Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Business Idea 5: Find a niche and make money!

In the last two weeks alone I have found 2 niche areas in the sports attire field that I could make extra cash from. After searching on the internet for these exclusive products, I could only find them in other countries or other provinces, nothing local. Stumbling across things like this made me realise how many niches there must be out there for buisness savvy people to exploit. I could import these products and sell them locally to other sports people that I know - either through word or mouth or sporting events. I think the trick is to be very specific.

So find a niche product that you are passionate about and explore the possibility of starting a part-time business. Wouldn't it be great to earn an extra R5000 a month selling something you love?!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Business Idea 4: Finger Snacks Catering

Industry:
Food & Entertaining
Difficulty to start:
Low – Medium depending on experience and equipment available
Start-Up Costs:
Med-High (Vehicle, Equipment, Staff, Rent) - This business could be run from home initially though.
Must Love:
Cooking
Baking
Knowledge Needed:
Stock Control
Menu Planning
Bulk Food Preparation and Storage
Food Hygiene
Websites to Inspire You:
Just Fingerfoods
The Idea:
Here is great niche to tap into if you enjoy cooking, baking and preparing food. Specialise in delivering hot and cold snack platters. Name the business appropriately so that people remember you for just specialising in snack / cocktail foods. Once you have a sound business model and are ready to expand, this would be an excellent concept to franchise.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Business Idea 3: Walk-the-Dog Business

Industry:
Pets / Pet Accessories / Pet Care
Difficulty to start:
Easy!
Start-Up Costs:
Low, but you need your own car
Must Love:
All animals
Dealing with pet owners
Knowledge Needed:
You need to know how to walk and care for a dog – no brainer!

The Idea:
There are plenty of loving dog owners out there that don’t have the time to walk their dogs but would probably pay someone to walk their dogs for them! Now I am sure that there are companies like this somewhere in South Africa (or world) but I haven’t seen or heard of any so please enlighten me if you know of any. You can offer various services such as a walk once a day, twice a week or once a week. You could charge for delivery of pet food and toys, give the dogs a wash and even throw ball/ frisbie for them!


Possible Marketing Ideas:

Target veterinary practices as well as pet shops to become strategic partners who can promote your services for you. Visit nearby parks where people walk their dogs and get chatting to people, tell them about your service. There are plenty of puppy schools around too, so get in touch with them and perhaps you can introduce yourself to the owners and puppies who attend the class!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Business Idea 2: Sell Green Picnics

Industry:
Food and Entertaining
Difficulty to start:
Easy
Start-Up Costs:
Low
Must Love:
Cooking / Baking
Environment
Knowledge Needed
Food Safety
Food Preparation Methods

The Idea:
Picking up on the eco niche, why not position yourself to sell “Green Picnics” to eco-conscious consumers. Picnics baskets can provide a refreshing change to the standard corporate lunch, wedding or birthday celebration. To make it even more appealing, put a twist on this somewhat conventional idea and focus on eco-packaging. Supply glass or steel crockery and cutlery and where plastic is necessary, use recyclable plastics. Also try and support local food vendors and organic food.


Possible Marketing Ideas:

Prepare a modern picnic for friends or family, pay attention to the picnic setting and food preparation. Hire a professional photographer to document the event – brief them on taking detailed pictures which you could then send to various leisure or wedding magazines (along with text and the menu) to be used as an editorial feature. This would provide a great kick-start for your company.

Websites to inspire you:
www.superfresh.co.za/2008/08/13/10-tips-for-an-eco-friendly-picnic/

www.associatedcontent.com/article/330109/how_to_enjoy_an_ecofriendly_picnic.html

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Business Idea 1: Start an Eco-Mobile Spa

Welcome to the first posting of our 8 Week Business Ideas Special! . We'll be presenting a start-up idea every week for the next 8 weeks so be sure to visit our blog for lots of great inspiration!

Industry:
Health and Wellness
Difficulty to Start:
Easy
Start-Up Costs:
Low-Med
Must Love:
Beauty and Wellness
Environment
Dealing with people
Knowledge Needed:
Experience in managing or running a beauty salon would be beneficial but spa consultants can also help develop a business plan for you.
Websites to inspire you:
Mobile Eco Spa

The Idea:
Yes there are spas, there are also mobile spas and there a handful of eco spas BUT what about combining all 3 aspects to get a mobile eco spa! What would make your service eco-friendly you ask? Well, firstly you drive 1 van to a company, bed and breakfast or someone’s house instead of 6 people driving six cars to you! Less carbon emissions right there. You could use natural substances for your treatments ie. Rose waters, salts, coconut and banana body wraps, avocado facials etc. For all wiping and hand drying, you could use light-weight eco disposable towels and gowns (better than washing loads of towels afterwards). And lastly you could educate your female clients on a few ways to incorporate earth-friendly practices into their daily beauty regime. You could even offer eco-beauty kits as an up-sell.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Make 2009 Your Most Successful Year Yet!

For those of you who had too much Roast Turkey or Christmas pudding this festive season, its time to get into the work mode and start thinking of how you are going to make it big this year! The beginning of each year provides a clean slate from which to work so write down your goals and set deadlines. What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business this year?

If you are in need of some inspiration, I am currently reading a great book called The Monk who sold his Ferrari . You'll definitely want to write down your goals after reading this. So here's to success in 2009!