofHousesitter.comshows just how much demand there is for a reliable housesitting service.
Whats stopping you from setting up an independent operation?
Housesitting businesses require very little overhead and have the potential to grow quickly.
Once you book a client nearby, ask for a referral to expand your services to the whole neighborhood.
For quality materials, that could run you up to $2,000.
For some, cleaning is a no brainer.
But it can definitely get complicated.
What chemicals become toxic when mixed?
How do you deal with black mold underneath wallpaper?
As with many of these options, word-of-mouth advertising works wonders.
Pressure Washing
The great thing about a pressure washing business is that theres always high demand.
If youve seen a dirty driveway, deck, or sidewalk, youve seen a potential job.
To get started, you need a commercial pressure washer.
That will run you about$750 to $2000, depending on the model.
Since pressure washing businesses charge between $25 and $100 per hour, thats not a bad investment!
True, the overhead costs can be a little intimidating if you dont already have the equipment.
A zero-turn lawn mower, for example, will run you about$3,000.
Flea Market and Vintage Flipper
Got a good eye for what people want?
Throughout the week, he fixes them up and lists them on e-commerce sites, particularly eBay.
Ebay, Amazon and Etsy are all solid options as well.
Then you’re free to create your own listing using Garys advice.
For each sale, Poshmark charges a commission fee.
For sales $15 and under, theres a flat $2.95 fee.
For everything over $15, the commission jumps to 20% of the sale price.
The good news is Poshmark handles shipping for free.
It will send you a pre-labeled package for you to load your clothes into and send to the buyer.
If this model works for you, it’s possible for you to stick to it.
Or your profits from reselling vintage clothes can fund the overhead to start buying and fixing up more items.
What they shouldnt do is discourage you from starting your own business as an in-person assistant.
In fact, these apps can serve as templates for tailoring a more sensible, local business.
For example, Instacart only delivers groceries.
Sure, you wont be automatically matched with clients.
But by this point in the guide, you should be a pro at landing recurring customers.
Another example to build upon is the service calledPapa.
Great idea, right?
Thats where you come in: the neighborhood assistant who doesnt require tedious apps.
As you collect client referrals, you could spread your services to other neighborhoods.
Ready to Start Your Own Business?
Do you feel overloaded with examples of small business ideas?
Youre ready to get started and get your brain flowing with all the potential opportunities out there.
The important thing is that you narrow down the ideas that work best for you.
Ciara McLaren is a freelance writer with work in HuffPost, MoneyGeek, and The Penny Hoarder.
Adam Hardy, a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder, contributed to this report.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
