I'm going to give you the URL (web site address, in case you're unfamiliar with the term) of a great resource for brainstorming small solo business ideas. There are many other nice features and helps at this site, as well, so be sure to browse around and spend some time there when you have a few minutes.
There is an index with 27 main categories of small business ideas. You can click on any of those main links to be taken to a more specific targeted business idea. For instance, one of the main categories that might be of interest to a lot of home solo operators is one called "Arts and Crafts."
Clicking on "Arts and Crafts" will take you to a new page (two pages actually) that has an index of 74 (at the time of this writing) arts and crafts related businesses. Here are just a few interesting examples: art prints, belt buckles, charcoal portraits, coloring books, hand painted pots, lamp shades, mirror art, seashell jewelry, wall murals, wind chimes and wood carving.
When you click on any of these potential home businesses, you are taken to a page which details more about the particular business including the typical start-up costs, whether it can be done part or full time, franchises available, whether it is suited for online application, etc.
There is also a business summary for every idea and a section called "Related Business Ideas."
I think this is a wonderful resource for anyone that may just be getting into business but is not sure what niche to tackle. Here is the site:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/index.html
Two words of caution are in order: first, there is no such thing as a business that can't be run online. Under the heading "Online Operation" yes or no, forget the "no." Of course some businesses are more difficult to operate online than others, but every business should have an online presence. Don't give in to the notion that your business has no place online ... that is total rubbish.
The second caution I would offer is believing the "Start-up Costs" figure that you are given. Remember that estimate is an average. You can begin your business for less if you are smart about it. Stick with us at Business Alone and we will show you how.
Just for your information, here is the list of the 27 main business categories:
1- Advertising
2- Arts & Crafts
3- Autos/Transportation
4- Beauty/Personal Care
5- Business Services
6- Children's Businesses
7- Computers
8- Education/Instruction
9- Entertainment & Events
10- Financial
11- Food
12- Health Care/Medical
13- Home Products/Services
14- Import/Export
15- Maintenance
16- Manufacturing
17- Media/Publishing
18- Online Businesses
19- Pet Businesses
20- Plants/Agriculture
21- Real Estate
22- Recreation
23- Retail Businesses
24- Security
25- Sports
26- Technology
27- Travel
Obviously, these ideas are a starting point for those of you that need the help. The deeper you delve into a specific niche, the better off you will be. Why?
Internet business is especially suited to very narrow ideas - meaning you won't do as well if your topic is very broadly centered. Here is an example.
Gardening is not a good internet business idea. It's way, way too broad. You should narrow that idea down by multiple levels as in the following example:
Gardening ---> Vegetable Gardening ---> Tomato Gardening (OK, tomatoes are really a fruit) ---> Cherry Tomatoes
The idea is to narrow your subject so that you can provide very specific and targeted information to your clients. If you want to branch out later to cover additional niches, you can do that. But I will tell you that the most successful solo web businesses are those that have a very distinct focus and purpose.
And in case you're wondering, don't fret that narrow niches don't have enough potential customers. You would be absolutely surprised at the number of people looking, shopping, and buying online in what are presumably tiny niches. Remember, you can always expand your offerings once you have a business operating.
