1. SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANCE SERVICE
We have previously talked about how big social media is for big and small businesses both. This kind of business is merely an extension of how well you know your social networks and how best to use them for business clients. Under this service, you could be doing ghost-writing for businesses, posting on their blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter accounts. You could also actively monitor the networks for mentions of your client and manage them accordingly
We have previously talked about how big social media is for big and small businesses both. This kind of business is merely an extension of how well you know your social networks and how best to use them for business clients. Under this service, you could be doing ghost-writing for businesses, posting on their blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter accounts. You could also actively monitor the networks for mentions of your client and manage them accordingly
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: You should know your social networks.
Guides on how to effectively use social media for businesses are
available online. Social media workshops have also begun in Indian
cities
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.50 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
2. HR AND RECRUITING SERVICE
Not every business can afford a human resources department. Not everyone can afford a big recruitment firm either. There is a gap here that can be exploited, especially by human resources professionals, to start building their own recruiting firm. Further on, you can also actively manage these firms’ HR processes for them, all the time putting yourself to be one of those big firms as well.
Not every business can afford a human resources department. Not everyone can afford a big recruitment firm either. There is a gap here that can be exploited, especially by human resources professionals, to start building their own recruiting firm. Further on, you can also actively manage these firms’ HR processes for them, all the time putting yourself to be one of those big firms as well.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: If you are not trained already, pursue a
short course or workshop at an institute like Symbiosis Centre for
Distance Learning or IGNOU
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
3. TRANSLATION SERVICES
Globalization and the positives in business infrastructure mean that even small and medium businesses now work across at least a few nations. But this comes with the hurdle of language in which they invariably need assistance. So, if you know any language of business, you are going to be in business yourself as translators are in big need. A translation service would be required to interpret all sorts of documents, but their greatest source of revenue will be legal and medical companies. You can specialize in the one or two languages you speak fluently, or you can hire other linguists to translate dozens of other tongues.
Globalization and the positives in business infrastructure mean that even small and medium businesses now work across at least a few nations. But this comes with the hurdle of language in which they invariably need assistance. So, if you know any language of business, you are going to be in business yourself as translators are in big need. A translation service would be required to interpret all sorts of documents, but their greatest source of revenue will be legal and medical companies. You can specialize in the one or two languages you speak fluently, or you can hire other linguists to translate dozens of other tongues.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: If you are not trained already, pursue
French at Alliance Francaise, German at the Max Mueller Bhavan, Spanish
at Instituto Hispanico, Chinese at the India China Chamber of Commerce
& Industry and Japanese at the Language School of Indo-Japan Chamber
of Commerce
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
4. BOARDROOM FACILITIES
This is a business idea that, though a tad expensive, can bring in huge revenue over time. Most small and medium businesses do not have boardrooms of their own owing to the space crunch in most big cities. In addition, some do not want to commit that much investment towards a boardroom of their own. Hence, they rent boardrooms for meetings, events and general socialization. So, if you have space of your own, you can easily modify it to suit a business’ needs.
This is a business idea that, though a tad expensive, can bring in huge revenue over time. Most small and medium businesses do not have boardrooms of their own owing to the space crunch in most big cities. In addition, some do not want to commit that much investment towards a boardroom of their own. Hence, they rent boardrooms for meetings, events and general socialization. So, if you have space of your own, you can easily modify it to suit a business’ needs.
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No training needed. One must look up the internet to see what business facilities are in trend
Expected revenues: Rs.30 lakh (5 years); Rs.60 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads). Projectors, laptop, broadband connection, tea and
coffee machines, fax, and stationery needed for boardrooms too
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific
permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your
local authority. You also need a fire safety clearance from local fire
department in some cases
5. MEDICAL TOURISM SERVICE
That India has some of the best-trained and qualified medical professionals is a foregone conclusion. What is of note to us, however, is that medical costs in India are also one of the lowest in the world. This is why many foreign nationals come to India for surgeries or medical treatment. This has created an opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to offer services to overseas patients looking to get treated at local hospitals.
That India has some of the best-trained and qualified medical professionals is a foregone conclusion. What is of note to us, however, is that medical costs in India are also one of the lowest in the world. This is why many foreign nationals come to India for surgeries or medical treatment. This has created an opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to offer services to overseas patients looking to get treated at local hospitals.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific qualification is essential but industry knowledge helps
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.25 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), and lots of material on hospitals in India
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
6. DIETARY CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Eating right is as big as working out amongst the fitness crowd in our urban cities. However, that cannot be done without a bit of external guidance and this is where a dietary consultant comes in. This is a business for the dietitian or nutritionist to startup. Given that more and more of urban India has progressively lesser time to eat and take care of their diet, clientele size will always be growing in this sector.
Eating right is as big as working out amongst the fitness crowd in our urban cities. However, that cannot be done without a bit of external guidance and this is where a dietary consultant comes in. This is a business for the dietitian or nutritionist to startup. Given that more and more of urban India has progressively lesser time to eat and take care of their diet, clientele size will always be growing in this sector.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: A course in nutrition would be necessary
here. You can do such courses at the National Institute of Nutrition,
the International life Sciences Institute and J. D. Birla Institute
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
7. USED CAR DEALERSHIP
Buying a car is a status symbol in our country now, and many middle-class Indians think it is necessary to own one. But, given that costs of new cars are very prohibitive, the need for having used cars on the market is justified. You can start a dealership with not much if you make your first sales on a commission basis rather than a buy-and-sell basis. Also, the used car market tends to do better in a slow market and that is one big positive.
Buying a car is a status symbol in our country now, and many middle-class Indians think it is necessary to own one. But, given that costs of new cars are very prohibitive, the need for having used cars on the market is justified. You can start a dealership with not much if you make your first sales on a commission basis rather than a buy-and-sell basis. Also, the used car market tends to do better in a slow market and that is one big positive.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: No specific training needed, but knowledge of RTO procedures will come in handy
Expected revenues: Rs.50 lakh (5 years); Rs.1 crore (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), and at least 2 more assistants
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
8. MOBILE GARAGE SERVICE
This one is for the engineers and trained mechanics. Garages tend to
be in the more grey parts of any town and the car does not always break
down there. Mobile mechanics are then a Godsend. You can start this
service with just a motorcycle of your own and a couple of assistants.
You can even offer packages for car owners by tying up with dealerships.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), garage equipment, and at least 2 more assistants
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
9. AUTO MODIFICATION SERVICE
Not everyone can afford a swanky imported car or motorcycle. But many of them can afford small modifications to their set of wheels. All thanks to movies like The Fast and The Furious, people are also more eager to get their wheels tuned for better performance. All this spells a business idea for all the design-leaning auto enthusiasts amongst our readers.
Not everyone can afford a swanky imported car or motorcycle. But many of them can afford small modifications to their set of wheels. All thanks to movies like The Fast and The Furious, people are also more eager to get their wheels tuned for better performance. All this spells a business idea for all the design-leaning auto enthusiasts amongst our readers.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed. Just an eye for design and the latest trends in the auto world
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), at least 1 assistant, garage equipment and
modification kits
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
10. DRIVING SCHOOL
This is again an evergreen business idea in the auto sector. With the number of cars increasing and more and more people wanting to learn how to drive a car, this business will always have a steady flow of clients. All you need is a car of your own, and good-enough patience to be able to teach people how to safely drive their cars.
This is again an evergreen business idea in the auto sector. With the number of cars increasing and more and more people wanting to learn how to drive a car, this business will always have a steady flow of clients. All you need is a car of your own, and good-enough patience to be able to teach people how to safely drive their cars.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need specific
permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your
local authority. Also, you will need permission from the local RTO to
run a driving school
11. CAR STORAGE
This is a new business concept in India and one which is still in its
nascent stages. Here, your customers will be people who need to store
their cars in a safe environment for short or extended periods. The
first step to establishing a car storage business is to secure low-cost
indoor storage space, such as a vacant warehouse or manufacturing
building. The next step is to simply market the business, which you do
by joining auto clubs and auto associations.
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 2 years
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), and at least two caretakers
Licensing and permissions: No specific permissions
required, though the local RTO or corporation may have something to say
if it classifies your area as a paid parking space
12. HOBBY CLASSES
More and more parents are now interested in more holistic development of their children. And, thankfully, that means they get time do things other than deep-dive into their books. Hobby classes are one such getaway for kids. If you have a skill in art, crafts, music or any other such discipline, you can offer hobby classes in your neighborhood. This can be started in your home and will expand quickly via word-of-mouth through the kids themselves.
More and more parents are now interested in more holistic development of their children. And, thankfully, that means they get time do things other than deep-dive into their books. Hobby classes are one such getaway for kids. If you have a skill in art, crafts, music or any other such discipline, you can offer hobby classes in your neighborhood. This can be started in your home and will expand quickly via word-of-mouth through the kids themselves.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months to 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own skills
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), at least 1 assistants, and activity kits for your
discipline
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
13. CHILDREN’S PARTY PLANNING SERVICE
Make no mistake. Organizing a child’s party is way tougher than organizing a wine get-together. But if you do it well, these kids will be your biggest marketers. It is a fun business that will throw up something new every time, and will most definitely make you money, especially in urban India.
Make no mistake. Organizing a child’s party is way tougher than organizing a wine get-together. But if you do it well, these kids will be your biggest marketers. It is a fun business that will throw up something new every time, and will most definitely make you money, especially in urban India.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own organizational skills and a penchant for fun
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space,
laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting
cards + letterheads), and at least 1 assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
14. CHILDPROOFING SERVICE
This one is for interior decorators amongst our readers. Children love to fool around. Alas, parents do not always prefer that. Not only do kids damage stuff, but, more dangerously, hurt themselves while they are at it. A childproofer visits homes, installing safety latches, catches and other safety devices and alerting parents to potential hazards like poisonous plants and other materials. It is a low-cost business idea that has an element of doing good attached to it.
This one is for interior decorators amongst our readers. Children love to fool around. Alas, parents do not always prefer that. Not only do kids damage stuff, but, more dangerously, hurt themselves while they are at it. A childproofer visits homes, installing safety latches, catches and other safety devices and alerting parents to potential hazards like poisonous plants and other materials. It is a low-cost business idea that has an element of doing good attached to it.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own skills and the ability to think like a child
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.25 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
15. NANNY SERVICES
This is a business idea that has been around since the British Raj in India. While there is the informal bai system in our country, more and more parents are looking for nannies who will bring something more to the table, like helping with the child’s education, keeping a watch on his dietary needs as well as able to give an educated feedback when needed. A nanny service would see you hunt for such nannies, train them if needed and then place them with the right families.
This is a business idea that has been around since the British Raj in India. While there is the informal bai system in our country, more and more parents are looking for nannies who will bring something more to the table, like helping with the child’s education, keeping a watch on his dietary needs as well as able to give an educated feedback when needed. A nanny service would see you hunt for such nannies, train them if needed and then place them with the right families.
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
