One major trend that has emerged amidst the mass unemployment crisis in the American economy in 2020 is the rise of entrepreneurship. Applications for new businesses have soared in the last year, as more and more people are deciding to become their own bosses. However, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to starting a new business. Often, the most successful businesses are also some of the most popular ones. If you’re looking to start your own business in 2021, here are some ideas you should consider.
Dropshipping
If you don’t know what dropshipping is, you’re not alone. The term was hardly used before 2020 but has soared in popularity in the last year. The practice refers to sellers that don’t hold any inventory but rely instead on suppliers to ship the product directly to customers. Having the capital to purchase inventory that may go unsold is a risk that entrepreneurs have always begrudgingly faced, so we can see why this model has become so popular in the last year. Considering using an online marketplace such as Handshake if this sounds like your thing.
Home-Based Catering
Did you know that you could turn your cooking hobby into a profitable full-time business? More and more individuals are coming up with creative ways to market their home-run catering businesses using social media, partnering with local stores, and joining online platforms. What’s amazing about this is that the upfront investment you make is completely up to you. If you’re one of those people who loves cooking, this one is perfect for you. With the availability of online business courses, you can even quickly learn how to turn it into a concrete business proposition.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are individuals that remotely assist entrepreneurs and employees in their everyday tasks. Their responsibilities are pretty much the same as a “normal” assistant: scheduling meetings, sending emails, and managing deadlines. However, they work remotely and often work as freelancers that are paid by the hour. A huge reason why this business idea has gotten so popular is that anyone can do it! You don’t need any advanced technical skills or domain knowledge to become a great virtual assistant.
Career Coaching
If you’re passionate about helping others navigate through life’s many challenges, career coaching might be the perfect business idea for you. Jaded and frustrated by the widespread unemployment last year, many professionals reconsidered their purpose in life and questioned whether their previous jobs helped them achieve their personal goals. However, changing careers is never easy, and that’s where career coaches come in. You can use social media websites as well as dedicated platforms to connect with potential clients.
Online Tutoring
Are you an expert in something and passionate about sharing that skill with others? If so, you might want to check out online platforms like Skooli and Tutor.com. With lockdowns in force and remote-working the norm, many turned to the internet last year to promote their professional skills as educational offerings. While you might think this is relegated to programming, mathematics, and other technical skills, there’s also been a huge uptick in demand for niche services and hobbies such as calligraphy, graphic design, and even cooking. We recommend sticking to a domain in which you can demonstrate your expertise.
