95 Best Home Businesses of the 90's reviewed for the Noughties - [21-30]
If this is your first day here you might want to check out the introductory page and also [1-10] and [11-20].
21. Employee Trainer
While technically you can run this business from home most of the training will be done at other locations. Many businesses are turning to contracted trainers for their staff to learn many skills predominantly in the areas of time management, people skills, leadership and team management and other personal skills.
Relevancy in the Naughties
There are many tools that are now popping up online which can aid employers train their staff but I think the biggest threat towards this home business is the use of DVD and video conferencing. These are a threat because they will reduce the market to a mere handful of operators rather than allow location based entrepeneurs to start up.
Expected Lifespan
In its present form no more than 5-10 years.
22. Errand Service
Not to be confused with a Courier service this type of home based business offers customers a service that will pick up shopping, last minute gifts, drycleaning, and even post office runs. Basically whatever errand a customer requires can be offered.
Relevancy in the Naughties
People's lives are becoming more and more hurried and our lifestyle continues to gain pace so I only see that this type of home business will continue to grow.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
23. Executive Search
Commonly known as 'head-hunting" this type of business seeks out high class professionals for vacant executive roles. This home business doesn't deal with the run-of-the-mill employment searches that are now being replaced by many online employment boards. It is seeking only for the top echelons of the employment world and requires good networks to make this a successful proposition.
Relevancy in the Naughties
It is still a very relevant home business but one must wonder whether it will be usurped by online entrepreneurs in years to come.
Expected Lifespan
Unsure but it should still be around within the next decade.
24. Expert Services Broker
An Expert Services Broker is someone who brokers deals with companies looking for a temporary specialist. This home based business works much like a temp agency but only deals with consultants or key personnel who have specialist knowledge.
Relevancy in the Naughties
This is a growing home business opportunity as businesses continue to operate with minimum staffing and like to contract out much of their specialist work. Having a business that can broker temporary expert help is extremely desirable for many companies who are unable to source individual expert help themselves.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely and growing.
25. Export Agent
An export agent becomes the middle man (or woman) between businesses wanting to find other markets abroad and overseas importers looking for product opportunities. An export agent may source export opportunities or they may just deal with importers already identified to maintain contracts.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Export agency is another growing business as trade doors swing open a little more and opportunities continue to open in developing countries. It's a home based business that requires a lot of time away from the home but much of the preparation work can be done there still. This business is totally limited by the economy and can enjoy booms but also suffer big downward swings.
Expected Lifespan
For the next decade it looks strong.
26. Facialist
A facialist is a person who can help their clients with a range of beauty and skin treatments.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Beauty and skin therapy is a growing industry for two reasons. 1). Professional Men (the other 50% of the market) are becoming more aware of looking after their skin and 2). Environmental concerns such as skin cancer etc are making people more conscious of how they treat their bodies. Therefore, this home business will continue to grow.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
27. Family Child Care Provider
This home based business allows families to leave their children with professional carers during work hours and school holidays etc. Many child care centres are popping up offering this service but some families still prefer to have their children minded in family home rather than a centre.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Due to growing work and financial commitments many couples will remain working even when they have children so childcare will continue to grow. It's hard to say though whether the convenience and professionalism of a child care centre will outstrip the inconveniences associated with a home based child care facility.
Expected Lifespan
5-10 years but possibly reducing to a much smaller clientele.
28. Gift Basket Business
The Gift Basket Business concept is growing as the public look for more novel gift ideas than just sending flowers. This is a great home based business as most of the work (apart from deliveries) can be done within the home.
Relevancy in the Naughties
The creative nature of this business should see it continue to grow. Whereas flower deliveries may be in decline a gift basket business can offer a multitude of options to a prospective customer from chocolates to wines, balloons, flowers, cheeses...the list could go on and on. This business will be around for quite some time.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
29. Grower of Specialty Foods, Herbs and Flowers
This is more a lifestyle home business (colloquially known as "cottage industries") where people can grow a special item or make specialty foods because of something unique about the region or the style that they employ. One great example is Cookies Galore that was started by a friend of mine after he converted his garage into a quality baking kitchen.
Relevancy in the Naughties
Unfortunately most foods and specialty items have a limited life span. We started a sun-dried tomato home business back when sun-dried toms were all the rage - they no longer are. Many of these businesses will peak during a fad and then petre out as customers taste buds move on.
Expected Lifespan
Most individual businesses won't be around for more than 5-10 years.
30. Home Inspector
A great startup home business for ex-builders home inspection is frequently employed by people wanting to buy a home or developers wondering what needs to be done to fix up a house. This business offers customers a detailed report and analysis of the property in question and gives buyers the confidence to continue with the purchase.
Relevancy in the Naughties
This business will certainly continue to be relevant however with the cost of insurance premiums ever increasing as people continue to sue others for negligent advice it will become harder to get into. That said, home inspectors will always be needed.
Expected Lifespan
Indefinitely.
Tomorrow we will review the next ten from [31-40].
If you want more specific knowledge of setup costs, educational prerequisites and experience required then try reading the book - The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
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