Editor’s note: This article was first published in March 2012. Done was then a New York startup, and its current status is unknown. Webcam tutoring platforms have since become a mature, crowded market, and the author’s remark that he knew of no such platform in Spain reflects 2012.
Continuing with services we could offer online, here are two online business ideas. I’m sure one of them has been tried several times, and the other will have crossed the mind of many entrepreneurs who love startups.
We saw the first idea on Wwwhatsnew: a platform that already exists in the United States, specifically for New York City. The platform is Done.com, and the idea behind Done is to save money by making use of our own community of neighbors.
We live in such a globalized world that our neighbors are probably the people we know least. Perhaps at some point you’ve urgently needed a locksmith, a plumber or some legal advice, a tip from someone who knows about finance, or maybe a babysitter. Do you know what your neighbors do for a living? What you’re looking for may be something they can offer you themselves.
Done goes much further, though: it aims to turn its platform into a pay-it-forward chain, where each neighbor contributes their expertise and, when there is a payment, it’s made in the form of UNICEF donation cards.
Done would be a social network for neighbors, where we can find out their names and what they do… and, basically, get to know them, which is no small thing. As mentioned, this American startup has focused on the New York City market. We’ll leave the idea here in case an entrepreneur wants to bring it to their own country and give it a personal touch.
A social network for private tutoring, and more
Although I don’t know of any platform in Spain that offers this service, I’m sure it must have been tried dozens of times, since this idea is much easier to monetize.
What we’re proposing is a proper business: a platform that brings together teaching professionals from every subject and academic level. Math, science and literature teachers, psychologists, education specialists and so on.
If a student has a question or needs extra academic support, they can contact the teacher of their choice by webcam from their own home. Likewise, if a mother wants to consult a specialist about a possible learning problem, or simply wants someone to help her child build a study habit, the platform will give her the right professional too.
Of course, this service can be offered on a non-profit basis or as a business, charging a monthly or annual fee for access. It’s a service that could undoubtedly be a very profitable business.
There you have them: two potential ideas.
Further reading
- 5 profitable startup ideas that encourage saving, not spending
- Copying an idea and adapting it to your market can be very profitable
Featured image: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
