Are you tired of the monotonous 9 to 5 grind?
Are you a daydreamer like me?
Do you think about breaking free from the constraints of a traditional job and venturing into the world of solopreneurship?
I totally get it! I’ve gone back and forth between being a solopreneur and having 9-5 jobs for over 15 years.
Imagine waking up each morning with a sense of excitement and purpose, knowing that you are in control of your own destiny.
It’s time to turn your dreams into reality.
Explore this list of remarkable solopreneur ideas that can help get the juices flowing. Whether you have a passion for writing, photography, coaching, or digital marketing, the trailhead to your future is just a scroll away!
1. Photography Studio
Picture this, you, a photography business owner, assigning photographers to take family portraits, wedding and corporate events to drool-worthy food photography studio, studio-based product photography or on site real estate photography, there’s a place for you.
How to Become a Pro Photographer
So you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m game. But how do I do this?” Simple, you just pick up a camera, learn about how to use your camera and the fundamentals photography on YouTube, and click away! Find some family friends who you can photograph for free. Start posting photos on social media and build a simple portfolio website. You’ll be amazed what the universe will put in your path when you just start doing it!
Skills required to do professional photography
No one said it’s all about getting the perfect shot. There’s more to it. You’ve got to have an eye for detail, a knack for creativity, and a solid grip on technical know-how. If you’re an introvert, I recommend you stick to studio photography. But if you have excellent people skills, you might prefer to photograph events.
Equipment Needed To Be a Pro Photographer
Think you need high-end, expensive gear to be competitive? Nah. Start with a low-end or older model professional camera and lens kit, a solid tripod, and some editing software. There are more important things than having the latest and greatest gear.
Investment required to get started
A reasonable $2500 to $3500 should get you what you need to get started.
You might be thinking, “That’s a chunk of change!” But remember, you’re investing in yourself and your dream. It’s more than worth it!
To fit in this budget, I’d recommend getting used gear. Buy a full frame DSLR, and then invest in a few expensive pro-level lenses before you consider spending the extra money to buy mirrorless camera bodies and then not having a lot of money left over for any decent lenses. The lenses are what make all the difference.
Key Steps To Building a Photography Studio
2. Email Newsletter Business
An email newsletter business isn’t just a great side gig, it’s your ticket to connect, engage, and create a community around a topic that sparks your passion.
How to create an Email Newsletter Business
Alright, so where to start? Easy peasy. Identify your niche, set up your website and an email platform, build your community, whip up compelling content, and hit send!
Skills required to do/create/become an Email Newsletter Business
You’re probably asking, “What do I need to bring to the table?” Three words: Writing, marketing, persistence. Good writing grabs attention, marketing finds the right eyes, and persistence keeps the gears turning.
Equipment required to create an Email Newsletter Business
Gear talk? Well, it’s mostly digital. All you need is Wifi, a computer, website, and an email marketing platform. See? No biggie.
Investment required to get started: Less than $100
Wait, what? That’s right. You’re mostly investing time, creativity, and a dash of grit. Your wallet can take a breather.
Key Steps To Building An Email Newsletter
3. Real Estate Referrals
Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling houses. If you’ve got a flair for spotting golden opportunities and you’re a natural at networking, referring deals can be your ticket to financial success.
I actually did this for about a year before the pandemic shut me down, and I did 8 deals! Perhaps the timing will be better for you and you’ll hit the jackpot.
How to Get Some Real Estate Deals
So, you’re probably wondering, “How does this work?” Well, your first order of business is becoming a licensed real estate agent or broker in your state. Next, you’re gonna have to find a way to tap into a network of homeowners who may want to sell or prospective home buyers on the hunt for their perfect piece of land or dream home. And the grand finale? Link these folks up with a broker. The rest, my friend, is a tale of commissions and connections!
Skills Needed for Referring Real Estate Deals
So, what do you need in your arsenal? Communication is king, negotiation is your knight, and a keen eye for value is your queen. With these at your side, you’ll be a master matchmaker for property deals in no time.
Resources required to Refer Real Estate Deals
What’s the gear you need? Just your phone, a laptop, and a reliable network or an accessible coffee shop with wifi.
Investment Required to Get Started
The burning question is “What’s this gonna cost me?” Fear not, we’re not talking about emptying your savings account. The cash you’ll need to shell out will largely depend on training, licensing, and marketing costs. But the most significant investments you’ll be making are your time and energy.
Key Steps To Becoming a Professional Photographer
4. Web Developer & Website Designer
Look, web development isn’t a walk in the park, but if you’ve got a thing for solving complex puzzles, or finding creative solutions, then this might be for you! You can even build a web development business without being a coder. You just need to be knowledgeable enough to speak the language, find clients, and build a kick ass team of coders who can do the work.
The Journey to Web Development
Where to start? Well, it’s a world of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – the holy trinity of front end web development. Then, there’s back-end lingo – think PHP, Python, or Ruby. Sounds like gibberish now? Don’t worry – there are endless resources online to teach you for free.
Skills Needed for Web Development
Here’s the deal, if you’re a logical thinker with a knack for designing and a pinch of creativity, you’re golden. But that’s not all – time management, problem-solving, and patience are the cherries on top. Don’t feel like coding? You can build a team of coders or you can learn some of the many no-code platforms out there.
Resources and Equipment for Web Development
All you need is a trusty computer and a stable internet connection. However, be ready to test out a bunch of software and tools, like text editors, web browsers, devices for testing, and version control systems.
Web Development Investment
The real deal-breaker, right? Well, we’re talking about investing in learning resources or a formal education. But trust me, the return on investment is worth its weight in gold, especially when you start building your portfolio.
Take it from me – as a front-end and no-code web developer myself, you and/or your team will be crafting digital magic in no time. Go ahead, give it a whirl!
Key Steps For Web Development and Design
5. Writing & Copywriting Business
Listen up, folks. Freelance writing ain’t just about stringing words together; it’s all about telling a compelling story that gets readers hooked, like bees to honey.
Now, Copywriting on the other hand? It’s about selling products or services without sounding like a pushy door-to-door salesman who won’t take no for an answer.
Key Skills for the Trade
Now, for the secret sauce. We’re talking impeccable grammar, research skills, creativity, and a chameleon-like ability to change your writing style. Don’t forget, deadlines are your new best friends.
Tools of the Trade
All you need is a laptop, a trusty internet connection, and a bunch of writing tools. Think Grammarly for grammar checks and Hemingway Editor for style suggestions. And coffee. Lots of coffee.
Making a Buck or Two
Alright, down to the brass tacks. It’s all about finding clients, right? Check out freelancing platforms or networking groups. Don’t shy away from pitching directly either.
The roadmap to carving a career in freelance writing or copywriting is all laid out for you. If this is what you choose to do, don’t wait – start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile and telling the world! Embark on your writing journey and let your words make their mark. Happy writing!
Key Steps To Become a Pro Writer
6. Tree Removal Business
Tree removal can be more lucrative than you think! Once you master the blend of precision, safety, and a respectful dance with nature’s giants, it can be relatively easy to get clients. And guess what? You even get paid for fetching that valuable wood!
Risky Business, Valuable Payoff
Hold your horses! This ain’t a walk in the park. You’ll be wrestling with variables like the weather and tree health. It’s a game of nerves, alright, but the rewards? Multiple revenue streams, including repurposing or selling the wood you collect.
Tools for Trees
You’re gonna need some muscle to tackle a tree. Chainsaws, stump grinders, climbing shoes, safety gear… but hold on, no need to break the bank just yet. Rent the equipment to start with, and you’re good to go.
Permits and Red Tape
Before you dive in, there’s some paperwork to wade through. Permits! Don’t get into trouble on your first day – so follow all your local regulations.
Growing the Business
Now, to the juicy part: growing your empire. Start by finding residential clients – neighborhoods are gold mines. You can also work to partner up with various local city governments.
PRO TIP – Outsource the work to contractors. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, right
Key Steps To Build a Tree Removal Business
7. Online Coaching and Consulting
Ever had one of those ‘Aha!’ moments when you realize you know something really well? Well, that’s your ticket to the world of online coaching and consulting. It’s your chance to say goodbye to the traditional grind and hello to flexible, rewarding work.
How to Become an Online Coach or Consultant
The magic of online consulting? It’s as easy as pie. Just set yourself up on a platform like OfficeHours.com, and you’ll have clients knocking on your virtual door. Be the expert, answer their questions, guide them through – and watch your bank balance grow.
Skills Required to Become an Online Coach or Consultant
Now, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist for this – just a solid understanding of your chosen field, the gift of the gab, and a pinch of patience to deal with all sorts of clients. The cherry on top? Great problem-solving skills – because, hey, that’s why they’re coming to you, right?
Resources Needed to Become an Online Coach or Consultant
The beauty of this gig? It’s light on the wallet. A reliable internet connection, a trusty computer, and a noise-free corner in your house. That’s it, you’re all set! Oh, and don’t forget your knowledge – that’s your main weapon here.
Investment Required to Get Started: $100-$200
Think about it. A hundred bucks for a stable internet connection, a few more for a good headset, and maybe a bit extra for a comfy chair. Starting with online consulting is like ordering a meal – low on the price, high on the satisfaction.
You see, if you’ve got a knack for a particular software or a certain business process, you’re golden. You could be a consultant for Private Equity or VC firms like me. I’ve made a pretty penny giving my two cents on AI software. (In this case, my 2 cents are worth $150/hr!)
Key Steps To
Conclusion
And there you have it – a treasure trove of solopreneur ideas to help you break free from the 9 to 5 routine. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is just as thrilling as the destination itself. So, buckle up, pick an idea that resonates with you, and get ready to embark on an exhilarating ride to solopreneurship.