Enterprising Ideas 2

February 24, 2009 By

Are you considering a business venture and need an infusion of creative ideas? Looking for some innovation?  You might want to get together some people and have a brainstorming session.   Writer Seth Godin and his team did exactly that and came up with over 999 enterprising ideas.  Here are a few I liked:

  • Disposable mittens made from biodegradable materials in vending machines I love the idea of disposables that are environmentally friendly.  Think of all the kids playing outside, losing mittens to thrown snowballs, or on tree limbs not to mention leaving them on school buses. With a mitten machine they’d be cheaper to replace and biodegradable in the snow.  Imagine the market opportunity in places with long winters.
  • Feng Shui online: Feng Shui has been gaining popularity for years, particularly with creative and healing arts facilities.  Imagine being able to upload your floor plan and other details and get input on how to layout your space and color your walls?  I know of an accounting firm in MN that said having their offices feng shui-ed increased their profit margin!  Do you know where your wealth corner is?
  • Herbal Flavored Gum: This one in my personal favorite! I suspect there are some currently on the market but what about adding ingredients containing health producing properties?  Along with the gum, introduce an alternative medicine or homeopathic online service that diagnoses your ailment and gives you the proper corresponding alternative treatment.

To view the entire list of interesting and sometimes wacky business ideas go to: http://www.sixmonthmba.com/2009/02/999ideas.html “Hamster Burial Kits and 998 Other Business Ideas”

I’d love to hear your ideas!  Please share them with readers in your comments below. No idea is too small or too outrageous.  Just remember the fortune made with patenting Silly Putty!

Dee

Filed Under: Starting a Business Tagged With: ,

Enterprising Ideas

February 9, 2009 By

I taught a class last week “First Steps to Starting a Business” at the Job Center.  You know, where everyone who has been “downsized” goes to file their unemployment claims.  The class was packed with both blue and white collar workers seeking an alternative to job hunting in a dismal labor market.  What many of them failed to bring with them was an idea of what kind of busness they could initiate.  I overviewed the contents in my last blog entry and then suggested they do some research.  Yep–market research on the web.

There are some terrific sites out there to help you get the gray matter moving.  One I frequently suggest is www.springwise.com .   They have 8000 or so spotters who “scan the globe looking for smart new business ideas delivering instant inspiration to entrepreneurial minds”.  What is so great about this is that many of the ideas that have been put into action are from Europe and Asia.  (Meaning that maybe no one stateside has thought of it yet). For instance, I recall a story of a clever enterprise using coin operated/card powered stationary bikes to charge cell phones at music festivals in England.  The attendees waited in line, cash/card in hand to jump on the bikes getting some exercise and the ability to text their buddies at the same time.  After the concert the guys simply packed up the bikes and moved on to the next venue. Brilliant!

Need some ideas?  Check out Springwise.  And if you find some other interesting sites, please post them in comments to share ‘em.

Dee

Filed Under: Starting a Business Tagged With: , , ,

On Becoming Entrepreneurial

February 5, 2009 By

In the U.S., we have been brought up to believe in the 40 hour work week being employed by someone else. There is of course another option; you can become an entrepreneur instead of an employee. Given current labor market conditions, being your own boss is mighty attractive. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What do you love to do that you do really well? For instance, is it natural for you to be consistently on time, plan full and efficient? Do you like keeping your home or office neat and orderly, “a place for everything and everything in its place”? Do you get energized by this? If you answered yes to these questions, one of your transferable skills is being an organizer. Think about the many ways this talent and ability of yours can contribute to others. Don’t stop with one example, brainstorm until you identify at least five more things you really do well and enjoy doing.

2. Who needs what you have to offer? Once you’ve identified your skills, talents, and passions, it is time to determine where they may best be useful. Is there a need for whatever product or service you want to share with others? You may be the greatest cookie baker in three states but if there isn’t a need for a cookie store in your area it’s not a good idea to start a bakery. Consider all the life experience you’ve had, how might that be useful to others? How can you be of service in the world? Using your list of transferable skills from question number one will help you brainstorm some possibilities.

3. Is there someone else doing the kind of business you are considering? Identify those people and organizations. For instance, if you are thinking of doing a doggy daycare, see who else has one and check it out. Note what you like and don’t like about their advertising, facility, customer service, etc. How do they get customers? How might you approach your target customers differently? What might you improve on?

4. Is being self employed a right fit for your personality and lifestyle? If you’ve been an employee for years, you may find it challenging to switch your perspective to that of self bosser. It can be tremendously fulfilling to create you own business, work when, where and how you choose to, and not have to get someone else’s permission.

Are you ready to step into your power and put your talents to work?

Dee

www.careerlifecoaching.com

Filed Under: Starting a Business Tagged With: , , ,
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