THE BEST SIDE BUSINESS IDEAS YOU CAN ADOPT EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE A FULL-TIME JOB

The Best Side Business Ideas for Busy People

Starting a business to supplement your day job's income can help ease worries over your 401(k) losses. 

For Matthew Griffin of Indianapolis, it also helped him make better brownies.

In 2004 Griffin created a side company for his idea of a new brownie-baking pan that yields more than four corner brownies, hoping the invention might add to his income. Without quitting his day job, he perfected the design with his wife, Emily, for several years. The success of their company, Baker's Edge, grew steadily, and Griffin became full-time CEO and president in 2008.

Griffin's advice to others who start a side business: "Keep your day job and your side job separate. Mixing the two will cause serious issues, and can quickly cause you to lose the stability of your full-time job." 

Simple Side-Business Ideas

Whether the struggling economy or an inventive idea is prodding your inner entrepreneur, here are five categories of side businesses that are easy to start (Note: Possible hourly salary data from PayScale.com included, where possible, but rates may vary by location and experience):

Social sales. Companies like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and Stella & Dot rely on thousands of independent sales people who work very flexible schedules, often while networking at house parties. Startup kits can cost more than $100, but training time is short. The earnings potential attracts many, often leading to a career change. Stella & Dot stylists, for example, can earn more than $75 per hour, according to the company's website.

Freelancing. Turn one of your marketable skills into a moneymaker to pursue at your convenience. The options are wide for needs you can fill in the marketplace, such as writing/editing, animal care, cutting hair ($22 to $44/hr), being a DJ at weddings, organizing closets, translation (up to $40/hr), and mowing lawns.

Or try a freelance activity that meets one of your needs, too. Tom and Melissa Dowler of Boston started their video production company, Long Haul Films, as a creative outlet they could pursue as a couple.

Online stores. One person's junk is another resourceful person's goldmine, as many eBay store owners have shown us. Or you can set up shop using your own unique domain name and sell items you make or collect. (Yahoo Small Business tools can help with buying a domain name and setting up an online e-commerce store.)

Think broadly -- maybe your customers would rather rent than buy. New Yorker Brittany Haas started her boutique, Something Borrowed NY, to rent designer bridal accessories.

Consulting. Use your expertise to fill a need. For example, you can prepare taxes ($22/hr) for people who find the process too confusing. Other skills that lend themselves well to consulting include personal finance advising (up to $63/hr), wedding preparations, Internet marketing, computer troubleshooting, public speaking, and interior design (up to $40/hr with 5 years of experience). One simple way to get started: become a registered expert on JustAnswer.

Teaching. You may need a certain level of training or certification for some side businesses in this category, such as yoga instructors (up to $47/hr) or fitness trainers (up to $29/hr). Ask yourself: What am I good at? The many options in this field can include musical instruments, foreign languages, academic tutoring, dance, and various forms of art.

Jason Fitzgerald of Washington, D.C., turned his skills as an elite marathoner into a Strength Running program in 2010 that has helped many runners get stronger and prevent overuse injuries.

Startup Tips from the Experts

The work of starting and maintaining a side business will be much easier if you heed the following advice.

Map out the details. 

Video producer Melissa Dowler says, "Put together a business and marketing plan; get business cards printed; make sure you have an up-to-date website and social media; and set achievable goals that you can work towards. All of these things will help you keep focused and stick with it during stressful or busy times."

Make time for your side job.

"If you really want to develop it as an income source, you need to be consistent and dedicate the time to it," Griffin says. "Be prepared to give up your free time. If you are doing it right, it should feel like you have two full-time jobs."

Guard against burnout.

 "Give yourself at least one night a week to relax," says boutique owner Haas. "Without that needed break, you won't be able to give 110% to each job."

Put your heart in it. 

Marathon runner Fitzgerald says, "Make sure that you are deeply passionate about your business; that will keep you going during times of low revenue when you're not seeing a lot of return on your time investment."

Source: Aabacosmallbusiness

HERE IS A COMPILED LIST OF SMALL BUSINESS IDEAS:

I present to you my small compilation of small business ideas one can start with little money or no money.

It is not guaranteed that you will become rich doing any of these businesses just because I said profitable but for the enterprising folks that pick any of them and chooses to be diligent and resourceful, I believe the sky will be the limit for that person whether or not the business is small scale or on a part time basis. By the way, there are many more ideas one could come up with so good luck with your search.

I have compiled this list for those who are looking for a means of livelihood or better yet are working but are looking for an alternative source of income. All the best as you pursue your small business.

1. Proposal writing

2. Real Estate Agency

3. Information Marketing

4. Blogging

5. Web publishing

6. Selling Fruits

7. Baking confectioneries

8. Selling honey

9. Home tutoring

10. Freelance marketing

11. Freelance writing

12. E-books publishing

13. Affiliate marketing

14. Crafts business

15. Bead making

16. Weight loss classes

17. Exercise Instructor

18. Party Planner

19. Business plan writer

20. Business broker

21. Aerobics Classes

22. Carpet Cleaning and car washing

23. Corporate Cleaning Services

24. Computer instructor

25. Dance Instructor

26. Graphic Designer

27. Web designer

28. Computer programmer

29. Computer Repairs

30. Mobile Phone Repairs

31. Charging of car and phone batteries

32. Time management consultant

33. Cooking service

34. Cosmetic sales

35. Dating Service

36. Directory Publisher

37. Editor

38. Email marketing

39. Employment Agency

40. Event Management

41. Event Planner

42. Fruit Selling e.g Apple, Pineapple etc

43. Export Agent

44. Ezine Publishing

45. Facialist

46. Hair Stylist

47. Beautician

48. Make-up Artistry

49. Freelance photographer

50. Ghost writer

51. Greeting cards designer

52. Food Delivery service

53. Home made story books

54. You tube Videos

55. Information broker

56. Infopreneur

57. Internet marketing

58. Internet service provider

59. Internet recruiting

60. Interpreter/translator

61. Foreign Language Teacher

62. Mailing list service

63. Market research

64. Monogramming

65. Music lessons

66. Nanny Service

67. Online internet training

68. Painting

69. Payroll service

70. Martial arts instructor

71. Pet training

72. Selling Pet products

73. Proof reader

74. Public Relations Agency

75. Public/Motivational Speaker

76. Reporter

77. CV/Resume Writing service

78. Self Improvement Seminars

79. Self Publishing

80. Song writer

81. Teaching

82. Technical Writer

83. Telephone Answering service

84. Tour Guide

85. Travel Agency

86. Scholarship and Overseas Study consultant

87. Typing service

88. Mobile supermarket

89. Writing press releases

90. SMS marketing

91. Excursion Service

92. Holiday Camp

93. Video game Center

94. Viewing Center

95. Day care center

96. Car wash service

97. Selling chilled Zobo Drinks

98. Youghurt

99. Home Business Center

100. School Dropping and picking service