The business world is full of a huge array of ideas and industries. If you’re thinking of starting a new business, narrowing down the options is likely the first step. Here are several ideas and insights from members of the online small business community for aspiring entrepreneurs to consider.
Learn How to Start a Consulting Business
If you have knowledge about a specific subject, you could start a business as a consultant. However, you still need to master the business side before you can start working with clients. In this InvoiceBerry post, Marya Sutimi offers a guide to starting this type of company.
Get Enough TikTok Followers to Make Money
TikTok isn’t just a popular marketing and social media tool. There are plenty of entrepreneurs building an entire business around the platform. But you need a sizable following first. Lyn Wildwood details just how many followers you may need before earning money in this BloggingWizard post.
Explore Different Ways to Make a Living Online
If you’re sick of working a 9 to 5 job, there are plenty of ways to make money by starting your own business. And many business opportunities only require an internet connection to get started. Sara Williams goes over several options in this Pixel Productions post. And BizSugar members joined the conversation here.
Take Advantage of Freelance Opportunities in the Gig Economy
The gig economy has brought about more freelance opportunities than ever before. Whether you’re looking to build a full-time business or just earn some extra money, the options in this Startup Professionals Musings post by Marty Zwilling may be of interest.
Find the Best Job Prospects for Former Franchisees
Business ownership can be a great option, but it isn’t for everyone. Luckily, if you invest time and money into a franchise business, you also gain valuable skills and experience, even if it doesn’t work out in the end. If you’re considering a career transition after franchising, read this post on The Franchise King blog by Catherine Altman Morgan.
Produce Passive Income Using AI Tools
Artificial intelligence is making a mark on numerous industries. If you want to earn a living using passive income, check out this No Passive Income post by Lisa Sicard for tips and insights. Then head to the BizSugar community to read commentary from members.
Build an eLearning Marketplace
ELearning is another trending industry that new entrepreneurs may want to consider in 2023. To learn how to create your own marketplace in this niche, read this Noobpreneur post by Ivan Widjaya.
Make These Cricut Crafts to Sell
Cricut machines can make various craft projects easy and streamlined. But before you can build a business around it, you need to determine what to sell. This post on The Work At Home Woman blog by Tania Griffis includes 50 different ideas.
Consider Becoming a B2B Influencer
Influencer marketing has made a huge mark on many B2C industries. But the concept can provide plenty of value for B2B companies and content creators as well. Learn more in this post by Mike Allton of The Social Media Hat. Then visit the BizSugar community to see what members are saying.
Create Self-Generated Video Content
Video content can be a solid marketing tactic. Or you could even build an entire business or revenue stream around it. If you plan to produce your own video content for any purpose, learn from the tips in this Strella Social Media post by Rachel Strella.
If you’d like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com.
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Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a splash in the business world may feel overwhelmed by the start-up process. With more methods of information-gathering and more potential start-up ideas emerging than ever before, professional advice and guidance can help entrepreneurs make the right decisions. From consulting to TikTok, here are 10 expert insights that can help aspiring entrepreneurs get started and succeed.
1. Do your research
Before you begin, take the time to research the industry you’re entering to understand the competitive landscape, as well as to surface unique opportunities. Are there uninhabited disruptive technologies or streamlined processes that could help you compete? Doing your homework will also help you better understand customer needs.
2. Network and connect
Businesses don’t survive in isolation. Make sure you’re networking, connecting with industry professionals, and building a professional network. This can not only help you find new opportunities and customers, but can also provide invaluable information and resources to power your success. Don’t underestimate the importance of relationships!
3. Get valuable advice
Whether through a consultant or your network of professionals, seek experienced guidance and advice to help inform your decisions. Professionals can provide valuable insights into the industry, regulatory roadblocks, and potential customer needs and markets.
4. Set measurable goals
Before diving in headfirst, make sure you have clear, measurable goals that can help you keep track of your progress. Whether it’s key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones, staying on track in your start-up is crucial, and documenting your course helps you stay on course when times get tough.
5. Invest in yourself
It may be tempting to pour your resources into the business, but don’t forget to invest in yourself. Personal development is just as important as any other aspect of a start-up, and investing in improving your skills can pay dividends down the road.
6. Utilize modern technology
Modern technology can play a huge role in the success of any start-up. Utilize high-quality tools, from customer-relationship management (CRM) systems to business intelligence tools and up-to-date software to automate and streamline your processes.
7. Find a mentor
A mentor provides a valuable resource, offering advice, guidance, and important connections that can make navigating the waters of a start-up much easier. It’s worth investing the time and energy to build a relationship with someone who may be an important part of your business along the way.
8. Embrace failure
It may be uncomfortable, but failure is a crucial part of any entrepreneur’s journey. Don’t let a minor misstep (or even a larger failure) derail your progress. Instead, take failure as an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve.
9. Leverage social media
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and others can be powerful tools for any start-up. Not only do these platforms allow for quick and easy promotion, but also provide valuable customer feedback and connections to other potential business partners and customers.
10. Have a plan
Finally, make sure you have a clear plan be-fore launching your business. Understand the financials, the regulations, the risks, and the potential rewards. Most important-ly, expect the unexpected and be prepared to adapt.
Launch-ing a business is an exciting and often daunting process, but with the right expertise and guidance, you can make your start-up a reality. From consulting to TikTok, these ten expert insights can help make the start-up process easier, setting your business up for long-term success.
