1) Design a mobile app. Mobile apps are still where it's at. However, the market has become flooded with them. There is an app for just about everything imaginable, even down to the most ridiculous. The advice here? If you've got a good idea for an app, run with it. But take the time and do research and invest in proper programming and development.
If you are unsure of where to start your market research, consider using social media. You can post general updates or questions on Facebook or Twitter and get feedback from fans. You can even create a Facebook fan page devoted entirely to your app. This will help give you some idea to your app's potential popularity, reviews, and revenue.
2) Tech start ups. Although this seems like another area that has flooded the market, companies based in both the U.S. and overseas are still looking to outsource IT departments and and even looking for consultants to help them with their technical needs...especially with the constantly changing technology.
Also, a recent article published on the New York Times states that tech start ups are worth billions and are most definitely in high demand for 2013. Of course this requires a background and education in a technical or related field, but if you've got a technical background, make it happen. You can't afford not to.
3) Personal training. Who doesn't want to get in shape today? Personal training is another area in high demand. Although it may seem like most people can't afford to feed themselves let alone hire a personal trainer, there are many out there desperate to get in shape and are seeking out reputable and affordable personal trainers. Personal training does require some knowledge and background. There are several certifications and trainings required, including CPR, but it is not as vast as what is required to establish technical training, knowledge, and expertise.
All in all, personal training is said to be one of the least stressful jobs out there. Not to mention you can make and set your own schedule, you have the choice to work at a gym or visit clients in their homes, and you would be working in a field that helps and makes others feel good about themselves. What is better than that?
Advice for your new start up.
Becoming an entrepreneur and investing your time and money in a start up is definitely something to give careful consideration to. It takes time, money, research, and even a little business savvy up front. However, regardless of what kind of start up you choose or in what industry, here are some areas of additional advice to consider:
1) Consulting. If you've got to jump into business with limited or no capital, consider becoming a consultant. This can be accomplished in just about any field, whether you are a lawyer, teacher, a project manager, human resources, or a health care physician of any kind, you can most certainly use your skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise and work independently.
The only out-of-pocket expenses you may incur is for any necessary certifications, insurance (such as a professional liability insurance), and/or having business cards printed up. However, if you choose to really function as a business, set up and register a DBA, and you will be able to claim any out-of-pocket expenses when you file your yearly income taxes.
2) Use social media and start a blog. In order to promote your business or your start up idea, consider creating a Facebook fan page or other social media site or medium to share what you are doing. You can also write and start a blog and post articles, share information, or write press releases on what's going on in your business or even in your industry.
If you aren't a writer, you can always hire a freelancer or ghost writer to write and post content for you. You can write and post content as often as you want, but be sure it is on a regular basis. At least once or several times per week. This will keep visitors returning to your site, which will increase your site's overall traffic as well as your Google rank. Taking advantage of social media will also increase your audience, your fans and "likes", and even your client base.
3) Take Copyright seriously. Yes, I saved one of the most important bits for last. Copyright is no joke. Regardless of whether you are creating or designing an app, putting together a website, using a logo or any photo, or even writing your own blog, please, please, please consider Copyright laws. Most think when they are posting a blog post, or using a photo or logo on their social media sites, or even "sharing" photos on Facebook or Pinterest that it's okay. It's not. Just because it's online doesn't mean it's free. In fact, there are many laws out there that now protect businesses, particularly online businesses from plagiarism, or "borrowing" material.
My advice? Use your own photos, write your own material, research logos before you use them, and register your own published work through the official Copyright office. Protect yourself, protect your business, and respect others' works.
The moral to this story? If you've ever thought about creating your own start up, what are you waiting for? There are many new start ups and small businesses on the market more than ever before. Regardless of what product or service you offer, you are bound to offer something unique that others will find valuable. Make 2013 count for your business.
© Photo credit: Anatoliy Babiychuk | Dreamstime.com
No comments:
Post a Comment