Starting a business seems a daunting goal any time, but especially post-pandemic. Though some industries petered out in 2020, many did well and have provided an opportunity for you to finally start that business you’ve always wanted to. It’s time to be your own boss and dust off that business plan!
So, should you start a business just after the pandemic that wrought economic disaster? Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes, for certain verticals only. Some industries thrived or developed during the pandemic when suddenly we all had different needs.
Start a Small E-Commerce or Etsy Business
In 2020, we were all terrified that getting too close to another person would kill us. So, we stopped going to the grocery store in fear that we would accidentally brush up against a stranger’s arm for half a second while picking out laundry detergent. Fortunately for e-Commerce, we were able to buy essentials and recreational items (i.e., anything off Wayfair) from the comfort of our own homes. Phone scrolling became the new window shopping and pop-ups became the new pushy salesperson, enticing us to add onto our order because there was just one more item we couldn’t live without. Get in on that action!
Start a Content Creation & Design Business
This year welcomes the rise in digital content. Do you have a talent with videography, photography, podcasting, graphic design, or any other content creation? Show it off! There are plenty of people who will pay for great content, to meet the demands of their audience. Create a website to act as your portfolio and showcase your materials. Words for the wise: the best content in 2021 will be digital art that makes the viewer feel something. The piece(s) should create connection, express empathy, and invoke inspiration.
Start Teaching While at Home
Teachers with digital experience were greatly needed in 2020 and the need continues to rise. If you have experience in teaching, and can do it virtually, more opportunities have opened up for you. Even better, different states have different education and certification requirements. Now that most teaching has gone virtual, schools in other states are welcoming any qualified teaching professionals that know how to work with Zoom or other video conferencing tools. While you may not have that last year of teacher-assisting yet to qualify to work in Oregon, you may have the TA requirements for another state, and can begin your teaching career!
Start Your Own Mental Health or Substance Abuse Counseling Business
Mental health struggles and substance abuse skyrocketed in 2020. Therapists and counselors are booking up fast, providing you an opportunity to begin your freelance career in that space. With a website, credentials posted, and testimonials or reviews promoted, it’ll amaze you how quickly your schedule will fill up. All counseling or psychotherapy is done virtually right now, which gives you the freedom to work when you want to. Additionally, life coaches are in high demand. Everyone discovered a new hobby or talent while safe-distancing from the world in 2020, and they’re looking for someone to help them nurture it. So many opportunities, right at your fingertips!
Become a Home Fitness Guru
Do you remember when all the gyms closed in 2020 – twice? Yeah, us too. Many regulars at their fitness centers were devastated. Their routine was shaken up, and they worried they were letting themselves go. Then, YouTube workout videos rose in viewership and fitness centers like LA Fitness saw an opportunity. They hired back some of their staff to create videos teaching fitness classes, much like they did at the gyms before they closed by executive order. You can do that too! If you were a personal trainer pre-pandemic, or took an obsessive interest in fitness during the pandemic, creating and developing workout videos as classes may be for you. Promote the videos using social media and require email signups and a monthly subscription after a free trial.
Start a Home Improvement Business
Stuck in our homes for a year, we suddenly became very aware of the little things that bothered us. When we’re away at work 40-50 hours weekly, and not staring at the same spot in our kitchen, we can ignore anything that is less than perfect. All that changed when we switched to the remote work lifestyle. Homeowners were visiting Lowe’s website so often, they seriously considered bookmarking it. Ding! Inspiration calling. If you’re a former contractor or have other qualifications in home improvement, offer up your services to help homeowners remodel. It’ll build up your portfolio and bring in the dough.
Get it! We look forward to seeing new business booming this year. For more freelance or small business tips, keep following our blog and don’t miss new episodes of our podcast.
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