What kinds of businesses have recently increased in popularity? Many lifestyle businesses and outsourced services are being seized upon by savvy entrepreneurs as they see a gap in the market in our increasingly busy, fast-paced lives. Everything from local food production to health coaching to pet sitting, here are just some of the most popular business ventures around right now.
Artisan/farm food production
Get a taste of success as an artisan or small farm food producer. This trend was accelerated a few years ago by high profile food supply chain scandals that saw horsemeat enter products sold in supermarkets. People are more conscientious about the origins of their food, opting for produce that is traceable, ethical, healthy, and environmentally sound. If you have access to some land or barn space, a passion for livestock, vegetable growing, or even brewing, it’s a good time to put your interest into practice as a business.
Pros:
- Simple to set up from home
- Plenty of demand
- A lot of time outdoors/on the road
Cons
- Unpredictable harvests can cripple smallholders
- A lot of time outdoors/on the road
Notable players: Teapigs, Cocoba, Brewdog
Online craft shop
Online shopping has revolutionised the fashion industry and the rise of Pinterest and Etsy shows our desire for unique and handmade items. Home crafters are often selling their wares on the side of other business or work, but many are carving out these sidelines as full-time businesses in their own right.
Pros:
- Good outlet for creative skill that would otherwise go to waste
- Can work around full full-time
Cons
- Difficult to grow while maintaining authenticity of hand-made items
Notable players: Three Bird Nest, Nicole de Bruin, Bohemian Findings
Dog walking/pet sitting
There is a huge demand for pet minding services as people spend more time away from home with long hours, work trips and much needed holidays either side. Many want to make sure their pet is well looked after without having to put them into a kennel or continually rely on a family member. Dog walkers and minders are also in demand for senior citizens who struggle with the physical demands of their beloved companion due to illness and increased frailty.
Pros:
- Dogs. Lots of dogs. All day every day!
Cons
- Forming attachments then having to say goodbye to dogs who move away or are put to sleep
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions
Notable players: …errr
Content services
Content creation can be big business. Take any experience of media, PR, and marketing that you have and turn it into a content-producing machine. There is also the option to team up with photography and visual design creatives and offer an all-under-one-roof cost effective service for time-poor SMEs.
Pros:
- Work 100% remotely from anywhere, anytime
Cons:
- Managing client expectations – be that having to reign them in, or trying to push them to be a little braver!
- Often difficult to get paid a fair rate for the work you put in.
Notable players: Scroll, SixtyEightFeet, Sticky Content
Crowdfunding consultants
Here’s a pretty new concept: specialist consultants with the sole aim of helping small businesses create and launch successful crowdfunding campaigns are on the rise. There are some that will offer consultations and workshops on a crowdfunding campaign and others that will completely take on and run it on behalf of the business.
Pros:
- Helping worthwhile businesses/services/products get off the ground
Cons:
- A lot of personal responsibility to take on if a campaign doesn’t succeed
Notable players: CrowdFund2Me, CrowdfundingStrategy.net
