Ideas for Little Businesses That Make Big Profits

Setting up a profitable small business is not something that happens overnight; but by following the ground rules it is possible to make a great long term income. Here are some hints and ideas for getting it right.

Combine your baking and creative skills with a cake design service, from a shop, unit and/or the net. A cakes by post delivery service and getting into the lucrative wedding market could make you good money. Remember exceptional customer service is they key to success rather than a necessary evil; existing happy customers will provide you with new ones.

If your hobbies include art or photography, design and sell personalised calendars and calendars to order. Constantly seek customer feedback so your business evolves with their needs. Attention to detail makes a big difference to customer satisfaction. Separate your personal and business accounts to save time and money and to protect your personal assets.

Offer a calligraphy service to wedding planners and individuals. It’s so important to return phone calls promptly and to keep both promises and commitments; this way, your reputation for reliability builds over time

If you own or rent suitable land at home or abroad, set up a caravan/camping site. Successful managers place great value on developing lifetime relationships with their customers, who will come year after year. Tourism is such a competitive area and they are aware that their customers have so much choice that their loyalty cannot be taken for granted. Maybe combine with caravan hire/sales/storage.

Making candles can be a fun hobby, and why not sell your designs? Always try to “go the extra mile” when providing service and turn your customers into fans, so not only do you keep existing customers, but they recommend you to many others.

If you’re a great organiser and communicator, running car boot sales and collector’s fairs could provide a healthy regular income, especially as more people are struggling with the credit crunch these days and want cut price bargains. Be prepared for quiet business at first, building as your presence grows. Many cash strapped schools, sports organisations and businesses will hire you land or take a commission. Always take the time to check out what your customer expects and tailor to those expectations.

Use your mechanical expertise to set up a vehicle search/check/delivery service on a commission. Again, in these economically hard times, people are increasingly looking for bargains but don’t necessarily have the knowledge – which is where you come in. Consistently research how your customers perceive your image and work on giving them what they expect. Word of mouth will provide you with many referrals if you deliver exceptional service.

Set up as a personal organiser, offering a range of tailored services; for example a diaried card mailing service, present buying, party organising, grocery shopping, wardrobe and interior design. Knowing more about your customer’s needs and expectations will allow you to customize the service you provide, using your customer service feedback system

You will need a sophisticated-looking website for this idea, with its appearance involving psychological insight into the colours and designs that will attract your very specific audience.

With a professional counselling, alternative therapy, or hypnotherapy service, assuming you are qualified, it’s the personal touch that really makes the difference. Stay in contact and keep good records of meetings and phone calls. Record all relevant information. Track important contact dates such as client reviews and birthdays. Keep in touch, if the client is amenable, by emailing articles or information of interest, or set up your own ezine/newsletter.

Invest in professional equipment and set up a carpet/rug/upholstery cleaning business.

Build long term relationships with a friendly and reliable service, or you leave the door open for your competitors.