Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2013; figures such as Jennifer Telfer’s 300 million dollars in sales and the 25 US states date from 2012 or earlier.
Over the years we have written about a great many entrepreneurs who innovated during the crisis, and we have also presented hundreds of business ideas of every kind. Some very innovative and original, others strange and perhaps even pointless (although they started to make sense the day someone put them into practice). We know that having ideas is important, but it isn’t everything, and sometimes our minds need a little push. So I hope you enjoy this complete roundup, packed with real cases of entrepreneurs and their businesses.
1. Francisca Gamero, a successful businesswoman thanks to her daughter’s ears
After several business failures, Francisca Gamero managed to build a business around the solution to her daughter’s ear problem, founding the company Otostick. (See the article: A successful businesswoman thanks to her daughter’s ears)
4 business ideas worth 100 million dollars
In this article we talked about four entrepreneurs whose ideas were very simple. It starts with two brothers who began by selling T-shirts outside a university and ended up selling in 25 US states, thanks to a simple message of optimism printed on their clothes. It goes on to the story of the creator of the “panti-medias” and ends with Jennifer Telfer, an entrepreneur who made more than 300 million dollars in sales thanks to some plush-toy pillows. (See the article: 4 ideas worth 100 million)
3 simply brilliant ideas
We covered the creator of the Baby Mop, the “mop baby”, where once again we can see how an entrepreneur’s flair manages to catch consumers’ attention. Then there’s Jeff Phillips, another entrepreneur who became well known in online sales with Beardo (a business built on the cold). And the first shoes with built-in software, a USB port and GPS, and even dogs that drive. (See the article: 3.5 business ideas I would never have thought of)
See also: Digital asset management
Ignacio Mellado: a business on two wheels
This entrepreneur from Granada set up the first courier service company (and more) after struggling to find a job. (See the story: Starting a business on two wheels)
4 ideas with very creative products
Entrepreneur Hailey Coleman designed the first folding shoes with their own carrying case, so that a woman can change shoes in the middle of a party without anyone noticing. Also featured: folding electric bicycles, eco-friendly computers made of cardboard and, finally, a physical version of cloud storage (physical storage). (Article: 4 brilliant and creative ideas)
3 business ideas as profitable as they are strange
In business, any idea, however crazy it may seem, can work. We talked about extreme entertainment, one of the new most profitable businesses to emerge in France and one that is hard to find elsewhere. Selling excuses and DNA perfumes have also worked. (Article: Very strange but lucrative businesses)
5 one-of-a-kind ideas
From the profitable business of artificial metal trees, through mannequin rental, the company that offers “something for 10 euros”, a company that takes the ashes of the deceased to coral reefs and, finally, a company that rents out cows as a cure for all ills. (Article: 5 one-of-a-kind business ideas)
Restaurant ideas: the most original in the world
In this article we showed the nine most original restaurants in the world, some for their decor, others for their location and some for their odd service. Others stand out for the customers they cater to. In these restaurants, the menu is the least of it. (See the article: The 9 most original restaurants)
5 ideas for doing business with the whims of the rich
The rich are increasingly demanding, and these days they may ask for the most unusual services, so they shouldn’t be forgotten when you are thinking about a business or a way to earn some extra money. (See: Service ideas aimed at the 1%)
More ideas
Vestidia: the free personal shopper
Until now the personal shopper profession had been aimed at well-off clients, but several entrepreneurs came up with the idea of offering the service free to anyone who wants it, because they found a way to earn money from the brands rather than from the customer. (See the story: Vestidia, personal shopper)
Find the most original products and sell them in your country
Every week we come across new, completely innovative products. They are inventions or highly innovative products that, as a rule, grab attention. More and more entrepreneurs scour the web to be the first to import some of these products.
Featured image: Conollyb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
