Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette.
Today’s remote-first work climate supports entrepreneurs who want to start a business and work from home. Following are some options for startup businesses that don’t require physical office or warehouse space.
Content creation services. Every business with an online presence–and that’s most businesses today–needs a constant supply of online content. Talented writers and editors can provide blog posts, email newsletters, thought leadership articles, social media captions, e-books, and other written materials. Graphic designers can develop custom images and videos for clients using high-quality editing software.
Translation services. Today’s technology allows more businesses to go global than ever before, creating a growing need for translation services that help them communicate effectively with international customers. If you’re fluent in more than one language, your skills can benefit businesses seeking to reach a wider audience with customized copy that includes local idioms and cultural references that don’t always translate perfectly or exactly from the original language. Aside from your own knowledge base, the main tools you’ll need are reference materials like dictionaries and grammar resources.
Virtual assistant. Census data shows that new business applications were up more than 20% year over year in December 2021. Those new entrepreneurs often rely on virtual assistants to help manage administrative tasks from scheduling and billing to managing client requests and maintaining databases. Are you a detail-oriented multi-tasker? This might be a good fit for you.
Travel planning. Covid-19 has made travel more complicated. Booking a trip now includes being mindful of local mandates, vaccination and mask requirements, and Covid case rates that could delay or interrupt travel plans. Remote travel agents can help travel-hungry clients research and book pandemic-friendly getaways as well as manage all the necessary health and safety details.
Personal shopping. Online shopping can be overwhelming, with a plethora of options and outlets. And there is still a sizeable chunk of the population that chooses not to shop online. A personal shopper can help clients find and purchase items they seek and stay within budget. More sophisticated clients will appreciate the enhanced immersive experience created with online communication tools like video chat, screen sharing, and augmented reality.
Consulting. If you have deep experience and success in a specific industry, consider becoming a consultant. Fields like business growth, sales, marketing, and human resources are areas in which businesses are often willing to pay for expert insights and results. Consulting can be lucrative. Payscale puts the average business consultant’s salary at over $75,000 per year.
IT and web development. Employment in the tech sector is poised to grow about twice as fast as overall employment in the U.S., according to CompTIA. Some specific tech jobs are growing at four to five times the national rate. This could be a good business path if you have tangible, demonstrable IT experience. The ability to remotely access client computers and servers means you can work with clients worldwide.
So maybe it’s time you started looking at a whole new world of remote home-based business startup ideas. Check with the Chamber for information and resources to help as you embark on your entrepreneurial adventure.
It’s a great day in Emporia!
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“Let’s Talk Business” is a weekly column of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia. The mission of the Chamber is to be proactive in creating an environment for business and community success, guided by the vision that positive attitudes promote positive actions. Contact us at 620-342-1600 or chamber@emporiakschamber.org and visit our website at www.emporiakschamber.org.