Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2010, during Spain’s economic crisis. Remarks such as budgets not being in shape to invest large sums, and the view of web design as a sure way out of unemployment, reflect that period.
As usual, we keep an eye on existing market demand, without forgetting that budgets are in no shape to invest large sums.
So here are some business ideas that require no investment, although they do require some know-how:
Update: 9 business ideas you can run from home and 9 business ideas that don’t need commercial premises.
1. Advertising graphic designer
For lovers of design and image-editing software, especially now with 3D: logo creation, company caricatures, putting together original images for a company’s product, and so on.
Your potential clients would mainly be entrepreneurs with clear ideas and little budget to spend on big advertising agencies, without forgetting to carve out a niche among established companies.
2. School adviser for parents
A family that has just moved to the city? Advise them on the most suitable schools for their children. Tell them about public, private and concertado (state-subsidized private) schools, which ones have the best academic standards, and where to apply for grants or enrollment. And if they don’t have time because of the move or work, offer them a premium service of sorting out the necessary paperwork for them, so they don’t waste time and are well advised.
3. Mobile beauty and hairstyling
If image is your thing, the good weather is on its way, and with it the season for weddings, christenings and first communions. On top of that, work keeps taking up a large part of people’s time, so sometimes they don’t even have time to go to the hairdresser or get a manicure.
That’s why they need you: someone who offers a service that stands out from the competition, with hours outside normal business hours and at weekends, so they don’t have to travel or waste time and can count on you on the very Sunday of the communion or the wedding. How much is that worth?
4. Translator by the hour or by the job
If you speak several languages, make yourself known: to companies negotiating with a foreign client, to help them close a sale and make sure everything is clear to the client, or as support for a sales executive who travels abroad to win new clients. You can also act as an interpreter at a business meeting. This is very well-paid and little-known work. If many business owners knew they could turn to someone to help them with this whenever they needed it, they would be over the moon, and so would you, because the people I know who do this also receive high commissions and bonuses if the sale goes through. Go out and make your way.
5. Interior decorating adviser
Is decorating your thing? Do it on a small scale, for working people with little time, and if the crisis means they don’t need your services, promote yourself in wealthy areas for interior decoration of homes, offices, businesses and so on.
Take charge of hiring renovation services for them and manage the teams so your client doesn’t have to waste time.
6. Web design
If web design is your thing… no comment. I wouldn’t understand how you could be unemployed. Get out there and make yourself known; you surely haven’t moved enough.
7. Social entertainer
If you have a sense of humor and enjoy working with older people and children, earn some money from it. IMSERSO trips (Spain’s state-subsidized holidays for seniors) and children’s camps constantly need people to liven up the stay and suggest fun, age-appropriate games. How well you adapt to the group will matter a lot, and your future will depend on your references, so put in the effort.
8. Public relations
Are you a sociable person? New bars, pubs, nightclubs and clubs are eager for customers, or for more of their select clientele, and you can be the one who brings them in until the venue’s sales rise and it becomes a distinguished spot. A job well done in this sector earns bonuses, and if the business goes so well that they decide to expand or open another venue, you’ll be first in line to become manager or director of the old one, or they’ll ask you to do the same job for the new venue.
9. Freelance administrative assistant
Companies with a temporary backlog of work and a fear of hiring someone permanently: that’s the profile of a business looking for someone to process the monthly payroll part-time, draw up employment contracts or the contract for a particular sale. Two hours at this company, another two at another, an odd hour at a third, and by the end of the month it adds up to a more than decent salary. At the same time, you stay active in the job market and gradually make a name for yourself among lots of companies. As our motto goes, “after a job well done, the profits follow“.
10. Independent tour guide
Some relatives of mine were going on a trip to Thailand, and a couple who were friends of theirs recommended a man who knew every corner of that beautiful city.
If you live in a city and know it inside out, you’re the ideal person for many foreigners: you can take them to museums and exhibitions, show them the most beautiful streets and the most dangerous ones, the best restaurants and the places where they shouldn’t even go near the food, problem areas, information on town halls, where to find banks that can change their currency, and so on. What price would you put on that service? Surprise them and they’ll recommend you widely when they return home.
Further reading
- Business ideas in services for companies
- Business ideas in services for the home
- How you can start a business with no money
- Why a business plan matters and how to structure it
- How to choose the legal structure for your business
Featured image: David Mulder, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr.
