Being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t mean you can’t be a small business owner. In fact, there are plenty of non-ecommerce businesses that you can start.
Below, we will discuss some potential business ideas to help you get started. We will also talk about what steps you will need to take to get your non-ecommerce business off the ground and running. Let’s dig in!
Ideas for Your Non-eCommerce Business
Some great business ideas for those who don’t want to start an ecommerce website include:
- Virtual assistant services
- Translation services
- Massage therapist
- Personal trainer
- Yoga instructor
- Pet care
- Tutoring
- Writing
If you have a skill you have been wanting to share with others or if you are interested in any of these options, then this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
You’ll need to do some research on your state’s requirements for starting your own business, as well as learn what steps you’ll need to take to get your business off the ground.
4 Critical Steps to Starting a New Business
1. Choose a Business Structure
The structure of your business will largely depend on what type of services you offer. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, you’ll want to be sure that no one else is dependent on the income generated by your business.
For example, if your specialization is in art or tutoring, then it may make sense for you to partner with other specialists in your area and share ad space in local publications and directories like Yelp to draw more customers.
Choosing the right business structure for yourself and your family takes careful consideration. There are three basic types of structures: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, and corporation.
Your choice will depend on the type of work you do, whether or not there will be partners involved in the project, who owns the company assets, tax implications, and more.
2. Create a Business Plan
The first step in starting a business is to write a business plan. A business plan should describe your company, detail how you’ll sell your services, describe how your business will be structured, and include what funding you’ll need and financial projections.
3. Find Funding
You might need to seek outside funding to start your business because there are a few upfront costs that you will incur.
Before you begin your search for funding, it’s best to do some research on the business models available and identify which one is the best fit for you and your business idea.
There are a variety of options for funding, so reviewing those options first will help narrow down the type of investor you need. For example, venture capitalists typically favor technology startups with high growth potential, while traditional investors may favor more conservative companies that don’t require significant investment capital.
4. Create an Invoicing Process
Having an invoicing process in place is crucial to creating a successful and profitable business.
In order to get paid quickly and on time, you’ll need to bill customers immediately, use clear language, and accept a variety of payment methods.
There are many stay-at-home business ideas for busy parents. Whether you’re starting a business as a side gig for full-time endeavor, use the tips above for support.
About the Author
Marcus Lansky was born with a spinal condition so severe that his parents were told he would never walk. Lansky was a spunky child, and despite all the odds against him he learned to walk with the help of countless doctors, physical therapists, and cheerleaders. He specializes in helping people with disabilities to start their own businesses.
