Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am at a loss.  I have many talents, marketing, sales, management.  I have interests and passions galore.

I can`t for the life of me, pinpoint in what direction to start my business.  I have been thinking of what to do for at least two years now.  (And have always wanted to own my own business.)

My start up cash is limited, but generating revenue isn`t exactly going to be my biggest dilemma, since I have a 20 year sales background meaning sales will likely be the least of my worries.

I have to keep my regular job since my obligations can`t be ignored during startup.

So here is what I know.

Limited start up capital.
Home based to start until income is replaced.

I could use some thoughts to push me in the right direction.

Thanks all!!

If you have the ability to have conversations you can do very well

Think about some of your bigger hobby interests that might be good business ideas. Go to Google Trends and see the popularity of the search terms associated with these hobbies. This can give you a general idea as to if there is demand in this area for products.

Then, you can check google`s keyword research tool (just google: Keyword Research Tool", it should be the first one) and enter your general hobby term to get a little more specific on what you can offer and the demand associated with these more specific ideas/search terms.



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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

Hi slats432,

i fully agree with MattThomas, you should try to find the biggest of your passionshobbies and start digging there for biz. opportunities.
I must say that most people think that the best business is that pulls in huge amounts of money, but for me and many others the good business is that provides you with positive emotions and makes you feel happy about what you are doing at the first place. After you have achieved the first one the money will surely come to you.

Good luck.


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MetalScrap : Business that works!

I don`t entirely agree with this advice because I have been out of a job since December and I`m still having trouble coming up with a viable business idea. I have similar experience as the author of this post and can relate.


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Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art.
Andy Warhol

Decide which one of those interests you`re most passionate about. It`s best to focus your energy on one thing.

Also, businesses NEED funding, and coming up with some sort of funding without some initial source of income can be very difficult. Having at least a part time job so you can hire freelancers and market your product can help you get the ball rolling faster in many cases.


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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

I am sure my wife wants me to just leave my job to follow my entrepreneurial spirit.

The advice here all bears some fruit.  I will add more.

1.  Leaving my job is not an option because the bills need to be paid while the business gets off the ground.
2.  Internet based businesses are appealing because I can work as time permits.

I can invest some of my own money, but I don`t have 10s of thousands of dollars to either A. Fasttrack my business or B. Devote full time to getting it off the ground.

Basically what I am looking for mostly is by what criteria do others use to choose their business?

P.S.  I just want to thank everyone graciously for taking the time to give their insight.