The age of the huge corporation is slowly being ushered out, welcoming back the era of the small, family owned business. These small businesses are becoming even smaller, with thousands of men, women and college students launching web-based businesses and franchises out of their homes. Freelancers are scattered here, there and everywhere. There’s never been a better time to start your business-but what do you do if you can’t come up with any good business ideas?
Since we work with many small to mid-sized businesses I often have the chance to meet with entrepreneurs and small business owners. I actually had someone come up to me and ask what they should do if they wanted to start their own business but couldn’t come up with any good business ideas. I looked them in the eye, took a deep breath…and laughed. Why? Because there are really no bad business ideas, just business owners who make bad choices.
There’s a Market for Everything
Don't think you can make a living planning parties? Think again.
One simple fact that takes many would-be entrepreneurs by surprise is the fact that there’s a market for everything. Literally. It doesn’t matter what products or services you’re interested in, somewhere there’s someone else that wants it too. So when you’re looking for business ideas, start by looking at the products and services you’re interested in.
Don’t think your idea will sell? You might be surprised. Somewhere, somehow, someone decided selling a pet rock would be a great idea, and look how well that turned out!
If You Don’t Care, They Won’t Either
Many entrepreneurs spend hours researching high-demand products and trying to tap into popular franchises, only to fall flat on their face. Why? Because after a while, it started to feel like work!
Now, don’t get me wrong. Making a success out of any business is a lot of work. It requires a high amount of discipline, dedication and a determination to success, and the man who gets rich overnight from his business ideas is the exception rather than the rule. But if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re not going to have the enthusiasm you need to get anyone excited about your business-including yourself.
Remember, enthusiasm is what makes the difference between a salesman and a clerk. Clerks don’t run successful businesses. Salesmen do. Will your business ideas make you a salesman or a clerk?