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Top 23+ Business Ideas and Opportunities in the Security Industry

What is the best business to start in the security industry? What business can a retired military personnel or public service security officer venture into? What are the best security business ideas and opportunities available today? Well, i advice you read on to find the answers you seek.

Security has to do with the protection of vulnerable assets such as people, dwellings, communities, nations, and organizations. With the rapidly increasing security problems and crime waves all over the world, there is also a corresponding increase in business opportunities in the security industry for smart entrepreneurs to key into.

For instance, just take a look at the security allocation or defense budget of the United States, Nigeria, Russia, North Korea, etc and ask yourself where all these funds go to. Well one way or the other, a good proportion of these funds find their way into the account of smart entrepreneurs and corporations in exchange for products and services. So without wasting your time, below are 23+ security business ideas and opportunities you can invest in today.

Top 23+ Best Business Ideas and Opportunities in the Security Industry

  • Start your Own Security Company

The issue of global terrorism and kidnappings has caused an rise or increase in the demand of private security guards. You can key into this to start a business. Your task here will be to recruit and deploy security guards to firms, neighborhoods and corporations. You can even go a step further by securing a contract to protect lives, properties and installations within a geographical location. You will however need a security license from the government or relevant regulatory bodies.

  • Start a Security Guard Recruitment Agency

If you feel starting a security company is too capital intensive for you, then you can just focus on being a recruitment agency or headhunter for security companies, firms and companies. Your duty will be to link able bodied men and women with respective companies in exchange for cash.

  • Become a Security Consultant and Expert

This business concept is very straightforward. You can become a security consultant or expert in specific fields or industry. Yes, you can be a security consultant on banking, petroleum, etc. Your business objective will be to provide security advice and help put up safety measures to avoid the loss of live and properties.

  • Become a Security Awareness Coach or Trainer

Another business opportunity in the security industry is to become a security awareness coach or trainer. Your duty here is to offer advice to clients on how to be security conscious both in their homes and workplace. Your task also includes training and teaching people how to react or handle security challenges.

You can also provide training for corporate employees on issues pertaining disputes between employees or between employees and management or on allegations of sexual harassment, racism and abusive behavior within the office environment, as well as create a training program for the employees and the management on how to avoid and also how to react to any potentially unfavorable situation that may arise within the office working environment

  • Start a Private Investigation Company

Being a private investigator, your duty will be to delve into the secrets of many people’s lives and offer solution to mysteries or unresolved crimes. This business is very lucrative and quite challenging because you will spend far more time on the phone and at your computer than any fictional private eye ever does. All you have to do is underground work and odds are that you will never be involved in high-speed chases or shootouts with bad guys.

Top 23+ Best Business Ideas and Opportunities in the Security Industry

  • Become a Licensed Military Contractor

Yea, you can start a business as a military contractor or supplier. However, this business requires political clout or connections, credibility and a proven track record. Your core tasks as a military contractor is to supply them equipments and gadgets such as arms, food supplies, uniforms, gasoline, etc. You can also be assigned the construction of facilities, designing and manufacturing of gadgets, monitoring specific issues, etc.

  • Become a Licensed Arms Dealer

You can also venture into the importation and retailing of arms and ammunition to private citizens, individuals and corporate entities. Well, you must be licensed before you can venture into this business.

  • Import and Retail Personal Self Defense Devices

Another business idea or opportunity in the security industry is the importation and retailing of self defense weapons. With the increasing wave of domestic violence, self defense gadgets will definitely be a best seller. Example of such pepper spray, mace, baton, etc.

  • Start a Guard Dog Breeding Business

You can also breed guard dogs and supply them to government security agencies and private individuals or companies alike. One advantage of this business is that you can start it from home and without a license. But as you grow bigger, it is important you get registered with the relevant authorities.

  • Start a Guard Dog Security Service

Once again, there are a different approaches that can be taken for starting a guard dog security service. The first approach is to supply guard dogs that has security handlers, the second is to provide guard dogs with no security handlers, or you can offer both services to clients. Both options can be offered to clients. The requirements for starting the business are obvious.

  • Start a Security Blog

Even you have no money or security license, you can simply arm yourself with a laptop and an internet connection; and launch your own security blog. You can write on security trends, happenings and developments around the world. Your source of income will be from products you sell online, affiliate programs and advertising revenue.

  • Host a Security Talk show on TV

You can also start a TV show that will be focused on security. You can invite security experts and interview them with respect to how best to tackle crime. You can make money from advertising revenue, etc.

  • Start Creating Security Information Products

You can start creating security awareness and Do-It-Yourself security eBooks, Journals, Videos, etc and sell them either online or offline.

  • Start a Guard Dog Training Center

Another business opportunity in the security industry is to start a guard dog training agency. Your duty here is to either teach people how to make their guard dog attack on command or you can conduct the training on the dog yourself.

Top 23+ Best Business Ideas and Opportunities in the Security Industry

  • Start a Security Guard Certification Training Center

Many people desire to become bodyguards or security guards but they don’t know where to get the certification, training or the license. You can step in by providing the necessary certification and training in exchange for money.

  • Start an Executive Protection Agency (Bodyguards)

The opportunity to start a security bodyguard business is now available than ever before because of the growing demand for personal protection by business leaders and other high profile individuals such as journalists, politicians, activists, etc. If you have been in the military or State Security Service (SSS), the Secret Service, NSA, CIA, FBI, etc; then you have a greater chance of succeeding in this business because of your work experience and track record, that is if you had one.

  • Become a Self Defense Coach or Tutor

If you have knowledge about martial arts and the art of self defence, but you have little or no capital; then you can become a coach and start teaching self defense skills to men, women and kids in their homes and schools.

  • Start a Self Defense Academy

If you have the capital and the skills as listed above, then you can set up a self defense academy. Instead of visiting homes and schools to teach people how to defend themselves, your clients would in this case come to your academy and enroll in your programs or courses.

  • Start Selling Security Gadgets

You can also choose to enter the security industry as a wholesaler or retailer of security gadgets such as CCTVs, Security Cameras, Doors, lights, alarms, metal detectors, burglar proof safes, motion sensors, etc.

  • Start a Security Installation Business

There are many approaches that can be followed when starting a security installation business. You can choose to focus on either security alarm installation, metal door installations, safe installations, cameras, sensors, etc. As long as it is a security gadget, you can learn how to install it and start a business based on that knowledge.

  • Setup a Cloud or Cyber Security Monitoring Company

  • Start a Self defense Driving School

You can start an academy or company with the aim of teaching people how to drive defensively in dangerous or emergency situations. Your major clients will be security companies, bodyguards, security personnel, ambulance drivers, private individuals, etc.

  • Start an Online Identity Theft Protection Company

As the trend moves towards living, communicating and doing business online, their is need to protect one’s identity from fraudsters and hackers. You start open an identity theft protection company and make some cool cash.

  • Start a Car Tracking and Monitoring Company

As technology advances, Carjacking and theft is rapidly on the increase. You can battle this challenge and still make money by selling car tracking devices. You can even go a step further to do the installations and proceed to tracking the vehicles on behalf of the customers.

In conclusion, i want you to know that this list of business ideas in the security or defense industry is just a tip of the iceberg. In fact, there are so many more opportunities i have not even thought of. The good news about this business is that you are not just making money, you are also giving back to the society by making the world safer and crime free.

How to Start a Courier Business

Are you interested in starting a courier business? Do you need a business plan on how to start your own courier services business? Then here’s how to start a courier business from scratch.

Now for those who don’t know what a courier service business is or stands for, a courier service is a business company that moves packages from one location to another for a fee. Popular courier brands that have gone beyond just courier and delivery to full time haulage and logistics include UPS, FEDEX, DHL, ABC Courier, etc.

Opening a courier business can be a lucrative opportunity, but there are practical things to put into considerations and logistics to be taken into account but you may tend to overlook them. So without wasting your time, below are the steps to starting a successful courier company.

How to Start a Courier Services Business – Sample Business Plan

1. Prepare a business plan

Draft out a comprehensive business plan following the guidelines available from your local Small Business Association popularly known as (Business Centre Association), and pay special attention to financial management details.

2. Decide the type of parcels you will be delivering.

The next step to starting a courier business is to decide if your service will be limited to envelopes and small packages or large cargoes. Naturally, your decision will depend on the capacity of your storage and transportation vehicles. Will you will be delivering sensitive cargoes such as medical and industrial chemicals? If yes, then you and your crew must be knowledgeable in handling and conveying such substances.

You may also choose to deliver perishable goods. However, you must bear in mind that this cargo is always time sensitive, so your manpower resources and transportation must be adequate. You have to make your units to be well known. Your ability to deliver a wide variety of cargo will augment your potential to earn. However, you should expect to spend more initial capital. For instance, to successfully deliver perishable goods, you may need to invest in refrigerated trucks for it.

3. Decide on the scope for your service area

In other words, you should define the limit of your parcel destination. You have to decide and mark the globe you will intend delivering. Also decide if your service will be limited to within a state or country. Check if you can handle deliveries from coast to coast. Observe if you have the resources and the network to deliver internationally. Bear in mind that the same rule goes for all. Note that the wider your geographic scope, the larger the amount you will be required to invest on start.

4. Determine your price charge per delivery

You have to establish a pricing policy, and get it printed in an easy-to-read format. In setting up a price list, there are several factors to consider. The first to consider is the amount and mileage of gasoline that will be consumed from let’s say point A to B. The second factor is the number of parcels to be delivered at a particular area. The third, you have to consider if the delivery will be from point A to B scenario or if you will be able to accept delivery from point B back to A. Four, consider the rate your competition charges their own customers.

Finally, the factors listed above are only a small fraction of the whole picture. Be advised that you must gain hands-on experience in the industry if you are really serious to start your own courier service and to gain this experience, working for a courier service company is the only means to accomplish this. Working for a courier company will enable you have a “feel’’ for how the system works.

5. Meet with business advisers

To have a successful head start, you have to consult a business attorney that is familiar with courier service business to offer you advice on matters like local zoning laws, which is especially relevant if you will run the business from your home.

You should contact an accountant that is familiar with the courier service business to give advice on how to keep and maintain your business track records, tax fillings, the pros and cons of employees versus independent contractors and how to set up and accounting system. You should as well consult an insurance professional that is familiar with courier service business in order to advise you on how to obtain the proper business insurance for your office and also, its contents along with commercial vehicle coverage, worker’s compensation insurance (if needed), cargo insurance and health insurance.

How to Start a Courier Services Business – Sample Business Plan

6. Get the necessary business permits

You should as well obtain the necessary business permits and you have to license your business and your vehicle; have a discussion about the pros and cons of incorporating a company.

7. Get the necessary equipment

The material items that you will need to start a courier business can be found on the list below. You do not necessarily have to limit yourself with these items but a good courier business will certainly require them:

  • A vehicle

Transportation is of the essence in any delivery service. If you are planning to deliver big items and packages, investing in a covered truck is your first step. If you are still learning the ropes of the courier business, then it’s best to work with what you’ve already got in the garage and deliver items which will conveniently fit in your current vehicle.

You should also make sure as well that you have the resources to cover for several weeks of gas expense before your customers pay off their bills to you. And don’t overlook the insurance policy of your vehicle as it should cover business use as well. Before choosing an insurance company, you will need to know if you and your insurance company are financially capable of handling any possible contingencies.

  • GPS System and Cellular Phone

A GPS system is also essential. Nowadays many cellular phones have that feature, and it will certainly guide you during deliveries. You have to buy street maps for the area you will be covering. The maps are also available in book form and can be bought at almost all the book stores. Even if you are having GPS, the maps are invaluable, especially if the GPS is malfunctioning.

A cellular phone is also important because it will enable you to contact your customers while on the road or anywhere else, as well as to let potential clients contact you wherever you are. You should as well establish a communication system between you, your customers and your drivers, having in mind that it is illegal to speak while driving on a cell phone in many areas.

  • A computer and a printer

You need to print out invoices, tax records, and other such important papers for your courier business. You will also need a database of your customers and the businesses that you’ve dealt. These are some of the things that you need in starting a courier business.

8. Market and advertise your courier business

Buy tee shirts and baseball caps with your business name printed on them. This will give you a more professional appearance. Choose a colour, and use that colour on all conceivable piece of equipment throughout the business, including personalized ink pens, clipboards, notebooks and your vehicles as your business increases.

You have to advertise your courier service business by placing ads in trade papers, local newspapers and hand delivering or mailing of flyers to local businesses.

How to Start a Courier Business – Sample Business Plan

9. Run your courier business

At this stage, you are now set to start and run the courier business; so here are some additional tips to help you out. You should take your vehicles to a mechanic for a thorough overhaul. For the fact that you would not want your vehicle to break down as soon as you start the business, you should take it to a mechanic for thorough servicing and you should as well consider having a back-up vehicle on stand-by. Make an order for magnetic signs for your vehicles. You have to order for it because you will need one for each front door of the vehicles.

You should consider dedicating one credit card to all of your business expenses. It will be easier for your accountant when it is time to reconcile your accounts and pay your taxes. Also keep close records or tracks of your business mileage versus personal mileage. Mileage for personal matters is obviously not tax deductible.

In conclusion, it is important you know that your personality is another extremely essential factor if you want to to starting a courier business successfully. You will need to be customer service oriented, meaning that you are approachable and warm, caring and accommodating. Building your customers’ trust is a combination of quality service and of course, establishing good relationships with them. Like many other businesses, operating a courier services business requires a lot of patience and determination. Expect a lot of losses, but with proper management and the right connections, you will definitely make even more gains.

How to Start a Consulting Business

Most people are still in doubt about the possibility of starting a business without money, so in this article, i will take my time to explain in detail how to start a business without money. Do you have a specific knowledge about a subject? Are you interested in learning how to start a consulting business online? Then read on?

Most people are unaware that they can start rendering small business consulting services based on their specific skill or knowledge and starting such a venture does not require any capital. The most important startup requirement are knowledge, good communication skills, marketing skills and networking skills. When it comes to starting a business development consulting business, knowledge is not only power but also money. In fact, consultants are highly in demand and as long as you know your onions, you will hit it big. So without wasting your time, below is the exact steps on how to do consulting business.

How to Start a Consulting Business Online

1.   Get in the right mindset

Running a consulting business is highly profitable but tough and demanding. This is because clients are paying for your expertise and they want the best from you. Your reputation in this business is highly dependent on the end result of your advice offered and your service delivery. In this business, you are trading time and knowledge for money, so you must know how to prioritize and schedule your time for maximum efficiency.

2.   Define your consulting discipline

There are many issues an entrepreneur will seek advice on from a consultant. Issues like accounting, taxes, talent management, auditing, marketing, sales, communications, increasing revenue, general counseling and mentor-ship. When starting a consulting business, you have to be aware of the area amongst all this areas listed where you can do very well. But i want you to know that starting a consulting business is not only limited to the business sector, as consultants are needed in any facet of life.

Top Consulting Business Ideas

  • Chemical consultancy
  • Restaurant and fast food consultancy
  • Safety consultancy
  • Real estate consultancy
  • SEO consultancy
  • Business finance consultancy
  • Web development consultancy
  • HR consultancy, etc.

3.   Obtain the needed licenses

To be fully recognized as a certified consultant in your field, you must obtain all the necessary tax and business licenses locally and state-wide before you commence your consulting business.

4.   Write a business plan

A business plan is a guide line for everything that is done in a consulting business. The plan includes the specific services that will be offered, a marketing strategy, a financial plan, a management plan and a financial plan. It is a comprehensive planning document, and an operating tool that will help you elaborate your ideas and business direction.

5.   Print your business cards

Don’t worry if you don’t have business name, a business identity or an office. For now, get some basic business cards inexpensively printed with “Your Name, Consultant” and your contact information. You have to be able to hand them out at meetings with potential clients.

How to Start a Consulting Business Online

6.   Connect with those that matter

Just having the raw skills is not enough to start up any type of business. You need to go all out and connect with new people on daily basis. Go to networking events and programs, meetings, conferences, and make use your social network channels to create interest in your new business. The more you go out there, the more prospective clients you will have and the more people can spread positive and interesting word-of-mouth about you.

7.   Do some free work

The difficult part of starting a consulting business is that every new lead will always ask you about your previous clients and if you don’t have any, it will not send a good massage to your clients because they will assume you are incompetent. The best piece of advice for you is do some free consulting for a family member, friend or someone else. By so doing, you can wrap up your client engagement into a case study, promote it on your website, add it in your sales sheet, and they can refer you new business if they love what you’ve done for them. Don’t look at it as if you are doing unpaid work. Instead, think of it as an investment that will help your business in years to come

8.   Identify your competitors

Describe and identify all of the competition you will be facing, where they are situated, how many they are, what their expertise are, and what they charge their clients for job. These will help you in fixing your own fees.

9.   Partner with other businesses and consultant groups

If you come across successful businesses that are relevant to your consulting business, it might be a wonderful idea to partner with them. This is a great way to learn from other business consultants around you. By so doing, you earn more experience in consulting.

10.   Promote your business on free websites

There are many websites that are available where you can promote your services for free. These websites are called freelance websites. Websites like freelancer.com can be of help to you. You can also start a blog and publish information related to your consulting expertise. This will help reinforce your expertise and also get more clients.

In conclusion,you must be fully aware of the challenges involved in consulting business. Though consulting is a lucrative business and definitely a way to become self-employed and make a nice income, but it has its own pitfalls and it is your duty as an entrepreneur to identify such pitfalls, so as to avoid it.

How to Start a Business Franchise

How do you expand your business without using your own money or borrowing money from the bank? How do you start a business franchise? Well, I advice you read on to learn how to start a business franchise from your existing business.

The franchise industry is one of the biggest and rapidly growing industries. Most people are now aware of the risk of starting a business from scratch and how franchising comes to the rescue. That’s why McDonald’s, Wendy’s, KFC, TFC, MrBiggs, StarBucks, etc are big and very popular today. Most banks don’t lend money to startup businesses, but they would wholeheartedly lend money to new franchise companies. WHY? Well, that is not the topic for the day.

Everyone that knows how to start a business is aware of the potential opportunities that franchising can bring. Franchising your own business can be quite scary but exciting. If you have an already established business that you think would be perfect for franchising but you just don’t know how to start a business franchise; then below are the exact steps to follow.

How to Start a Business Franchise from your Existing Business

  • Check if your business is qualified for franchising

Almost any business can create a franchise; however, to ensure that the venture is rewarded, these questions should be considered first:

  1. Is the business unique or one of a kind?
  2. Is the business trustworthy or reliable?
  3. Does the business give sufficient returns?
  4. Can the business operation procedures be easily taught?

If the answer to the all of these questions is “yes,” then one can proceed to the next step.

  • Create a business growth strategy

As a new franchise holder, you should not only know how to start a business, you should also be aware of the business growth rate, set-up fees, staff requirements, and support services needed to successfully operate the franchise. Strategic planning for business growth is important in order to gain huge rewards in the future.

  • Prepare the necessary legal documents and requirements

To legally sell a franchise within the United States, you need to obtain a UFOC. The UFOC or Uniform Franchise Offering Circular is a standard disclosure document that is required by the Federal Trade Commission. A franchise contract is also needed. In addition, you should also check if the registration requirements of their respective states are being met. For any difficulties regarding handling legal matters, you can simply consult with a franchise attorney or preferable someone who knows and understands how to start a business franchise.

  • Create and Implement Strict Quality Control Guidelines

A person that wants to start a business must be aware of the importance of product quality. A comprehensive operations manual needs to be drafted and distributed to new franchise holders as a means of maintaining product quality. This manual should include the policies, strategies, rules, and checklists needed to run the business franchise successfully. Additionally, the manual should also have provisions for handling business issues (e.g. accusations of negligence) to protect against potential liability. Once the manual is finished, thoroughly introduce and discuss the manual during training programs with your proposed franchisees.

  • Promote, Advertise, and Sell your Franchise

You should not only know how to start a business franchise but also know how to successfully sell it. Start by word of mouth and work your way up. Print out brochures and sales pamphlets or create a DVD. Post it on online social networks or put up an online ad. Similarly, you can print an ad in the local newspaper or purchase ad space from local magazines and publications. But it is important that you make sure that the ad is comprehensive, professional, and attractive.

In conclusion, I believe that these easy to follow steps would certainly help push you in the right direction. By knowing or learning how to start a business franchise, I believe business owners would now get a chance to expand their horizons without breaking the bank.

How to Start a Dog Breeding Business from Home

Do you love dogs? Do you want to make money out of your passion for dogs? Are you interested in starting a dog breeding business from home? If your answer to any of the questions above is yes, then read on as i share with you a sample business plan on how to start your own dog breeding business from home.

Dogs are sometimes referred to as man’s best friend and it is a well known fact that almost every household own a dog. Now there are several reasons why people keep dogs at home and one of such reasons is for companion purposes. Yes, most people love to have dogs as pets while others keep dogs for security purposes.

Now regardless of the type of dogs you want to breed for sale, there is surely a market for it. If you are interested in breeding pet dogs such as the Hoodle Poodle, Chihuahua, etc; there is a market for it especially for women. And if you choose to breed guard dogs, such as German shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, etc; there is equally a market for it. With the rapidly increasing rate of crime worldwide, the demand for dogs is only bound to skyrocket.

Secondly, there is no market boundary for dogs. So whether you reside in the United States, U.K, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, India, etc; you can do this business even from your home. Another positive fact about this business is that you can tap into the global market by putting your business on the web and exporting to the countries of your customers, based on demand.

So now that you have seen the potentials of starting a dog breeding business, below is the exact steps to starting your own dog breeding business from home.

How to Start a Dog Breeding Business from Home

1.   Are you really prepared to breed dogs for profit?

Yes, i believe this is the first question you should ask yourself. One of the reasons this question is important is because you are dealing with an animal for a business, which can prove quite challenging in the beginning. In fact, if you don’t love dogs, this business might proof a challenge to you and if perhaps you love dogs so much, then you might also find it difficult to sell your dogs because of the emotional bond between you and the dogs. I think i am talking from personal experience here.

Also, you should note that dogs have that ‘scent’-which should be okay with you. And since you have decided to breed them, then you should be willing to handle the mating and birthing of your dogs which can be ‘cumbersome and somewhat irritating’ if you really know what I mean.

In general, if you do not mind your dog sleeping by your side in bed and you  will not have problem with the licking all over your faces, then you will be okay at the very least.

2.   Decide what type of dogs you want to breed

Dogs have a wide variety of roles, duties and significance to man. I doubt if you will be able to satisfy all the niches within the dog business. Now you can either choose to breed pet dogs or security dogs; the choice is absolutely yours. But you must bear in mind that the way pet dogs are handled and trained is quite different from the way security dogs are trained. Also, the type of dogs you breed should be determined by your environment and market demand.

3.   Note the requirements to start a dog breeding business

The third step to starting a dog breeding business is to find out if there are certain restrictions, rules or laws covering dogs within your environment or region. Now if the law says you are free to breed or own dogs, you will also need to ascertain if it is possible to breed dogs in your neighborhood. This is important to avoid getting sued by your neighbors for breach of peace and for constituting public nuisance.

4.    Research and Study

Now this is where the pain of this business starts. To succeed as a dog breeder, it is very much important that you have the knowledge of different breeds of dogs, their genetics, history, characters, pedigrees and temperament.

Moreover, you should also be told about the proper health care, mating and breeding techniques of dogs. These are so many resources that are out there especially on the web but the real question is: will you be patient and committed enough to learn?

 How to Start a Dog Breeding Business from Home

Now assuming that all the steps listed above have been followed judiciously, that now bring us to the main question of the day: how will you start the business?

Technically, the first thing you should do is to take decision of the specific breed that you want to concentrate on. Once you have decided that, you can then proceed to the next step.

5.   Research the market for chosen breed

So get started, you need to study the market for that breed. How much is it in the market? Who is purchasing them? How popular and important is it compared to other breeds? etc. Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? How resistant are your breeds to diseases and climate conditions in your area? Can your chosen breed be sourced locally or would you have to import them? These are examples of some of the questions you must find answers to.

 6.   Compute your finances

The next step is to have your finances prepared. Get enough capital not only for buying one or two dogs, but most essentially, a budget for the dog food, veterinary care, vaccines, etc. Also consider the expenses that you will encounter during registration of your dog, your business name and marketing.

What could be your potential income from breeding dogs? Now it is difficult to give specific amounts but you can do some moderate projections and estimate. When you sell puppies, you can recover your expenses of buying and caring with three or four puppies but this estimate is based on the breed. If you have a rare color or a champion breed, selling one or two puppies can fetch you good profits.

You can also earn additional income by the provision of study services. In fact, the expense of caring for your male dog can be up holed by this. If your dog has a nice record of successful mating, more dog owners will like to have your dog copulate with theirs and you can earn constant dividends from it. This is why writing a business plan is very important, even if it is a one-page plan. So that you can prepare adequately for the unexpected.

7.   Create space in your home for your pups

Based on the breed you would be buying, you should be able to create space to accommodate at least two dogs at the beginning and if possible, a space for a puppy nursery. You must also make plans ahead because your puppies are definitely going to grow into full-fledged dogs.

8.   Purchase your dogs

Finally, you can then proceed to purchase the dogs, if you do not have any already. Most of those who explore the business of dog breeding normally begin with their own pets.

9.   Cover yourself legally

If you are just beginning in business as a dog breeder, then you can easily do it as a freelance endeavor. But when your kennel begins to grow after some time, it will be a plus if you can get it registered it as a business. However, from the very beginning, you should have and properly file the veterinary records of your dogs, especially the shots it already had. And most essentially, get your dog’s registration papers details. If a dog has no paper yet, or if it gets lost – then its selling value will greatly decrease.

In conclusion, i want you to know that there are a lot of dog breeders and lovers out there that are breeding dogs just for fun and for the love of it. You can make friends with them learn from them. Most of them who are into the business are good in terms of giving out dog breeding steps freely.

Another good rule of thumb in the dog breeding business is to join dog clubs and attend dog shows/events. This way, you will learn more about the dog industry and network with other successful dog owners. As a final note, i want you to know that the dog breeding business is a fun or hobby-business. It can be stressful at times but all the same, dog rearing can be financially and emotionally rewarding.

Starting a New Business: Nine Bitter Lessons I Learned this Year

Do you have the dream of owning your own business? Are you in the process of starting a business or you have an idea that you intend to turn into a business opportunity? Then this article is definitely for you.

It is been quite a long time I wrote an in-depth article about the happenings in my business. Well, this is one of such articles. For those of you that have been loyal readers of my blog, I believe you are aware of a project I undertook last year. Now for those who are not aware of this project, I will brief you. On the 21st of April 2012, I set a goal to start a new business entirely from scratch and this goal was to elapse on the 31st of January 2013.

Now after several months of in-depth research, planning, hard work and struggle; the goal has finally being achieved and “********* Technologies LTD” is currently on stream but it took till 1st March 2013 to get it done. So in this article, I will not only be talking about the project itself but I will be talking about the process it took and the lessons I learned. However, I won’t be revealing some vital details based on legal grounds but when it has been certified okay by my lawyer to do so, I will share them. So without wasting your time, below are nine bitter lessons I learned from the process of starting this new business.

 Starting a New Business: Nine Bitter Lessons I Learned this Year

  • No business is easy

Yes. My lesson one is that no business is easy and the reason I chose this as lesson one is because I still get emails and requests from people enquiring about the best business to start. I have said it before that the best business opportunity does not exist and this recent business venture I undertook has proven it again.

Despite my previous adventures and experience as an entrepreneur, I still had to go through the same process I went through when I started my first business and the process wasn’t easier this time. In the course of trying to find a suitable opportunity to pursue, I had to travel down to Imo state and I found a lot of opportunities there but there was always a hitch surrounding every idea. Below are some of the business ideas I researched upon while on this quest:

Cold room or Frozen food business – The demand for frozen food is already high but the business is quite capital intensive. I will also have to deal with the power supply problem and lastly, there’s currently a review of the policy on importation of frozen fish that may affect the industry. So I had to bypass this business opportunity but i still have it on my plan.

Poultry or catfish farming – I have the passion and all the data regarding this business; and the demand is quite enormous. Yet, I still don’t know what’s holding me back from venturing into this business. Maybe it’s because of the risk associated with livestock farming (high mortality rate of the animals). A close friend of mine ventured into poultry farming during this same period I was doing my research and planning for my business. He started with 6,000 birds and before you could say jack, he had lost 1,000 birds. Such is the risk of business.

Palm Oil Trading – I am looking at sourcing palm oil from local processing plants in remote villages and transporting them to high population areas for reselling. I still have this business on my drawing board so I can’t divulge much.

Palm Oil processing – Now this is a business that involves some production technicalities and I intend venturing into it with a partner. It involves buying the raw palm nuts from the farmers and processing it into palm oil. I have a very good friend who spent countless hours travelling into remote villages in Ngor Okpala and even up to Bayelsa, researching and digging up any information he can find about the business. To be sincere, nothing would have been done about this opportunity if not for this friend of mine. We are still trying to get this opportunity off the ground, so no much details for now.

Importation and retailing – I also looked at importing and retailing some products that will suit majority of the population in Imo state; which comprise mainly of students. But I have to drop the idea for reasons best known to me.

After much detailed research, I chose to set up a business that combines providing services, digital marketing, publishing and technology. Like I said earlier, I can’t reveal much detail now until I am through with the legal processes involved with the business. Now considering the in-depth information gathered and the amount of time it took me to setup my current business, I can boldly say that no business is easy to get into.

So if you are one of those people looking for the best business to start with N1,000,000 or $5,000 or whatsoever, then I have this to say to you. Stop the insane search now because the best business idea or opportunity does not exist. Secondly, there’s nothing like an easy, stress-free or risk-free business and lastly, all businesses are lucrative. Yes, all business are lucrative and no business is more lucrative than the other. I have seen people make tremendous profit in charcoal retailing and distribution, despite the fact that it is a dirty business as described by some people. As long as you have adequate knowledge about a particular business, the needed passion and the capital, you can find success in any business venture.

  • Critical research and planning can make or break your business even before you launch

Why did I take the pain to research several businesses before choosing one? The reason I invested much time into research and planning is because a successful business is created right from the drawing board, even before a dime is invested. Another reason I invested much time and resources into research and planning is because having adequate knowledge about a business is a requisite for success; and it can also become a competitive advantage for you.

One of the reasons why most people fail in business, especially here in Nigeria is because of lack of research and planning. I have seen countless of people jump into a business simply because a friend or neighbor is succeeding in such business. I have also seen people start a business based on the recommendation of a family member or friend. My dad was also guilty of this and he paid dearly for it.

As I write this now, importing is the hottest business idea in Nigeria this 2013 and there are thousands of information products being sold with respect to importation. The funniest fact about this trend is that most of the marketers of such books have never imported even a pen into Nigeria, yet they are selling thousands of copies of books to gullible Nigerians. Jumping into an industry blindly is one of the reasons why there are a lot of failures in the business world. If I were to venture into the business of importing as a novice, I will first spend about six months to a year, learning the ropes from an established importer; not a marketer with a hyped up sales letter.

  • Success in one industry does not translate to success in another industry

Most people who read my blog usually think of me as a guru or whiz kid of some sort. Yes I have built some successful businesses but I have also had my own share of failure. The principles of business is the same throughout the world but industry challenges, economic conditions, demographic and territorial challenges makes the difference. What this mean in essence is that the being a successful business owner in a particular country or industry does not mean you will succeed if you venture into another country or industry.

The fact that Aliko Dangote is a successful cement manufacturer does not mean he will succeed if he ventures into the computer industry. The fact that Bill Gates is a software mogul does not mean he will succeed as a cement manufacturer. The rules and playing field of every industry is unique and to thrive in any industry, you must be willing to learn and do the dirty work involved. The rules of the business world is no respecter of persons.

Today, I am quite popular and known in several countries of the world. Thanks to my business blog StrategicBusinessTeam.com which is now averaging 150,000+ Visitors monthly and the number is growing rapidly. But what most people don’t know is that prior to starting this successful blog, I already had a painful experience with my first blog BestBusinessMentor.com; which failed due to my technical incompetence.

Another fact most people won’t know is that despite my success with StrategicBusinessTeam.com; I still failed to get two blogs off the ground in 2012, despite investing time and capital in such projects. The fact that I was able to build a successful business blog does not mean I can build a success health blog; even though the technical challenges involved are the same. This is why I said that success in one industry does not translate to success in another industry. Now if you must know the two blog project that failed, they are:

InvestingAdviceforBeginners.com – This blog had potential and was actually growing and generating income but I had to scrap the project because I realized that business and investing are correlated. What stops me from sharing such investment advice on StrategicBusinessTeam.com instead of splitting the effort and increasing my overhead. That was how this blog died.

BellyDancingFun.com – This niche was well researched and I even spent a considerable amount of money on the research, planning and the written content. But the sad truth about this blog is that I lack the passion to run it and I am not even interested in the subject of dancing in general; not to talk of belly dancing. I don’t even have the passion to promote it or invest further resources into it, so it is just lying there.

Now what am I trying to pass across to you? The message I want you to take home today is that you can still fail even if you are given the best idea in the world. The reason I say this is because ideas, opportunities, capital, and every other needed factor for success in business is not enough, you need passion to get things going and even when you succeed, you need passion to sustain the momentum. That’s the reason why billionaires such as Dangote, Warren Buffett, Donald Trump and Mike Adenuga are not resting on their laurels despite being among the richest men in the world. It is all about passion; so stick with what you know best.

  • To get the best result, be tough

This was a bitter experience I learned in the process of setting up my new business. After getting an office location, I had to do some interior work so as to get the office up to my taste and create a work environment that will be conducive for my employees. To get this done, I had to work with electricians, painters, welders, etc and in the course of work, I tried to be good to them. I treated them with respect, gave them extra money and pecks, and paid them well. But what did I get? Nothing. Work that should have been executed in three days at most dragged on to over a week and my cash was dwindling rapidly. I treated them with respect and they took my kind nature for granted. Then I changed and adopted a new strategy. I got mean, yelled, threatened and wore a sad face. They said even bad things about me but guess what? The job got done and that’s all I care about.

“Don’t be too familiar with your followers; it may at first inspire affection but eventually, like all familiarity; it will breed contempt.” – The Mafia Manager

After much thought, I came to fully understand that humans by nature perceive kindness or being soft as a weakness; and they take you for granted because of it. But when you are mean, harsh and tough; you bring out the best in people. I knew this fact right from time but I thought things would be different this time. Unfortunately, humans will remain humans.

Starting a New Business: Nine Bitter Lessons I Learned this Year

  • To hit your goals, get a goal accountant or enforcer

Right from the moment I set this goal in 2012, I have been bouncing from one challenge to another and I encountered problems I never anticipated. In fact, I almost gave up the goal because my mind was filled with doubts and I could see one hundred tangible reasons why I don’t need to stress myself pursuing such goal.

In utmost sincerity, I want to say that this goal would never have been achieved if not for a good friend of mine named “Precious.” He gave me the mental support I needed, he encouraged me and most importantly, he refuse to listen to my lamentations or complaint and he gave me no room to wallow in self pity. Despite the challenges, problems, my incessant complaints and unenthusiastic attitude; he refused to budge and instead kept pushing me harder. As I write this now, I am so full of gratitude to him.

Another reason I kept pressing forward despite the strong urge to quit the process was because I had shared this goal openly with everyone on this blog. When I set this goal, I received a lot of encouragements, feedback and a few criticisms. Most people who wrote me were eager to see how far I will go with the project.

To you my loyal reader, I say thank you and the reason I am thanking you is because if I hadn’t been outspoken about this goal or project, I would have abandoned the project quietly and move on. But because this project was an open one and I was accountable to you, I knew deep down in me that I must report back to you regardless of the outcome; be it success or failure. I also knew this goal of mine will motivate a lot of my readers and spur them to action; that was why I refused to give up.

“I intend to be, the richest man in the world.” – Howard Hughes

So if you intend to engage in a similar business or investment project, get a goal accountant. Such a person could be a family member or friend but he or she must be able to advice and hold you responsible for your actions without sentiment or bias. Another tactic you can use to achieve your goals is to tell people about it. Being outspoken about your goals will keep you on your toes and you will be held accountable by those you have told your goals.

When I was a teen, I remember telling my childhood friends about my dream to be a rich man with several businesses. But they scoffed at me because they felt I was too ambitious, too money conscious and out of place. I looked stupid back then because while my mates were bragging about attaining the highest academic status or qualification, I was talking about business and money. But today, I am proud to say that my dream is still alive and on full steam. Now am I the only one that talks openly about my personal goals? The answer is no.

“I think I am very goal oriented. I’d like to win the America’s cup. I’d like Oracle to be the No 1 software company in the world. I still think it is possible to beat Microsoft.” – Larry Ellison

“I want to put a ding in the universe.” – Steve Jobs

“I always knew I was going to be rich. I don’t think I ever doubted it for a minute.” – Warren Buffett

“I intend to be, the richest man in the world.” – Howard Hughes

Pat Flynn of SmartPassiveIncome.com regularly talks about his goals and dream; and he pursues it vigorously because he knows he will be held accountable by readers. Aliko Dangote once shared his goal about being Africa’s greatest industrialist and he has hit the goal. When Richard Branson was a teenager, he shared his dream about building a brand that will span different industries and sectors of the economy, in different countries. The board of directors of the company that wanted to acquire his “Student” magazine thought Richard Branson was crazy and withdrew from the deal. But today, the “Virgin Group” founded by Richard Branson is a conglomerate of over 400 companies. Who says it does not pay to share your dreams aloud?

  • It takes pain and sacrifice to be focused

“And here is the prime condition of success, the great secret. Concentrate your energy, thoughts and capital exclusively upon the business in which you are engaged in. Having begun in one line, resolve to fight it out on that line; to lead in it. Adopt every improvement, have the best machinery and know the most about it.” – Andrew Carnegie

Most success coaches and motivational speakers emphasize the need to be focused on a particular goal or field. From my personal experience, I can attest to the fact that “focus or concentration” on a given purpose is a requisite for success in any endeavor. But what most success coaches and speakers will not tell you is that it takes pain and sacrifice to be focused. In fact, they make it sound easy but it is not.

“The sun ray does not burn, until it is brought to a focus.” – Anonymous

To stay focused on a specific goal or primary task without diverting your attention to something else; even when such secondary task seems profitable takes a lot of discipline, pain and sacrifice. In the course of pursuing this business project, I came across a lot of promising investment opportunities, I had several personal needs and problems pop up here and there; but I refused to take my eyes off the goal, I refused to divert cash set aside for this project into something else.

Now why should you invest such money in a long term business venture when you can play the stock market and gain 50% – 100% in less than six months? In the third quarter of 2012 alone, I made 87 percent profit on my invested capital through the stock market. But I would have made more money if I had increased my share volume, by investing the money meant for this business project. This is the reason why I said focus takes pain and sacrifice. If I had taken my attention off this startup project to pursue other promising investments, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Being focused pays, especially in the long run.

  • Your health is more important than money

From the 1st of January 2013 to the 1st March 2013, I was always on the move trying to get this business venture off the ground. During this period, I was running around trying to get an office space, dealing with craftsmen and artisans to get the office in order, getting office equipment and appliances, hiring employees, running my businesses, etc. Before I knew it, my health broke down and I was ill for about five days. During those five days I was down with illness, nothing mattered to me. The business project, investments and every other deal I was involved in never mattered any more. All I thought of and cared about was my health. Health is the most important thing, because without it, every other material thing is useless. So take care of your health first; then every other thing can follow.

  • Start small, run lean and grow slow

The media is filled with stories of individuals and businesses that grew fast and became big in the shortest of time. People love stories of overnight success and achievements. Also, I have met individuals who have plans to build million dollar businesses and they are trying to raise a large capital for such projects; but these same individuals have never even operated a small business. I am a sole believer in the concept of starting small, running lean and growing slow. One of the reasons this project dragged this long is because I self financed this business from the scratch. Yes, there were easier options for me to source for funds and get the project running speedily but like I said earlier, I prefer to start small and grow slow.

I also advise you go the same route. If you can self finance your proposed business idea, then do it, even if it means starting small. Don’t be deceived by the news of companies or startups raising millions of dollars in capital. As an entrepreneur, I want to tell you that raising millions of dollars in capital does not mean you are profitable; and the most important word an investor wants to hear is “profit.”

I have seen businesses raise millions in capital and still went bankrupt. So the fact that you were able to secure venture capital does not make your business successful; Digg.com and MySpace.com are good examples of this scenario. Startup funding is all about scaling up, it is not a sign of profitability; it is an insignia of potential. The ability to generate profit consistently is what makes a business successful. So don’t be deceived by media hype, start small, run lean and grow slow. When your business begins to turn in profit, then you can seek funding to scale up your operations. A word is enough for the wise.

  • It is the Little things that make the big difference

In business, most people look at the big things like the assets of a business, the revenue and the value of the business. But savvy entrepreneurs and investors know that it’s the little things in business, like cash flow and liquidity that can make the big difference. Do you know that a man can be worth $100million and still be broke? So also can a business have millions based on asset valuation but such business can still fail due to cash flow problems or lack of liquidity. This was one of the lessons I learned in business and I re-learned this lesson again recently. I don’t want to go into details of what happened but the lesson I want you to take home is this: “take care of the little things in business, because they make the big difference.”

As a final note, these are the nine lessons I learned from the process of starting a new business from scratch. But I want you to know that the battle is not over yet and there are more lessons to be learned. Starting a new business is just the starting point; there is still a lot work to be done. Now if you are one of those individuals that have been sitting on their idea for too long, it is high time you get down to work because if you are waiting for the right time to act, such time will never come. Start with what you have now, and you will find the rest along the way.

Business ideas for Kids

What are the best business ideas for kids to start? How do you keep your kids busy when on holidays? Are you a parent to a kid that is very creative? Do you have smart children that possess an enterprising spirit but you don’t know what business they can engage in? Are you also looking for an opportunity that has the potential to engage your children profitably? Then read on because this article is for you.

Helping your kids set up their own business is not only about letting them earn their own money or keeping them busy during school breaks. It teaches them the value of hard work and the value of money. It also gives them a sense of responsibility. You can also harness a kid’s entrepreneurial skills through this. So without wasting your time, below are the top 10 best small business ideas for kids you might want to try out.

 Top 20 Best Small Business ideas for Kids

1.  Rendering Services

Indoor and outdoor service rendering can a great idea for your kid. Services such as watering plant, cleaning homes, home sitting, taking in the mail, cleaning the garage, shoveling weeds, raking snow, cleaning pools etc. In fact, kids who love cleaning and working in the garden can get jobs by raking autumn leaves and placing mulch on your neighbors’ yards. Outdoor gardening activities also belong to the list. Your child can also make some money by mere running errands, helping people do one or two things like getting a stuff from the supermarket, delivering mails, etc.

2.  Arts and Creativity

If your kids love arts and crafts, then help them set up a business selling the items they like. They can also sell their handmade creations. Crafts like jewelry and accessories, picture frames, art designs and hand painted greeting cards can also sold by your kids. If your kid enjoys taking pictures, he or she can start by taking pictures of a interesting scenery and then use it to produce post cards. Kids can create art works like greeting cards that they can sell and make some money.

3.  Pet Sitting

Pets are interesting companions; so if your child loves pet a lot, why not introduce the idea of pet sitting to that child? During summer or vacation time, your neighbors or friends might go out of town. Your kid can watch over their pets, feed them, and care for them and keep them company till the owner returns. Alternatively, your kid can walk or groom dogs of busy owners thereby creating business opportunity to their selves. At the end, he or she gets paid by the pet owner.

4.   Design Business

In case your child is crafty or very creative, the best option is to start a T-shirt design business for that child. He or she can make it as colorful as he or she wants, then the t-shirt can be sold to fetch them money. You can also choose to engage that child in web design services from home.

5.  Online Retailing

With your assistance, your kid can open a store online, where he or she can do do a retail business. From there, he or she can be able to raise money. The best and easier way is to become an affiliate for other companies.

6.  Lemonade Stand

You can also encourage you child to establish a lemonade stand around your neighborhood. Lemonade business is fun, easy to setup. In fact, it is the easiest business for kids to engage in.

7.   Grow Something

there are many things that kids can grow either on a farm land or in a small garden. That your kid who is interested in agriculture can grow things like; fresh herbs, worms, bedding plants chicks etc.

8.  Web Development

One amazing thing about web development skill is that anybody can learn and do the business by mere reading books. There is an opportunity for your kid to become a web developer. He or she can develop a website for small businesses and earn money.

9. Computer Repair

The truth still remains that there are st ll a lot of adults that don’t know how to simply boot a computer system, let alone handle spam and anti virus upgrade on their system. Running a computer business will be of help. Buy books for you kids on computer repairs will help give them a guideline on how to do the business.

10.  Baby Sitting

This will help your kid earn money during holidays, weekends and after school. Baby sitting is more advisable for girls as they are naturally good with the know-how of handling babies.

Top 20 Best Small Business ideas for Kids

11. Car Wash

Car wash is a great business idea for that kid with lots of energy. Aid him by providing a little space for a packing lot. Ensure that the packing lot has easy entrance and exit; and your kid is in business.

12.  Baking

Once more, baking is not a bad idea. With your assistance, your kid can learn what it takes to bake cake and snacks and still go ahead to make a lot of money from baking. You can also decide to do the baking so that when your child returns from school, he or she can do the supply or you set aside a day when you child will be around. Maybe during the weekend.

13.   Entertainment

Puppet shows is an interesting idea for sociable kids and kids who enjoys been given attention. Your kid can offer to perform in parties like birthday parties. Another entertainment business that can fetch your kid money is clown act and candy man for the boys.

14.   Decoration

If you have discovered that you kid loves decorating, don’t discourage him or her because he or she can make money from it by performing decorations in parties, corporate events and some other places.

15.   Selling Books

there is a great number and types of books available around you that can create an opportunity for your kid to make money. Let you kid collect books especially kids novels, they can sell it and make money.

16.   Gift Wrapping

Your child can earn money by helping people wrap things. Though it wrapping gifts is a very easy task, not everybody can do it. This will idea will help your kid make use of his or her creative ability.

17.   Coaching

Perhaps your kid is extraordinarily intelligent, he or she can make use of this God’s given gift to make money. This can be achieve by them teaching and coaching other kids while the kids parents pay them.

18.  Small Scale Manufacturing or Production

Production is another wonderful business idea for your kid. He or she can try producing things like home made polish, candle, etc.

19.  Blogging

This is not really a fast way of making money but a lot of people have done very well with blogging. Blogging which is great for those who like to talk about their interests. For kids who want to talk about their passion over a hobby or a topic, they can post their writings online. You can help your kid in setting up his own blog and explain how it works. With Google adsense as an advertising medium, your kid stands a chance to make money from blogging.

20.   Holding a garage sale

Included in the top business ideas for kids is running a garage or yard sale. Through this, your kids will help clear your storage area arrange them in a conducive way. Now the catch here is to let them keep the proceeds of what they sell, this will keep them motivated.

Top 20+ Best Small Business ideas for Kids

21.  Party assistance

Your kid can help with setting up party decorations, designs, supervising and some planning. Kids can also help clean up the venue once the party is finished.

22.   Moving service

For kids who just like helping others with simple chores, they can engage in a moving service. They can help pack up things in boxes, arrange them, label them and help carry items to the van.

23. Video blogging

Your kid can make videos depending on his or her field of interest. For instance there are kids who like making funny videos, funny pictures while others show their musical talent through videos. Your kids can then proceed to submit the videos to sharing sites and viewing sites and earn money through viewers’ hits on the videos.

In conclusion, i want to let you know that no matter how absurd your kids business idea may look or sound; do not discourage them. Rather encourage them because your encouragement will contribute to their business success.

How to Start a Business with No Money

How can i start a small business without money? Is it possible to start a new business without using my own money? Well, i advice you read on as i explain the exact steps on how to start a business with no money.

One of the major business challenge entrepreneurs face is “raising capital to pursue a business opportunity or take their business idea to the market place.” In fact, inability to access capital is the major reason why some of the world’s most brilliant ideas die without seeing the light of day.

I have written a lot of articles challenging today’s entrepreneurs to think big and start their own businesses. Yet, I still receive questions from young entrepreneurs who haven’t grasped the possibility of starting a business without money. Some of such questions are: how do I start a business when I have no money? Can one become a millionaire or even become a billionaire starting from nothing?

Well, if any of the questions above apply to you; then read on because I am going to explain in details how to start a business with no money. But before I proceed, I want to clearly state that your perception is going to be a determining factor; whether you will succeed with the tips I am about to provide or not.

Now if you feel that starting a business without money is an impossibility, I will suggest you read the following articles “How to Become a Billionaire” and “How to Become a Millionaire fast” and How to make a million dollars fast; they will help open your mind and expand your reality.

 How to Start a Business with no Money

As I get down to the real business of the day, I want to assume that you have no money to start a business of your own. So I will practically be showing you how to start a business without your own money; while using other people’s money and resources. But if you will rather not go through the entrepreneurial process of building a business, you can opt to sell your business ideas to companies and investors. You can learn how to sell your ideas here.

 How to Start a Small Business with No Money

1.  Develop a good business idea

The first step to starting a business without money is to develop a good business idea. Your proposed business idea must satisfy a need or solve a problem. Your idea must be good enough to arouse the interest of anyone who hears a pitch of it and above all, it must have strong profit potentials.

2.  Have a good business plan

Even though you have no money to start a business, write a business plan. It might sound crazy but you are only preparing yourself to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. Also, writing a business plan will help you see the possibilities of the business and prove to investors that you are a serious entrepreneur that knows his/her onions.

3.  What do you bring to the table?

Okay, I know you are reading this now because you lack the capital to finance your business idea but I will bet that you have something of value inside of you. What business skills do you bring to the table since you don’t have money? Okay, maybe you are incompetent when it comes to running a business because this happens to be your first business. What technical skills do you have, as related to the business you have at hand? This are questions most investors will want an answer to.

Take for instance you developed a good business idea with respect to the tech industry but you don’t have the money to pursue the opportunity, you can come to the table with your technical skills. Mark Zuckerberg did the same thing. Aside technical skills, you can also come to the table with your experience from a respected field. Skills such as sales skill, accounting skill, business management skill can also be brought to the table because they are valuable to business growth.

4.  Find a business partner with cash

This is self explanatory. If you don’t have the cash to start a business, then find a partner who do. The proposed partner may be an active or sleeping partner; what is most important to you is the cash.

5.  Start a service based business

You can also start a service based business since it requires little or no startup capital. But you will definitely have to invest time and sweat equity to get things going. A little bit of creativity, marketing and sales skills will also be needed to give your business a head start.

6.  Start a home based business

When I hear people giving lame excuses about their inability to start a business due to lack of capital, I boil inside of me. I have seen people start businesses right from their home and grow from there. Julie Aigner Clark, Bill Gates, Larry Page all started from either their home or dormitory.

I have seen people borrow $50 or less from family or friends and launch themselves into tremendous wealth through network marketing. I have seen young internet enthusiasts start a business from a friend’s computer or a public connection (cyber cafe). So I don’t think you have any excuse for not starting a business; even if you have no money.

7.   Bootstrap your way to success

Lastly, you can bootstrap your startup by operating on a lean budget. Bootstrap financing is an alternative for those who are finding it difficult to raise funds for their business. Bootstrapping financing is simply the art of running a business on internally generated funds which are often limited. It involves the tactical deployment of resources while giving little room for waste. Effectiveness and efficiency are two watchwords in the game of bootstrapping.

  Seven Additional tips on how to start a small business with no money

As a final note, I want you to know that there will never be a situation where you will be provided with excessive capital to start a business. All lights will never go green and all the stars will never line up for you. There is no perfect time to start a business.

Once you have identified an opportunity, you just have to learn to run with what you’ve got. Don’t sit on your ideas simply because you have no money; start with what you have. Even if all you have is an idea and your enthusiasm; start with it. Where there is a will, there will surely be a way.

How to Start an Online Business

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? Do you want to learn how to start an online business? Do you want to build a multi million dollar internet business? Then read on as i share with you everything you need to know about starting an internet business.

As technology increases, the drift from the offline business world to the online business world is also on the increase. With the rise of internet billionaires and entrepreneurs such as Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, Pierre Omidyar and Jeff Bezos; starting an online business or tech company is now the new craze for startup entrepreneurs.

 Now how do you start an online business?

My answer is i don’t know. The reason i say this is because from my personal experience, there is no definite path or pattern to starting an internet business. Once you have a good internet business idea or plan; you have started the journey to building a business online.

 What does it take to start a business on the internet?

The answer is nothing much. As an entrepreneur that have successfully built both internet companies and brick and mortar businesses, i can attest that starting a business does not require any special skill or talent. All you need is the right knowledge, the right business plan, the right mindset and the willingness to learn. Once these four keys are locked in synergy; you’ve got a potential internet business in your hands. Note that i never mentioned money because i believe it does not take money to make money online these days. I built my first successful online business starting from scratch; with almost no money. All i started with were the four keys i mentioned above.

Now what’s the best internet business opportunity to invest in?

The honest answer is that there is nothing like the best business idea or opportunity. The best internet business for you should probably be a business you are passionate about and willing to learn it through. When it comes to starting a successful online business, passion, knowledge and marketing skills are more important than money and ideas. Now how do you start an online business with less than $100 and still succeed? Read on.

  How to Start an Online Business with $100 or less and Still Succeed

1.  Get in the right mindset

The first step to starting an online business is to get in the right frame of mind and getting in the right mindset begins with you determining why you want to start an internet business? This is a question you must answer before even drawing up a plan for your proposed online business.

The reason you must ask yourself this question is because most people start an internet business solely with the aim of getting rich. Just like the California gold rush, people are rushing online to start a business with the hope of striking it rich. Everyday i see ads screaming “Make $10,000 in 24 hours.” The truth is that making $10,000 in 24 hours on the internet is highly possible but it won’t happen overnight. You need to first build the system that will generate such profit and building such business system takes years.

This is why i emphasize you be in the right mind frame before starting any business; whether online or offline. The honest truth is that you can never build a successful internet business overnight because building an internet business requires a process. Just like every other business, you must pass through the same entrepreneurial process; regardless of the nature of the business you are building, or the industry you are operating in.

The principles of running a business is the same everywhere; regardless of your business model or region of operation. Building a successful internet business takes a lot of hard work, so you must be prepared for it.

2. Increase your knowledge base

The next step to starting an internet business is to increase your knowledge base. Starting an internet business might require you learn new skills, new words and new mode of operation.

My first internet business failed, simply because i lacked the technical know how to get things done and resolve arising problems. I also lost some money on some other online investment opportunities i ventured into. The investment opportunities was not the problem. The major problem was that i never knew what i was doing, so i couldn’t tell the difference between a sound investment company and a scam. This is why it is very important you gather adequate information about your proposed business idea and the industry you will be operating in.

Now for those aspiring to start an online business, i want you to know that running an internet business entails you will be operating on a faster medium, where customer service, service delivery and transactions happen in split seconds or minutes; so you need to be prepared for the speed. Also, the kind of business you want to start online, your business model or industry you will be operating in will determine the type of specialize knowledge you will acquire.

If you want to run an e-commerce site, you will need knowledge of its modus operandi because the knowledge required to start a blog differs from the knowledge required to start an e-bay business, an e-commerce store or an affiliate site. So you need to decide on the type of internet business you want to start and get to work learning about its intricacies.

3.  Find a niche

Is your internet business going to target the mass market like Google, Facebook, Amazon or is it going to target a niche like eToys, plentyof fish and Match? Before I go into the process involved with finding a niche, let’s first define what a niche is.

Now what is a niche?

A niche is a group of people with a common interest; a niche is your targeted market. It’s as simple as that. If your internet business is going to appeal to golf enthusiasts; then those golf enthusiasts are your niche.

Examples of popular niches are football fans, Students, Teenagers, Sports Betting, Forex Traders, Weight Watchers, Pool, Arsenal Fans, Chelsea Fans, Man U Fans, Singles, Game lovers, Housewives, Nursing Mothers, Careers, Dating, Education, Marriage, making Money and so on.

How to find a high paying, low competitive Niche for your Internet Business

Finding a niche online is like doing feasibility study and the first step to finding a niche is to compile a list of niches you have interest in. Examples are book lovers, students, football fans, basket ball fans, game lovers, photographers and so on. If you are short of niche ideas, you can rush now to the following websites for more ideas and research:

  Amazon – www.amazon.com is by far one of the best sites to do your niche market research on. Search any of their department for niche ideas. They have certain sections that tell you exactly what’s selling in their marketplace, some of such sections are:

  • Hot New Releases
  • Most Gifted
  • Most Wished For
  • Movers & Shakers

  EBay Pulse – pulse.ebay.com will give you the breakdown of current trends and cool stuff that is selling on eBay. It also gives you a list of popular searches, largest stores and most watched items

    Google Trends – www.google.com/trends is used to compare certain niches to see if it is the right time of year to launch am internet business. This will compare the world’s interest in chosen niche markets.

   Traffic Potential – After we’ve identified a few potential niches we want to see if the traffic is there or if people are even searching for information or products in this niche. I usually use Google Keyword Tool – adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

How to Start an Online Business on your personal strengths or skill

Now i will explain how to start an online business on your strengths, hobby, talent or personal skill and still make a lots of money from it. You can build a successful business on the internet around your personal life, hobby, talent, skill or anything else.

It is very possible to turn any hobby, talent or skill you possess into a profitable internet business. But I think it’s worthwhile you know that not all niches are inherently profitable because the niche you choose, often determines the future size and profitability of your internet business to some extent.

When going this route, it is important to pick a niche that you are genuinely interested in because the natural passion you have for the niche sustains the content creation process and will actually make the whole chore of running an internet business enjoyable. So the first thing you would do is create a list of topics that interest you. So my own list would be something like this:

  • Making money
  •  Reading
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Writing
  • Martial Arts

So I would start with Entrepreneurship since I love starting and building businesses. For me, Entrepreneurship is my passion and that’s why I created StrategicBusinessTeam.com. When building a business online around your passion and interest, it is important to also check the search volume and see the traffic potential so you will not waste your time building a business around a niche that doesn’t make you any money.

How to Start an Online Business with $100 or less and Still Succeed

4.  Choose your internet business model

So you want to start an online business? And you have also found a niche? Now what is going to be your business model? How are you going to serve this niche while still profiting from it? This is where the task of determining your internet business model comes in.

When it comes to starting an internet business; you have to choose an internet business model. Are you going to build an internet business on the Google model or the Amazon model? That’s for you to decide.

There are different types of internet business models you can use as a benchmark to set up yours. You can run an internet business on any of the following models:

  • Subscription model – This is a model where your customers pay you daily, weekly, monthly or yearly to use your product or services. Example of such model is Aweber, Inc.com, etc
  • Service provision model – This is a model where your customers pay you for the services rendered. Example of such services may include Website designing, SEO services, etc.
  • Product model – This is a model where your customers pay you a one time fee for your products. Example of companies using this model include Alstrasoft, Amazon, etc.
  • Affiliate model – This is a model where you generate profits by selling other people’s products. The affiliate business model may also involve the recruitment of affiliates to sell either your products or other people’s product while you earn a commission. Examples of companies running this model include Amazon, Clickbank.com, CJ.com, etc.
  • Fremium + advertising model – This business model requires you to provide something of value to a massive amount of people for free. While you make money from the backend either by selling advertising space or other people’s product. Examples of companies using this model include Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, 2Go, etc. Even this blog you are reading now operates on this model.

Now regardless of the internet business model you choose, just make sure you understand its intricacies and fundamentals.

5.  Write a one page Business plan

One important piece of the puzzle most entrepreneurs miss when starting a business online is the “writing of a business plan.” Majority of internet businesses existing today started as a one person affair or partnership; so most entrepreneurs don’t deem it fit to write a business plan for their internet business.

However, if you are interested in building an online business that will attract outside investors and expand seamlessly, then you must write a business plan for your proposed online business. The business plan must explain in detail how you intend to grow or expand the internet business, your exit strategy, your competitive strategy, the capability of your team, your business idea and model, financial projections, etc.

6.  Define your marketing strategy

How do you intend to attract traffic (customers or visitors) to your online business? How much are you willing to spend on advertising? And what marketing tactics will you employee to grow your customer base? You have to figure these puzzles out before launching your internet business. There’s a lot of marketing avenues you can exploit to attract visitors to your online business but I won’t go into its details here.

How to Start an Internet Business with $100 or less and Still Succeed

7. Register a domain name

If you have successfully completed step one to six; then you are half way to starting your own internet business. The next step you have to take is to register a domain name for your internet business. Registering a domain name for your internet business is like registering a business name for your offline business and just like the offline counterpart, your domain name have to be unique and used by you alone.

Now how do you choose a good domain name for your online business? Well, I can’t answer this question in detail here but I have written an exclusive article on choosing a good domain name; you can check the archives for it.

8.  Choose a web hosting company

A web hosting company is like the official location of your offline business. When choosing a web hosting company, there are a lot of factors that must be considered. Over the years of doing business online, i have heard horror stories about web host companies, so it is very advisable you do your due diligence before selecting a hosting company.

9.  Find an internet business mentor

Finding an internet business mentor or coach is very crucial to your success as an internet entrepreneur. Just as i have business mentors offline, i also have business coaches and mentors online. Now how do you select a business mentor online? While I can’t answer this question directly, all I want you to know is that your online business mentor must to be a person who has passed the level you aim to attain. He or she must be a doer and must have passed through the entrepreneurial successfully.

If your goal is to build a million dollar business online; then look for a business coach or entrepreneur that own a million dollar company or has built and sold a million dollar internet company. Only then will you gain tremendously from his/her experience.

How to Start an Internet Business with $100 or less and Still Succeed

10.Set your goal

What’s your goal? Where do you want your internet business to be in the next five years? When it comes to starting an online business; you need to set challenging goals, I mean goals that will force you out of your comfort zone. Goals can also serve as a benchmark on which you can gauge your progress or growth. Aside serving as a benchmark; goals will help you maintain focus and boost your productivity.

11.  Work it out

After going through step one to ten; the game doesn’t end there. Starting and building a successful internet business is not a one hit affair; it’s an continuous process that requires hard work and commitment.

In fact, the startup phase of your internet business will require you work your socks off. Sincerely speaking, building a successful internet business is not easy as it’s painted to be but the rewards is tremendously comforting. Once your internet business reaches stability; most of its operations will now be run on autopilot and this is where the beauty of the game comes in.

As a final note, these are the eleven exact steps I took to build my own internet business. As you strive to start your own online business, always remember that success can be replicated and you don’t need to re-invent the wheel; just follow in the foot steps of those who have made it and you will hit your own pot of gold.

Best Small Business ideas

Are you an entrepreneur looking for the best small business ideas for 2013? Do you need a list of business ideas for beginners or startup business ideas with low investment? Do you want to quit your job this year and start a business? Then please read on because this article is for you.

I once wrote an article on how to make a million dollars fast and how to start a business with no money. So i this article, I will be revealing the best small business ideas, best franchises opportunities, new startup business ideas, home based business ideas for students and who wish to take the entrepreneurial bull by the horn this year. This list of entrepreneurial ideas will prove useful to all entrepreneurs; regardless of the available start up capital.

An entrepreneur with a startup business capital of $1,000 or less can take advantage of the business opportunities list here just as the entrepreneur with a million dollar startup capital. The only difference between these two classes of entrepreneurs will be their level of play. So don’t be deterred by the magnitude of startup capital at hand; after all, Rome was not built in a day.

Before I list my best small business ideas for the year, I want to clearly state that this list does not in any way replace the need for you to do a feasibility study and come up with a winning business plan, so take note. Also bear in mind that this list does not in any way minimize the business challenges involved with starting a business; neither does it make the entrepreneurial process easier, nor does it eliminate the risk of business failure.

  Who will Benefit Most from these Proven Successful Small Business Ideas

  • Men
  • Young people
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Women and House wives or Moms
  • Kids and Teens
  • College students
  • Employees and Civil servants
  • Retirees

  A useful advice for those seeking the top small business ideas for 2013

In as much as I have taken pain to prepare this list, I want to point out an honest truth and that truth is this:

“There is nothing like the best business idea or opportunity. There is nothing like the best business environment or business plan, you just have to work with what you have and understand it to the core.”

The truth is that you can find success in any industry or sector you choose. All you need is to understand your customer’s need and add a little innovation to your business. So whether you are searching for internet business ideas, good work from home low capital business ideas or manufacturing business ideas; you will surely find this article useful. I think I have said it all; it’s up to you now to either accept the reality or continue to chase shadows. So if you are still ready for something new; then read on as I share with you 50 great startup business ideas for the year.

How to Create or Choose the Best Small Business Ideas

 Top 50 List of Best Small Business ideas: Startup Business ideas for 2013

  • Start an internet business

Best Online Business ideas – Do you intending starting an internet business or a brick and mortar? Well, regardless of the industry you intend breaking into or the business idea you have your sleeves; it is advisable you build an internet company around it. Putting your business on the web is probably the best venture ever. Why? The reason is because the internet is still a rapidly growing trend, thus making an online business a hot one. All you need to start your own internet business is just a little innovation on your already existing idea. Jeff Bezos did it with Amazon, by putting a bookstore on the web. You can do the same.

  • Start a food retail or wholesale business

Food retail business is one business I am passionate about; especially staple foods. Why? The reason is because humans must eat to survive. Regardless of the economic condition, or your personal financial situation; you must eat. With an ever growing demand for food worldwide, propelled by a rapidly bursting population; the food business is something you should start today.

  • Green business ideas

Green Business ideas – The green business industry is a rapidly growing trend. Just as the internet was a fast growing trend in the 80s, the green business is the next wave of trend that will create millionaires and billionaires. In fact, this is an innovative hot business opportunity with a future potential. With a increase in eco-consciousness and the need to conserve energy; you definitely need to go green now before it’s too late. You can practically venture into the industry in any capacity; from retailing energy bulbs, solar panel and installation, inverters and power generators, etc.

  • Start a cleaning business

How to start a janitorial business – You can start a cleaning business in any capacity ranging from carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, roof cleaning, office cleaning, foreclosed properties cleaning, home cleaning, etc. You can also operate this business on a part time basis.

  • Start a poultry business

How to start a poultry farm business – The poultry business itself is a broad niche. You may decide to focus on Domestic fowls or hen, ducks, quails, turkeys, guinea fowls, peacocks, etc. You may also decide to go into operating an incubator or hatchery, poultry feed production and retailing, egg production, etc.

  • Start a catering business

How to start a catering business from home – As a caterer, you can choose to go into full scale catering services alongside event planning services or you may decide to specialize on food cooking, snacks baking or cakes, barbeque preparation, etc.

Service Business ideas

Industry Based Business Ideas

Regional Business ideas

Gender Based Business ideas

 Skill Acquisition

Top 50 List of Best Small Business ideas: Startup Business ideas for 2013

Small Scale Business Opportunities