The new year often brings with it new hopes, wishes and goals. For an aspiring entrepreneur, it might bring a new business. Wondering what business to start? Many of the business trends you'll see in 2011 will be a great fit for a mompreneur.
"The downturn in the economy opened the gates to a new generation of mompreneurs who are tech savvy and innovative," says Maria Bailey, author of Trillion Dollar Moms and host of Mom Talk Radio. "Mothers have alway been the leaders when necessity appears and many moms who were in the home when their spouses lost their jobs stepped up."
1. Still social: Social media has been hot, and I don't expect the sizzle to die out anytime soon. Mompreneurs are coming up with online businesses that take advantage of moms doing what they already do -- connect. Why is this good business for moms? It can be done from home, on your own time, with a relatively low investment. The idea is to find like-minded people who would like to connect. The business model is usually to get enough people using the site that you can charge advertisers. In fact, websites like WordPress and Ning give you the ability to put your social media website together with little expertise and a small budget.
Sample social media sites by mompreneurs:
- Leah Segedie, creator of bookieboo.com, a fitness site
- Kristen Munson, creator of socialmediamom.com
- Heather Reinhard, creator of thetamom.com
2. Green will be great: When you become a mom, you want to make the world better. We've never been so receptive to new products and services that will be good for us and the environment. Nonprofits like Healthy Child Healthy World and celebs like Jamie Oliver with his Food Revolution are creating awareness about how anyone can be part of the change. Moms are realizing they can make products or start companies that will benefit their families and the world.
Sample eco-friendly companies by mompreneurs:
- Kim Wall, creator of Episencial, an all-natural skin-care system
- Sheil Caldwell, creator of The Baggonizer, a reusable grocery bag organizing system
- Karen Kerk Courtney, creator of Bare Organics, organic skin-care and baby-care products
3. Apps are it: That mom on the phone may be launching her business. While most mobile app developers are men, an article in the Huffington Post revealed that many moms are joining the competitive game. A new group called Moms With Apps helps family-friendly developers who share best practices on making and marketing mobile apps.
Sample mobile apps from mompreneurs:
- Jennifer Wong, creator of Baby Bump, pregnancy tracker and baby names
- Gwen von Harten, creator of Roadtrip Bingo, a family travel game
- Jill Seman, creator of Mom Maps, which finds kid-friendly locations on the go
4. Franchising: Within franchising, we are seeing growing interest in franchises that deal with seniors, health care and fitness. Plus, there are more and more low-cost and home-based models, which are often a great fit for moms.
Of course, it doesn't matter what's hot if you don't love your business. Some may say all of the great ideas have been done, but entrepreneurs keep showing us that we've barely scratched the surface. I look forward to seeing new businesses from all of you "mothers of invention."
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Comments:
Don't forget owning and running an ecommerce business! This is the perfect business for someone who wants to work from home in their own time running a business and earning additional income for their family. Jen V www.pure-ecommerce.com
After 20+ years of trial and error in home based businesses, we have learned that it is well worth the time and effort. Just remember: Sow, Cultivate, THEN Harvest... We tried all the other combinations- lol Find a valuable product or service that gives more value than what your customers pay for, and they can't buy somewhere else, and Stick and Stay to get your pay !
Good points. Communication technology is really allowing people to work from anywhere. "Work at home" is kind of becoming an outdated term. With WiFi popping up all over the place, you could work at the bookstore, the park or a resturaunt. It's a great time to generate your own streams of income, and the Internet gives everyone a shot no matter what your background is.
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It would have been great if you would have touched upon Network Marketting as well as a hot biz trend.
I work with seniors here in my town in Georgia and it is so rewarding..... www.drizzlestyle.biz
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3 Excellent Home Based Business Ideas for Part-Timers In today's economic turmoil, people are now more receptive to the idea of building a business and are looking for home based business ideas. With all the massive layoffs that have taken place and the unprecedented high unemployment rates, it is smart today for people to have other streams of income other than the primary income stream from the not so reliable JOB. Building a home based business is an excellent method for people to supplement income and/or replace existing income. The following home business ideas can be done part-time while working a full-time job. All of these business opportunities have the potential to earn a real significant income to change a person's lifestyle: 1. Affiliate Marketing Affiliate Marketing is one of the many popular home based business ideas available to people. The concept is simple where you the marketer is promoting products via the internet for companies while earning commissions for each sale. Typically you will find a niche and market for the company by placing an advertisement such as banner ads, graphics, or text links to drive the consumer to buy the product. This will earn you a commission on the sales or clicks that the advertisement generates. In this business model of home business ideas, you can also build a list of a targeted market which will allow you to market via email marketing and makes sales over time and growing your home based business. 2. Network Marketing Network Marketing is another one of the many very popular home based business ideas. The concept is similar to affiliate marketing. You as the independent representative are promoting products and services for companies while earning commissions for bringing a sale. You also have the option to promote the home business opportunities to other people. Promoting the business opportunity allows you to build a sales force and override commissions within the sales team. As your sales team and customer base grows in your home based business, the commissions and residual income grow proportionately. This business model is a very lucrative business model considering the other home business ideas because of residual income. 3. E-commerce E-commerce is a great option for home based business ideas. The concept behind E-commerce is composed of setting up a website where you can sell products from vendors in any particular niche all across the world. Think of E-commerce as online retailing where you would sell products in any particular niche you wish. For example a variety of pet nutritional products could be sold on your website or online retail store. Another form of E-commerce, is setting up an eBay or Amazon account and selling your own products or products from companies that allow you buy bulk at wholesale pricing. Although the three home based business ideas are conceptually simple, building any of these three mentioned home based business models is not simple and requires an investment of time, money, and commitment. Be weary of any programs promoting easy road to riches or promises of fast easy money. This is not the case with any legitimate home business opportunity. Remember there is always a learning curve to master. Anyone promoting thousands of dollars in days, weeks, even months can very well be illegitimate and should not be considered with the other home business ideas. The key to finding legitimate business opportunities is to find a company with a good track record, good product base, a fair to excellent compensation plan, and/ or excellent margins for a home based business. These ideas are some of the best things to do to get started on a part-time basis and build additional streams of income to supplement or perhaps a Plan B to replace an existing job. Many times the problem for many people is not knowing how to go about starting their business or even what business would be right for them. Sign up and learn more about an excellent home based business and discover how to leverage the internet to build a home based business online as well as a network marketing business at http://www.provenonlinemarketingsystem.net or http://www.workingwithxavier.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6154529
Business opportunities are not hard to find – there is an abundance these days as unstable times create incredible opportunities. You could buy an existing business, a franchise, or open your own sole proprietorship or LLC with a unique product/service. But how do you know you have a successful business idea? Do you want to start a business but feel you don’t have a big groundbreaking idea? Maybe you have limited capital or a small amount of bandwidth to invest into the business due to other responsibilities. I recently wrote an article on how to find business opportunities and ideas, explaining several techniques useful for brainstorming ideas, found here: http://bit.ly/9aaxjM It is up to you to grab them and make the most of the opportunity. Many people believe that being an entrepreneur requires months to years of planning. They are wrong. You never know when the best opportunity might come knocking at your door saying, “Hey! I’m here. Let’s do this.” Yes, there are risks involved, but risks are (an essential) part of becoming a successful entrepreneur. You must believe in your abilities, connect with your dreams, and relentlessly pursue your goals. Today’s hypercompetitive market is full of sharks (competitors) but there are also a lot of fish (customers) out there too. When you make the decision to jump into entrepreneurship, realize that you become your own accountant, marketing director, mentor, and sales executive. In addition, you’ll need to master quick thinking and the ability to adapt to any given situation. Your products/services will not sell themselves. Therefore it is necessary to be aggressive, sociable, think on your toes, and possess street smarts. Learn what people want and project loud and clear how your product/service solves their need. A successful entrepreneur will take any idea and analyze it. Don’t think that the only “good” ideas are big groundbreaking ones. Even small ideas that seem ineffective can develop into a thriving business. The key to making an idea effective is to listen. Listen to everything and anything people around you discuss: topics at the dinner table, conversations at work, even people talking in line at the grocery store. You will be surprised how many ideas you can gather in just one day by using this simple approach. Jot down the ideas you have heard and take action. Being an entrepreneur involves continuous brainstorming for new ideas. Remember: listen, analyze, and take action! Best regards, Gary Whitehill http://www.garywhitehill.com/
Definitely all are great ideas dealing with online applications but many times the problem for many people is not knowing how to go about starting their business or even what business would be right for them. Mothers should look into direct sales and/or online marketing. These are two great avenues to start exploring because they are low risk, low capital to get started, the skills learned can help them get there feet wet in any further entrepreneurial ventures, and business is about timing and the timing could not be better today. If you are interested on starting a direct sales business visit my blog at http://www.workingwithxavier.com or if you want to learn more about internet marketing visit http://www.provenonlinemarketingsystem.net. Good luck with your home base business hunting:)
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These are all great ideas for home-based businesses. We can't help but notice that a lot of these business ideas are geared toward the rising developments in online technology, such as the "social media moms." These businesses are an example of the importance of forming an online presence to help your business succeed.
I have attempted network marketing at least 4 times in my life with different companies. Each time it was disasterous. Then i learned that very people (less than 5 percent) actually make a decent living with network marketing and so unless you are just looking for just some extra money on the side-network marketing will most likely not provide a livable wage. Instead i decided to focus my efforts on getting an Insurance Agent license to sell insurance. This is a much more viable option.
Agree with Dr Bill Toth. Network Marketing is a great way for moms to create or replace income while freeing up time to spend with the family.I have looked into many companies out there and have found a Great opportunity with Ardyss International. A wide range of products that cover almost every aspect of daily life. A Green Clean line of house hold products that are plant based not only is helping Moms improve their families overall health but is also positioning them to create tremendous wealth. Their compensation plan has helped many become financially independent in less than 2 years.
Moms should also consider a Network Marketing Business. The Direct Selling Association is a great place to start your due diligence. Capital Investment is low, risk is low. Coaching and mentoring is invaluable and usuallt available at no charge. The leveraged income and time allows mom to actually BE a mom more often. And her children will learn how to build a business and have a life. Network Marketing done improperly is a nightmare and Network Marketing done properly is an absolute dream. Live With Intention, DrBillToth.com/blog
Moms should also consider a Network Marketing Business. The Direct Selling Association is a great plac e to start one's due diligence. Investment is low, risk is low. Coaching and Mentoring is readily available, usually at no charge and the leveraged income allows mom to be a mom more often. Along with her children learning how to build a business by being there while mom is doing it. Network Marketing done improperly is a nightmare, Network Marketing done correctly is an absolute dream. Live With Intention, DrBillToth.com/blog
I am surprised that no network marketing companies are mentioned here.
I like the in-office shredding service mentioned in a related article. I need that for my home office right now! I'm sure that a folding luggage carrier would tote a heavy duty shredder easily.
business for a new mom
Great article, I love to see other mom's succeeding at home business's to stay home with the kids. That is precisely the road I have been on and love the information and support. http://www.brooksherb.co. .
I started HERLIFE Magazine over 3 years ago so I could have a have a better work life balance. And just a few months ago, I began franchising to offer the same great opportunity to other moms like me! It is a home based business model that makes for low start up cost and great income potential!
I started an at-home business so I can be home for my kids. Yea for all of you that has done the same! I would say if you have a business idea, go for it! Good luck everybody! http://www.SewnInspirations.com
Connecting with others has always been a great way to gain insight and get educated.... Enlightenment at its best.
I dig the article, but why does it always have to be mom-centric? There are plenty of us stay at home dad's out there. Why not title this article "Hot Business Trends for Parents?"
Congrats Heather on the mention. We started blogging around the same time and I've noticed that things have definitely changed in the mom blogging space!
Thanks Lisa, it's now fixed. Nice to see Heather Reinhard there. :)
Great article highlighting trends that the "Mom" community has captured and continues to redefine. If you're a Mom, or anyone else, with an idea who's looking for tips to starting a business, you should take a look at our guide: http://ow.ly/3ot1V
Lisa, I appreicate the link back to Theta Mom but that is not my last name!!!
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