There's a pattern in business development that goes something like this: The rougher the skid marks, the more comfort we need. And it is true. Time and again I've seen it -- you have too. When a major economic bump hits, we flee to comfort on the recovery. We look for hand made items, for personal service, for old time values. We do it again and again. That's why these businesses will succeed more than ever in 2012:
1. PERSONAL TRAINERS. Health in all forms is Big Business right now. Add a personal touch and you are on your way.
2. BEAUTY SALONS (and all related nail salons, etc.). We've gone scruffy long enough. It is time to fix our "do" and do it.
3. SERVICES FOR THE VERY WEALTHY. Yes, they do still have lots of money to spend on chauffeurs, nannies, personal assistants, chefs, gardeners, etc. A toe in the door can take your company far.
4. ELDER CARE. Smaller homes in particular should do exceptionally well. Those who want a larger business can open several smaller homes. The population is still aging at an astonishing rate.
5. Small RESTAURANTS, CAFES, COFFEE HOUSES. Offer the unique. Let the aromas drift through your cafe. Many restaurants and cafes didn't make it through the last few years so a lot of doors are opening now.
6. INTERNET APPS that bring us back to "personal". I can send this post out to millions, and have a Tweet go to thousands. Personalizing it all is the real challenge, because that is where the sales are.
7. Shopping malls with more LOCAL BOUTIQUES. Big boxes will still be there, but the real opportunity for independent entrepreneurs is in smaller stores customized to a particular locale, with local items.
8. CALL CENTERS. Employees are there, waiting with bated breath for the centers to open. Slews of businesses need to outsource this skill, so go for it.
9. EDUCATION. More than ever before, employees need training and retraining. Our universities are bursting at the seams and EVERYTHING related to education, training and schools is booming. It is not too late to find your corner of the education market.
10. This is not a business, but the most dramatic business paradigm shift we have seen in a hundred years: HOME BASED SERVICE PEOPLE, like bookkeepers, accountants, PR people, writers, lawyers, tailors, all manner of services for businesses and for people. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs have walked away from corporate life. With the ease of international communications, many of them are setting up very profitable home based businesses.
Got some more ideas? We would love to hear them.
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