Looking to get your feet wet with your own business?
There are tons of things you can do all by yourself — without the help of a college professor, coach, or business partner. These tried-and-true one person business ideas are perfect for aspiring founders looking to drop the 9-5 and try something new.
There's hope for the world's want-rapreneurs. Here are some time-tested one person business ideas:
Virtual Assistant Services
Today, you can easily do secretarial work remotely from anywhere in the world. Lots of businesses look for virtual assistants because contract workers are more economical than fulltime, on-site employees. From receptionist services to booking travel, you can handle everything your clients need remotely from your home. Depending on experience and client industry, virtual assistants can earn between $20 and $100 an hour. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork can help you connect with clients who are looking for your services.
Requires: Expert organizational skills
Freelance/Consulting Work
If you’re really good at one particular thing, you can use that expertise to work as a freelancer or consultant. Many businesses don’t want to, or can’t, commit to a full-time employee for things like social media, copywriting, web development, and design. If you have experience with them, you can sell your knowledge to help improve your clients’ marketing. What you can earn will depend largely on what your specialty is, but freelancers who are great at what they do can make a very good living. You can get connected with clients on sites like Elance and Guru.
Requires: Specialized expertise (in writing, web development, social media, etc.). Some certifications may be helpful in gaining credibility.
Dog Businesses Such as Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet sitting is a great business model for those that already have a love for animals. While people are away on vacation or at work, you can take care of their pets, either in your home, theirs, or at a separate facility. Get your pet CPR and first aid certification so that people know you’re trustworthy. It won’t hurt if you have a few healthy animals of your own to show off. Begin by taking care of friends and family’s pets. Usually dog walkers charge about $20 per hour, but that depends on location. Check out websites like Rover and DogVacay to find jobs.
Requires: a love for animals, a safe and large space or the ability to travel, potentially pet sitting certifications
Residential Cleaning Services
Cleaning people's homes is a lucrative business! Many are willing to shell out hundreds of dollars (depending on the size of their space) for a house that's spic-and-span. It's hard work, but doesn't cost much to start. As you grow and take on more clients, you can begin to hire people you trust to help, expanding your operation. You'll need an arsenal of cleaning products and the world's best vacuum, but you won't need an office space.
Requires: a really decent vacuum, a mode of transportation to get you to client homes
Health and/or Beauty Experts
There's a wide array of business options for those that love health and beauty. From wellness coaches to spray tan artists, to massage therapists and makeup artists, there's plenty to do. You just need a little know-how, some certifications, and a client-base. Before you dive head first into an idea, read some books to see what interests you.
Requires: Certifications, depending on what you want to go for
Food Trucks
Food trucks have taken large American cities by storm. Many drive around selling things like fancy grilled cheese, Vietnamese sandwiches, and even creative takes on ice cream. If you have a crazy idea for a food that everyone loves, a food truck is a great way to go. You might have to hire staff if things get cooking, but you can start out with just 'lil old you.
Requires: A great food idea, a truck (usually costs about $50,000)
Home Care Services
Elderly people are often cared for in their own home by an expert, who is usually known as an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider. Offering home care services is a good business venture for someone who has a kind heart, a lot of compassion, and a calming demeanor. Depending on where you live, you will need to complete a short program to become eligible.
Requires: Nursing certifications depending on state
Ecommerce Shops (Yep, Your Very Own T-Shirt Shop!)
It’s really easy to start an ecommerce shop these days. You don’t even need to be able to code a website. You can sell t-shirts, knick-knacks, jewelry, or any other item using Shopify or Storenvy. You can even begin selling your wares on Etsy.
Requires: Ability to print t-shirts or create other items
College Counselor
It's a fight to get into college, so why not help high school students make the decision that's right for them? Partner with local schools, offer your services to parents, and help get students into the college of their dreams. You can help students pick out a list of schools, write college essays, and eas
Requires: A college degree, some knowledge of college applications, writing and editing abilities
Niche One Person Business Ideas
Some of the most lucrative businesses are oddball, niche businesses you'd never even think of. When you're out and about, notice the small details and see if you can figure out who sells them. Here are a few crazy niche businesses that are run by one person: selling mannequins, repairing dolls, selling goggles for pets, chicken rentals (yes, that’s really a thing), personal jellyfish tanks, and parking lot striping.
Requires: Creativity, an ability to see a need in an unexpected place
You're One Great Person, So Start a Business
At the end of the day, if you have passion and a great work ethic, you'll be successful in anything that you do. So get out there and start your entrepreneurial journey!
Don't see anything that's a good fit for you on this list? Here are even more small business ideas.
Do you have any ideas for a one person business? Please share with us!