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Introduction
Think of having to work at the office from 10 to 6 and then an hour driving home and then coming home feeling exhausted. You are earning enough to pay your bills and you're putting money aside for your goals anytime in the future, but it still feels challenging. You would like to make more money but the risk of quitting your job and starting a business is too high.
This is a very common scenario for many of the working class people of India. Increased costs and increased financial obligations make people seek other income streams without compromising on their regular income.
The bright side is that it doesn't necessarily require a physical store, a big investment or a 40-hour work week to start. A good business strategy may begin as a side project that you attempt on the weekends, and gradually develop as you work and get clients.
Here are 10 ideas for business that you can do for work while at your job that you can start with.
1. Get Paid to Use Your Current Talents and Skills
Some of the easiest business ideas are to leverage your existing skills and provide a service that pays for that skill. It doesn't necessarily mean that you need to learn something new before you begin.
For instance, a graphic designer can design social media posts, a writer can write blogs for small businesses, or a web designer can design landing pages for small businesses. This may be possible at times after hours or over the weekend.
Choose one service, make two – three sample projects and make a very simple portfolio. One can visit local businesses, reach out to the potential clients via professional networks or try websites like Fiverr or Upwork.
Start-up cost: Low if you have the necessary equipment and skills available.
2. Customizing Social Media Strategies
Many local businesses would like to stay engaged on Instagram and Facebook, and other social media platforms but can't find time to create content on a regular basis.
This provides work-life-balance experience to the social media savvy individuals. You can assist a salon, store with a snack bar, clothing store, or coaching centre in preparing posts, writing captions, schedule posts, and answer basic questions.
Think of the opportunity to help a neighbourhood bakery take nice pictures of their product each week. If the owner is pleased with the service, the connection may become a regular salary service.
Also Read: Best Startup Communities in India
Start with just one client and make sure to set a number of posts, revisions and hours for your service. Don't make any guarantees about the number of sales or followers.
Setup expenses: Low, particularly if designing and scheduling with a free tool.
3. Take a Class or Meet With an Online Tutor
Online tutoring is a flexible way to make some extra money, if you're good at math, English, science, coding or another area.
Teach school students, explain complex concepts to college students, or offer a class to others in a subject you have a great deal of experience in.
For example, a person who is familiar with excel and comfortable with using it could instruct the novice in how to use excel for daily needs. Classes are offered in the evening and/or on weekends.
Begin with a small group or individual students. Plan lessons to be comfortable and set aside a specific time, in order to avoid being interrupted by your other job.
Starting costs: Low, provided you already have a laptop, access to the Internet and the basic knowledge.
4. Design and Development of Websites
As small businesses are gaining in number, it is becoming a necessity to have a website where they can showcase their services, market to customers and take enquiries. But for some owners, the cost is not worth it to hire a big agency.
Basic Website Design Services are available if you can design websites with HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, WordPress or website builders. This is the case with business websites, landing pages, portfolio websites and website redesigns.
Begin with a specific service, e.g., build a 5 page business website. Demonstrate potential clients several sample designs and tell them precisely what you will consist of.
Also Read: MSME Funding: Loans and Schemes in India
As your ability progresses and you gain more experience you can build up into website maintenance, speed optimisation and other design work.
Start-up capitalization: Low to moderate, depending on the tools, host and equipment to be purchased.
5. Content Writing and Blogging Services
Companies require helpful website content, product descriptions, blog posts, newsletters and social media captions. Those who like to learn about topics and explain ideas in a clear way may be able to use these abilities to have a sideline business.
An individual who is well-versed in the education industry can write articles for coaching centres, education websites or training organizations.
Make a portfolio with some authentic samples that you have made in your niche of interest. Afterward, go to companies that have a consistent blogging schedule and give a particular service instead of just asking if they have a position open.
It is also possible to create a blog of their own, but getting income from advertising or affiliate marketing typically takes time and is not always certain.
Initial investment: Low for people who already have a computer and access to the Internet.
6. How to Start an Online Business
Digital products enable you to make one copy and sell multiple copies to different customers. They can be templates for a budget planner, resume, social media, study notes, printable calendars or even business documents templates.
Think of a professional that has always had to make spreadsheets to keep track of their own finances. They can build a helpful and simple to edit budget planner and present it online.
The key is the solution of a real problem. Find out what people want, develop an original product and then see if customers will pay for it.
Keep in mind that digital products still need to be marketed, have customer support and need updates. There can be a lag period in sales, so don't invest too much money until you see how these sales perform.
Also Read: Government Schemes & Funding for Startups in India
Initial investment: Low—It will depend on the software and selling platform you choose.
7. Make Your Own Food and Snack Business
For those who like cooking, it might be a good idea to pursue a small food business. Customers who are looking for some familiar, convenient food can be served homemade snacks, regional specialities, baked goods, spice mixes, and lunch boxes.
For instance, if you're a great homemade pickle maker, you may want to do a few orders of pickles from friends, neighbors or colleagues before stepping up your marketing efforts. Evaluating the recipe, packaging and pricing before expanding can be done by using feedback.
Determine the price of ingredients, packaging, delivery and your time before choosing the sale price. Also, the food businesses are required to comply with the applicable food safety and licensing requirements, such as FSSAI requirements if applicable.
Make sure to keep the menu to a minimum and a few orders at a time, otherwise the business will have to distract you from your work.
Capital investment: Depends on the equipment, ingredients and compliance needs.
8. Reselling Products Online
Reselling is buying products from suppliers and then selling them to customers for a profit margin and covering your costs.
Consider clothing, home organization products, accessories, stationery or regional products. If possible, take orders first and stock a few at a time only which is available as per your supplier arrangements & delivery process.
Imagine that you observe that your network is interested in the topic of "Affordable home décor". You might find suppliers or compare product quality and try a smaller investment of money before going ahead with a larger investment.
Don't forget to factor in shipping costs, return, broken items, platform charges, and unsold goods. Revenue isn't the only indicator that shows you if a reselling company is profitable or not.
Start-up cost: Low to moderate – depending on if you are going to use a low-stock model or if you will buy your stock beforehand.
9. Photography and Video Editing Services
Photographs and videos are essential to a business for use in product catalogues, websites, ads and social media. Those who like taking pictures or editing them can provide these services on the weekends.
You can, for instance, short videos for a local shop or shoot images of products for a home-based shop. If there is time available, you can also provide event photography services on weekends.
Do some sample projects and set your delivery deadlines. If you are a new photographer, you can start by taking up video editing or do simple product photography with your existing tools.
Don't buy a high-priced camera or software until you have seen the interest of the customers.
The start-up costs will be low if you already have the appropriate equipment; if not, it may be moderate or high.
10. Virtual Assistant for Entrepreneurs
There are lots of small business owners who require some assistance with day to day tasks, but not willing to hire a full-time worker.
They can have a virtual assistant who can assist them on the phone with managing their emails, scheduling appointments, updating spreadsheets, organising data, researching for information and preparing documents.
A consultant, for instance, that has a tendency to have to book appointments could hire somebody to work on their agenda and follow up with regular appointments.
Select tasks to match their current skills, determine work times, and ensure that they are using secure means to access and share business information. For one client and ensure the workload surrounds your job.
The initial investment is low, as only a laptop, Internet connection and simple administrative skills are required.
How to Choose the Business Idea That Is Best Suited for You
Not all business plans work for all work professionals. When considering investing money, ask yourself three questions:
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What is a reasonable amount of time that I can devote? Pick a model that fits around your evening or weekend schedule, but won't take a toll on your health or job performance.
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What are my strengths and abilities? You can also start with existing skills, which means that you won't have to spend a lot of time and money learning new ones.
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Is there actual demand or not? Communicate with prospective customers, do research on competitors, and trial a small offer before a big investment.
Review your contract of employment for any provisions relating to working outside of your job, conflicts of interest, confidentiality and using company property. Separate personal business activities from one's employer's resources.
If your business expands, research the tax, licensing and registration rules that are relevant to your business activity. Udyam Registration Portal gives details about MSME registration in India, the MSME registration is free on the official Udyam Registration Portal. Depending on the nature of your side business, it may not require the same registrations, so review the rules pertaining to your business.
Conclusion
You don't have to develop a big company right away, even if you're working full-time and have a side business. You could start with a single service, a handful of customers, or a single product, and gain experience.
Of these business ideas, website design, content writing, and virtual assistance may be the most viable if you already have the skills and equipment to do these types of work. Product businesses can also function, but might require extra stock, shipping and adhering to prices.
Not necessarily the fanciest idea, the best place to start is to look at your own interests. It's the one that fits your capabilities, time, budget and customers' actual needs. Go small, keep an eye on your spending, and enhance your offer as you learn.