OS Business Ideas - what can I do from home

melt71

Thinking out loud really on this one, I've always wanted to start my own business but with all my bills and mortgage have never really found anything that would pay the bills and give me a decent quality of life.

However, I've been thinking of starting up something in my spare time and maybe expand when I plan to work from home in a few years (if I have another baby).

The only thing is I'm stumpted as to what to do;

I'm a PA and very experienced in this line of work also including event planning and management, credit control and accounts, I also deal with independent schools and foreign students in my current job so understand what goes on in a school environment (maybe this could be an idea that could be expanded on). I'm also an experienced and qualified portrait photographer but I've found it virtually impossible to get people to pay for photos as I don't have any money to market myself! I do it just for my own pleasure now.

I would really like to do something that I enjoy, my job pays all the bills and although I enjoy it, I wouldn't choose to do it if I won the lottery IYSWIM.


Do any OSers have their own business working from home? If so, how did you get started?

Aril

I don't think perhaps would be your choice Melt71 but I think that there is a gap in the market in the cleaning business. IMO there might be a market for cleaners who only used greenstyle cleaning methods and products [or HM products]. I don't think it's something I would personally do but it may suit others.
We run our own business from home and we started by thoroughly exploring the market and checking what our competitors do so we could offer something different. We also attended a free local business fair specifically aimed at those setting up their own small business. Doing proper research before you make any substantial financial commitment I think is very important although others will be far more qualified to comment.
Aril

Nicki

When I read it, the first thing that popped into my head, using your combination of skills was wedding planner (and you could do the wedding photos too!) Not sure whether you wanted to do something that could all be accomplished from home, without having to venture out though, if you are considering expanding the family. If so, I appreciate that may not be a very good suggestion.

Pink.

Hi melt,

You should get more help with this on the Small Business board, so I've moved your thread over there. Good luck with whatever you decide on.:)

Pink

Astaroth

Option 1: Photography.... wont bring in much money but there are plenty of websites like istockphoto which allows people to upload their "stock" photos and sell them for a few quid each under a general use license or for more under exclusive use (up to you if you want to offer this or not)

Option 2: More work but potential for bigger benefits - there are a fair number of virtual PA companies about at the moment (eg http://www.yourvirtualpa.co.uk/services.htm - one chosen at random). Would need a little startup capital to get a decent website made but can be done on a shoe string

damo101

How about doing school photos/portraits of the students? Would be seasonal-ish so you could fit around family life

FerociousDave

melt71 wrote:

Thinking out loud really on this one, I've always wanted to start my own business but with all my bills and mortgage have never really found anything that would pay the bills and give me a decent quality of life.

However, I've been thinking of starting up something in my spare time and maybe expand when I plan to work from home in a few years (if I have another baby).

The only thing is I'm stumpted as to what to do;

I'm a PA and very experienced in this line of work also including event planning and management, credit control and accounts, I also deal with independent schools and foreign students in my current job so understand what goes on in a school environment (maybe this could be an idea that could be expanded on). I'm also an experienced and qualified portrait photographer but I've found it virtually impossible to get people to pay for photos as I don't have any money to market myself! I do it just for my own pleasure now.

I would really like to do something that I enjoy, my job pays all the bills and although I enjoy it, I wouldn't choose to do it if I won the lottery IYSWIM.


Do any OSers have their own business working from home? If so, how did you get started?

Hello from another photographer (albeit far less qualified and experienced!!!!) I've always found this: http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/photography-jobs.cfm?VacantWanted=V

to be fairly well updated, theres some stuff on there about nursery and schools photographs, I'm also looking into the events stuff myself at the moment here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=317031

so will let you know how I get on!

Also, try to avoid iStock photo, the returns are abysmal and it makes a mockery of the professional photographer. If you have a decent bank of images you could try https://www.photographersdirect.co.uk or alamy.co.uk instead.

MORPH3US

@ OP,

As an alternative to iStockPhoto (who are Canadian i think), have a look at https://www.picturenation.co.uk who are the UK alternative.

They are a new company who I have helped to mentor although they have nothing to do with me. Because they are new, you won't make your million too soon, but there is a good chance you could make a few quid when they hit the national press (which they should do soon!)

M

Astaroth

Or you do what most people do and put the same photo on as many sites as you can on a standard stock photo contract

sunsetgirl

can you take 'arty' pictures? there is quite a market for selling photo prints on https://www.etsy.com it's a site where you can sell handmade products with cheaper fees than ebay.

I am a stay at home mum and I have a small biz selling my crafted items on there.

Just a thought.