Category: Home Business Ideas

    What Home Business can a College Graduate start out of College?

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    As the question is from a college graduate then whatever you have learned in college, you should be able to share with the world part-time while working fulltime in a job. Being a Freelance sharing your skills should be fairly economical.

    For example, if you graduated with a Liberal Arts Degree, I believe you have training in English, literature and other liberal arts. Well, there is always a demand for writing for the internet whether it is for blogging, sales pages, white pages or any english skill. There is Upwork or Fiver where you can write up your skills for others to hire. The demand for people who can narrate video or do audio in good clear English is always in demand. You work as the proposals come in so you don’t have to take work if you are too busy in your job. You are hiring yourself out and your skills so there would be small commission for the internet platform but it wouldn’t require much time or money as all you would need is a mobile phone video skills to make your bio etc.

    To learn more about starting a home business go to The Business of AT Home Business membership and check it out!

    Categories: Home Business Ideas

    Just WHO is your Competition?

    The first step of the competitive analysis is to determine who is your local competition whether offline or online.  This can be done quite simply by driving around and observing and by searching through a telephone directory or searching in Google for similar businesses.

    The main question will be one of range and determining just how far customers are prepared to travel to obtain your competitors goods and services. As well as local competitors some businesses also have non-local competitors such as in the form of mail order companies for example.

    To analyze the competition, it is necessary to determine what market or market segments they serve and what benefits they offer. It is necessary to determine why customers buy from them and also to gather information about their products and or services, their pricing and promotion.

    Gathering information could be done by physically visiting a business or checking their website. Several physical visits to a business will enable a person to determine information about their product and the company’s treatment of customers. Invest in a course or product of your competition to see how they deliver their goods and how is their customer service.

    Good sources of information about a company come from the company’s vendors, suppliers and employees. Attending a trade fair where the competitors are exhibiting is another excellent way of gathering information.

    Once the information has been gathered it needs to be analyzed. By analyzing what a competitor does offer it is then possible to determine a niche market that can be targeted by offering something that the competitor does not.

    The goal of the analysis is to identify and expand your competitive advantage by focusing on the benefits your business can offer that the competitor can’t or won’t offer.

    Categories: Business plan

    Start a Household Clearance Business

    A household clearance business can be a huge help. They enter the homes of those who have deceased or vacated and essentially clean them out top to bottom. They get rid of everything inside from garbage to collectibles and everything in between.

    How Does a Household Clearance Business Make Money?

    A household clearance business generally makes money by selling the items they find inside the home. A home that’s been foreclosed on is often left full of furniture, appliances and equipment that the previous owners just couldn’t take with them. A clearance business can sell all of these items for a profit. In the case of foreclosure or a death, that’s generally how they profit. However, a clearance business can also charge by the hour or by the home or project.

    What Do You Need to Start a Household Clearance Business?

    If you’re going to be removing and transporting garbage, you’ll want to look into your local licensing regulations. Many communities require a special license for transporting waste. Additionally, you will likely want to make sure your business is insured.

    You’ll need vehicles to transport all of the waste and items found inside the home. Storage for the items you find inside the home and intend to sell is also helpful. You may also need a few employees unless you are content to work long and laborious days on your own.

    You’ll want to have some basic cleaning equipment as well. These might include gloves, shovels, and containers for waste and items to be removed. While no formal training or education is required, if you’re looking to sell collectibles then knowledge of antiques and collectibles will help.

    Marketing Your Household Clearance Business

    In this business it pays to have connections. You will want to connect with funeral homes that can pass out your card when a client asks for guidance. You can also connect with real estate agents who will be aware of foreclosed homes. You can also market your business online and in local business directories. Think about where someone would look for your service and then make sure you’re represented there.

    Owning a household clearance business can be a lot of work but it can also be a lot of fun. You’re able to see real progress as you clear out a home. You might find rare and valuable items inside a home and you’re providing a service. If you don’t mind working the occasional long day and you do enjoy clearing, cleaning and selling items, then a household clearance business may be your dream opportunity.

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    Start a Home Organizing Business

    Organization is often the key to better productivity. It helps you stay sane, keep your home clean and perhaps live a better life. However, many people don’t know how to organize. Or their homes have gotten so out of control, they just don’t know where to start. They need help. If you have a knack for organizing and creating effective systems, consider starting your own home organizing business.

    What Is a Home Organizing Business?

    A home organizer is someone who is paid to help people organize various aspects of their home. You can organize garages, basements, closets, kitchens, bedrooms, home offices and so on. As more and more people learn the value of an organized home, they’re realizing they need help to achieve it. As a home organizer you would make money based on an hourly rate or per project.

    You may want to consider specializing or creating a proprietary system. This would help you differentiate your business. It would also help you market your business and offer more value to your customers. For example, you could specialize in organizing garages or home offices.

    What Do You Need to Get Started?

    Starting a home organizing business is actually quite economical. You really only need a website and a few marketing materials. However, if you create a proprietary organizing system you may also need the supplies that support that system. For example, if you use a container system then you’d need to provide those containers to your client. You will also likely need reliable transportation to get to clients’ homes and a phone.

    You’ll also likely want to have some organization supplies. Even if you don’t use a proprietary system, some things like labels, containers and notepads might be helpful when you meet with a potential client.

    No formal education is required to become a home organizer. However, you will want to have good organization skills. You may also want to brush up on various organization methods and philosophies. Good communication skills and a desire to work closely with your clients will also help you succeed.

    Marketing Your Home Organization Business

    Marketing your business will likely be accomplished in a number of ways. Initially, you’ll probably want to create a business website. You’ll also want to consider local advertising and marketing tactics. The majority of your clients will be in and around your community. Consider the yellow pages, classified advertising and brochures and flyers. Also consider partnering with home designers, cleaning services and other home-related businesses. You can cross-promote each other.

    If you have a knack for organizing, consider offering your services to others. A professional home organizer offers tremendous value. You’ll help people get and stay organized. They’ll live better lives and you’ll make a good living doing something you love.

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    Start a Diet Coaching Business

    According to statistics, approximately twenty-five to thirty percent of the population is on a diet. Unfortunately, more than half of them will quit the diet before they’ve reached their goal. And a surprising number will regain all of the weight they lost. This is evidence to how difficult dieting and losing weight really is. A diet coach can be the answer for many people.

    What Is a Diet Coach?

    A diet coach is someone who essentially helps a person stick to their diet. A diet coach can specialize in a number of things. They can be certified nutritionists and help create diets for their individual client goals. They can be an expert in a specific type of diet, for example the Atkins Diet. They can also simply be motivational coaches with a specialization in diet coaching. They can be the person who offers that extra oomph a person sometimes needs to overcome dieting challenges.

    How Does a Diet Coach Make Money?

    A Diet Coach can utilize a number of business models to generate profits. You could create a diet coaching membership site where you provide one-on-one and group coaching. You could charge by the hour for your coaching services. You can also create and sell information products like diet cookbooks and motivational guides. Finally, another option might be to become an affiliate for some diet products.

    Starting a Diet Coaching Business

    You don’t need a formal degree to become a diet coach. To get started, however, you may want to obtain certification. You can become a certified coach, nutritionist, personal trainer or a combination of these. You’ll also want to make sure you have a means to communicate effectively with your clients. That may mean you need a business phone or reliable transportation if you’re meeting with them face to face.

    You’ll likely also want a website to market your business. If you’re offering group coaching or a membership program than you’ll want your website to support those functions as well.

    Marketing a Diet Coaching Business

    Because diet coaching is something that can be provided online or off, you’ll want to decide who your primary audience is. If they’re online, then the majority of your marketing will also be online. You may use online advertisements, article marketing and social networking to spread the word about your coaching business.

    If your clients are primarily local individuals, then you’ll want to also market offline. You can use advertisements in your local paper, flyers, a booth at fairs and festivals, and brochures. Online or off, you’ll want to have a website to represent your business.

    A diet coach needs to have a strong and positive personality. You want to be able to help your clients by motivating them to reach their diet goals. This requires good communication, a system to support them and the desire to help. If you have these requirements and a basic knowledge about diet and nutrition, you can start your diet coaching business today!

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    Start an Errand Business

    If you’re looking to start your own business and work from home, consider starting an errand running business. An errand running business offers you the ability to help people, make personal connections with customers, and make a nice income. Here’s what you need to start an errand business.

    Customers

    An errand running business has a number of potential customers. New mothers and mothers of young children are a fantastic audience. Additionally, the elderly or people that are home bound can also benefit from an errand running business. Finally, consider also targeting affluent customers who work twelve-hour days and don’t have time to complete many tasks.

    Services

    As a concierge or the owner of an errand running business, you have many options. You can offer a number of services or you can specialize. Some options include:

    * Dry cleaning
    * Grocery shopping
    * Shopping
    * Post office/shipping
    * Banking
    * Appointment making
    * Buying tickets
    * Walking/caring for pets or taking them to the veterinarian

    You can also specialize in a specific type of task or service like financial errands which would require a high degree of trust. Research your competition to choose what services you offer and how you price them. You can charge by the hour, by the errand or offer package or membership pricing.

    Start-Up Equipment

    The wonderful thing about an errand business is that the start-up costs are extremely low. If you already own a reliable vehicle, your costs may be less than $100. However, you’ll also need a telephone and email address. If your phone has email capability and texting and instant messaging options, that will help your customers stay in touch with you. You’ll also want a computer, a website, and the means to invoice your customers.

    Marketing Your Business

    Initially your marketing campaign will be local. You’ll want a website for customers to reference and you’ll want to be listed on local search engines like Google Places. You will also likely want classified advertisements in your local papers, Craigslist and the yellow pages. Networking and word of mouth are perhaps your biggest sources of clients. Help your clients spread the word and consider offering a referral bonus. Flyer and brochures will help spread the word too.

    An errand running business is a wonderful business if you’re personable and responsible. Additionally, it’ll help if you’re excited to start and grow a business focused on helping people. Research your competition, plan your business, and help meet the needs of your community. Get started today!

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    How to Start a Pet Sitting Business

    If you love animals and are good with them, then a pet sitting business may be a great option.

    So how do you start your own pet sitting business?

    It’s not really all that difficult. Your main requirements will be enthusiasm and a love for animals. For a pet owner, leaving their pets in someone’s care may be on a close level to leaving their children in child care. This means that in order to be successful in this business, a true love of animals will help you stand out from the competition.

    Here’s how to get started:

    You’ll want to identify what type of services you’ll offer. For example, will you care for pets in their owners’ homes or your own? Will you offer dog walking as well? Will you offer extended pet care for people going on vacation?

    Writing a detailed list about the services you feel you’re able to offer will help you get organized and know where to place your marketing efforts.

    Once you have a clear idea of what you’ll be offering, you’ll want to make the business legitimate. You can get information about registering your business at your local county office. This will ensure you present a professional image and that you’re meeting all regulations. You’ll also want to look into any relevant insurance you may need.

    When all the legal aspects are taken care of, your next step is marketing your business – i.e. finding customers!

    You can easily get started by sending flyers out in your local area. You may also want to consider advertising in your local paper. Getting a sign with your business logo and placing it on your car is also a very effective method of local advertising. Just ensure your details are clear for all to see.

    And don’t forget your internet presence. Even a small local business can benefit from an online presence. Here are just a few reasons why:

    * People may find your website when using local searches for pet sitting or pet care. This will increase your client reach.

    * People will have time to look through your website and learn more about you and your services. This means that once someone contacts you, hopefully your website will already have pre-sold your services. This is great news because the prospect will probably need very little convincing to now use your services.

    * People can get recommendations. A good website will include testimonials from other customers. This creates trust and reassurance for any potential new customers who may find your website. Again, this helps to pre-sell your services.

    Starting a pet sitting business can be both fun and profitable. If you love pets then this may be just the right venture for you.

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    How to Start a Healthy Meals Business

    More and more of us want to eat healthier and get in better shape. The demand for health products has been huge for years and the trend continues to rise as more and more of us become more concerned about our weight and wellbeing.

    How Do You Start a Healthy Meal Business?

    It’s not all that difficult. The first thing to realize is that you’ll want to have knowledge of healthy eating and just what makes a healthy meal (and what doesn’t). You’ll also, of course, have great cooking skills and the ability to prepare tasty, fresh meals.

    The way it tends to work is that customers will sign up for your healthy meals delivery service. They may sign up on a monthly basis or weekly basis. You may also have an option of daily delivery if you choose. The reason most companies tend to sign up customers on a monthly basis is because this sets a commitment and they know how much food they’ll need ahead of time, as well as running costs. How flexible you are in this area is entirely up to you.

    Every day, you’ll deliver fresh, healthy meals to the customer’s home or place of work. You’ll also provide a menu each week for customers to choose their meal options for the following week.

    Who Is This Business Right For?

    This is a great business for someone who loves cooking and all things healthy. The more enthusiastic you are about spreading your company’s message and ethos about healthy eating and wellbeing, the better your success will be.

    Of course, great cooking skills are essential, as is being highly organized and people-friendly. Organization will be crucial in your day-to-day management such as scheduling delivery times and routes, as well as organizing the cooking side of things.

    Being confident and people-friendly will also help as this will help you gain new customers and keep old ones happy. If you’re doing the deliveries yourself, there may be a lot of interaction between you and your customers.

    What about the Legalities?

    Different areas will require different things, but you’ll want to check with your local county office to ensure you meet all their requirements. There will be special rules and regulations to do with food handling. These may vary depending on whether you start from your home kitchen or from a business premise.

    If you love cooking and healthy eating, this may be the perfect business for you. With an upward trend in our drive to be thinner, healthier and happier – a healthy meals delivery service fits right in.

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    How to Start a Green Housecleaning Business

    The demand for housecleaning has been on an upward trend for years. As more and more households now have two working parents, the need for extra help with the household is often necessary.

    And now there’s a trend that’s growing even faster – green housecleaning. As more of us are becoming aware of the dangers of using toxic chemicals in our home environment – as well as the conscious drive to take better care of the planet, we’re aiming to be a little more “green” when it comes to cleaning.

    This is where the green housecleaning business model comes into play. By starting your own green cleaning business, you’ll set yourself apart from the general cleaning companies and you’ll target a niche customer base – those that want green housecleaning services.

    How Do You Get Started?

    The first step is to find an area where the demand for green housecleaning is evident. Your customers will tend to have disposable income and have an interest in all things green, such as recycling and hybrid cars. It’s important to identify who your key customers will be and whether or not they are in your current locality. If not, then you’ll want to target a different area.

    The next step is to take care of all the paper work. A housecleaning service is not difficult to start but you’ll want to ensure your business is registered and that you have the necessary insurance to cover yourself as much as possible.

    If you’re going to start as a one-person operation you won’t need to worry about hiring employees just yet. But if you’re starting out with employees, you’ll need to advertise to hire the right people and ensure that you have the correct insurance to cover your employees.

    You’ll also want to ensure that your business really is “green.” All of the items you use from your cleaning products to your car should aim to be environmentally friendly. Your potential customers will be interested to know just how green your credentials are, so be prepared to tell them.

    Finally, you’ll need to find customers. Good marketing is the key to success for any business. You can start small by printing and sending out flyers in the local area. A small ad in the local paper may also be relevant for this type of business. And don’t forget the internet; even local customers may use the net to find you.

    Ensure you have a user-friendly website that represents your business in the best light possible.

    Green housecleaning is a growing trend that looks to increase in the future. If you like the idea of starting your own housecleaning service, this may be a great option as you’ll have a tight, targeted market with plenty of disposable income. You’ll also feel great for helping others and the planet at the same time.

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    How to Start a Garden Service Business

    Do you love gardening and being outdoors? If so, starting a gardening service may be ideal for you.

    What Does a Garden Service Business Do?

    A garden service can provide a variety of services – from grass cutting and weeding to full garden design and planning. The services you provide will be up to you. However, it’s a good idea to know ahead of time just what you’ll be providing.

    Start by writing a list of the services you feel able to offer. Do you have experience with garden design and a great eye for detail? If so, you may want to help people plan and design their dream garden. Be aware that potential customers may ask about your qualifications and ask for samples of gardens you have previously designed.

    If design isn’t quite right for you, you may want to simply offer maintenance and/or planting services. In this case, you may advice clients about certain plants, and help them choose new plants and then plant them and care for them. Or you may simply want to offer light maintenance on existing gardens such as scheduled grass cutting and weeding. Again, the services you provide are entirely up to you.

    How Do I Get Started?

    If you’re going to get started as a one-person business then you simply need all the relevant equipment. Of course, you’ll have good knowledge about gardening and plants. If you’ve never taken a formal course that’s usually fine; you can always brush up on your skills as necessary with a home-study course or by studying gardening books.

    Once you have all your equipment, you need to ensure you’re meeting all the legal business requirements. Your local county office can advice you and help with this step.

    How Do I Find Clients?

    This is a business that will largely depend on word of mouth. If your customers are happy with your services, they will likely recommend you to their family and friends. Ensuring you do a great job is important!

    To gain your first few clients, sending flyers out locally as well as placing a magnetic sign on your car (which has your logo and details) is an easy and inexpensive way to start.

    You may also want to place an ad in your local paper. Building a relationship with a local garden nursery or garden center is a good idea as well. You can commit to buying your plants and equipment from them if in exchange they tell their clients about your services. Most garden centers will be okay with letting you place a flyer on their bulletin board.

    If you love gardening and have a great knowledge of plants and their care, starting a garden service business may be ideal for you. This is a flexible business with a lot of potential.

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