Becoming your own boss is not an impossible dream – it depends on the right attitude to turn a little money into more money.
Entrepreneur Valerie Pole grabbed the public’s imagination when she started 1 000 Beautiful Bracelets from a R1 000 she received from 702/CapeTalk presenter Bruce Whitfield in an entrepreneurship competition on The Money Show. She then wrote a book about it, to help others who’d like to do the same.
Start small! If you aim to own a large car wash business, for example, you can start with little more than a bucket and a rag. If you work hard and accumulate money, you can reinvest it in growing the business. You shouldn’t wait for access to finance to get started.
“You need to get your hands dirty to gain that experience”
Are you keen to be your own boss? Do you want to go out there and help grow the economy? Here are some small business ideas you can start with limited funds:
Mobile lunch service
Are you a whizz in a kitchen? Close to an office or business park? Then with a cooler box and some lunch ingredients, you could be the next great restaurateur. Many people do not have the time to make lunches, so if you can supply them with one on their doorstop, you could be filling a much needed gap.
Consultancy
What are you skilled in? Are you a social media guru? Have you been practicing law for a while? By using the talents and skills you have developed so far, you could start a consultancy giving clients advice on how to do something you are an expert on.
Freelance writer, editor or proofreader
With the growth in the market to create books in all the official South African languages, the demand for freelance writers, editors and proofreaders has increased. There are many online websites where you can apply for writing and editing opportunities. If you are a wizard with words, there’s work for you.
Personal assistant
Many people nowadays do not have time to do the simple everyday tasks. They are also willing to pay good money for someone else to do these things for them. These tasks can range from picking up dry cleaning to making suppers.
Grow and sell produce
Organic food has become the rage recently as people are becoming more conscious of the food they put into their bodies. You can start a vegetable patch on a metre by metre piece of ground. The produce can be sold to your neighbors and friends. They will love to support you, and know that they are able to put good and healthy food into their bodies.
Tutor
Do you know how to play a musical instrument, have a knack for languages, are an IT guru? You could teach people these skills that you are proficient in. Believe it or not, but there are still people who cannot use a computer – now there’s an opportunity.
Mobile laundry service
With the busyness of corporate life, many people do not have the time to sort out their laundry. Do you have access to a washing machine and iron? You could make money by collecting the washing and bringing it back neatly washed and ironed.
Sewing and alterations
If you are handy with a sewing machine and know how to make basic alterations to clothing, you could be well on your way to making some cash. There are many people who have a favorite pair of trousers or a skirt that needs to be hemmed or have a button reattached.
By using social media and word of mouth, you can let your friends and family know about the new business venture you are embarking on. So, go out there and work towards making your dream a reality.
