Startup Business Ideas That Thrive During Hard TimesThere are startup business ideas that are recession proof. You can make money through good times and hard times with these startup business ideas, and a little imagination. If you love helping people and making money one of these business ideas could be right for you. Business Support ProfessionalLay offs and cutbacks create an increased demand fir independent office support services to perform administrative and operational duties of previous staff. With Internet access, these independent professionals work from home for firms and clients all over the world.Tips for Success: Offer general services or focus in industries with which you have experience and knowledge. Take time to write a business plan and set up an efficient home office with essential equipment and software. Solicit firms who have announced downing plans and professionals whose practices are growing. Seek referrals from clients and other entrepreneurs. Career CounselingCareer counselors offer individuals or groups guidance in finding new vocations or training based on their skills and life goals. Likely clients include individuals who have lost their jobs or wish to go into new careers; and business owners who want to help employers retrain for new positions in their companies or in the job market.Tips for Success: Independent career counselors usually have counseling graduate degrees, plus, experience and knowledge of job skills required for one or more industries or professions. Check for licensing requirements. Market your services through your web site, referrals, leading workshops, and/or writing articles, books, and e-books.
Budget Travel service:Even in economic slumps, people love to travel, so you can start an online budget travel service, offering to customize economy tours and trips for organizations, families, and business owners. Look for travel industry “niches” serving special populations such as individuals with disabilities or pet owners; plus local bus companies and passenger trains; and state tourist agencies for affordable touring options.Tips for Success: This is one of the great startup businessideas that requires some additional schooling, certification, and experience are needed to offer a quality travel service. Use Internet social and web-video to sites to feature some of your popular travel destinations; send out periodic emails and special discounts to regular customers; and solicit online feedback and testimonials from your satisfied travelers. Conduct local questions-answers travel workshops at trade shows and/or on your local cable television stations. Collection ServicesUnfortunately, slow economic times increase the need for collection services. Despite the bad reputation resulting from unethical practices of some debt collectors, the industry promotes professionalism and ethical practices as its professionals strive to help individuals and businesses collect money owed to them and stay solvent. Some collection businesses also offer clients invoicing and billing, and other related services. This one of those great startup business ideas that will be there during all economic times.Tips for Success: Extensive training, experiences in this industry, and knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices ACT (FDCPA) and other laws, are essential for your success. Utilize the industry software and technology to track your operations. Be aware of legal consequences of any unfair practices on your part, and be ready to work with both parties to get payment agreements. Consultant, Professional (in your industry)If you have recently lost your job or have been thinking about going out on your own, and have experience, qualifications and the recognition of being an expert in your field or industry, consider becoming a professional consultant. In bad economies, business owners and individuals who need consultants’ money-saving expertise are good potential first customers.Tips for Success: Successful consultants are skilled at problem solving and communicate well with their clients. Write a strategic business and marketing plan. As it takes time to build a consultant practice, start part-time if you still have a job, or moonlight in other endeavors until your business’s profits can support you. Do not forget to network with other consultants in business organizations, and industry associations for tips, and referrals. Professional Life CoachPeople “burn out” in their present occupations or who have lost their jobs due to an economic downturn need job/career selection guidance. A professional life coach helps clients assess their present situations, interests, and needs, and suggest career choices; along with specific actions and steps to their clients can take to achieve theirs life goals.Tips for Success: Professional coaches have education and experience in human resources, psychology, business, and other human interest professions. Hold community seminars; write columns or articles in local papers or industry-related publications and online sites, and other free initial consultations to attract new customers. Send e-mails, e-newsletters, and tips to stay in touch with paying clients. Resume Writing ServiceProfessional resume writer provide clients with attention-grabbing cover letters and well written resumes, in both print and electronic formats, that convince employers of the value of hiring their clients. Interview coaching, posting clients’ résumés to specific job sites that that match clients skills and pre-screening services to businesses are additional services you might offer with these startup business ideas.Tips for Success: Potential customers include those who have been laid off, recent graduates, worker re-entering the work force, those discharged form military service, and those seeking new careers. Marketing your services with community workshops, and join forces with related professionals, like career counselors or employment agencies.
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