2009 Business Opportunities - Best Business to Start?

2009 has been an interesting year for business start ups. People are starting to realise that a sluggish or even volatile economy is a great time to time to start the business opportunity they've been thinking about for years.

2009 Business Opportunities

The business opportunities in 2009 seem to be taking a more niche approach to earning money. By serving a specific segment of a specific market people are starting businesses much faster in 2009. Unique is in when it comes to business start ups and service oriented business still are the most popular business to start.

Profitable business opportunities, as I've mentioned here before, need to be connected to an existing market. Its more profitable and less risky to improve service or product to an existing market than to try and create one of your own.

Are Coffee Shops a Good Business Opportunity?

Coffee shops are interesting, I've never owned one but I've had the chance to see so many coffee shop start ups. I've been in a few coffee shops that cause me to think or say, " I'm commin back here".... That's the key, and a good example of connecting to an existing market.

People drink coffee. That's the market. Some people drink coffee out of the home, that could be the niche. Some people drink coffee out of the home and would like to work on their computer while the child is entertained by an educational and independent activity....That could be improving the experience of an already existing niche....These business ideas are profitable and they are working.

The Best Business To Start?

People ask me this often, both on my websites and in person. The short answer is, Its a tough question. I've started a few businesses and I like to stick to my personal experience of starting a business. The best business to start is not the one that is the easiest. The best business to start is not the one that earns the most money. When I look back, and think about things now I'd have to say its about balance and being on purpose.

I've owned businesses that have earn a boat load of money, but I had no life and was miserable. While I learned a lot and developed management skills and systems that gave me a life and reduced stress, I still didn't like what I did. Every day felt like another mountain to climb. I had to deal with people I didn't want to deal with and take risks I wasn't comfortable taking. While money is great, money alone is not the indicator of the best business to start.

I had the idea one day that, " wouldn't it be neat if who I wanted to be on a day to day basis created my life." In other words, I wanted to be on purpose. Its great to feel useful, and on purpose.

I think the best business to start is the one that excites you a bit, causes you to stretch, and serves people in a way your proud of.

Business opportunities are opportunities to make money. Businesses need to earn money, if they don't their hobbies. Just because you love doing something does not mean its going to be a great business opportunity.

There are hundreds of online business opportunities. Profitable business opportunities online are, in my opinion, are a weird animal. Turnkey business opportunities are a great opportunity for the person who has little or no business experience. You'll have the chance to associate with other people who know more about business. Success minded people are great association and in some places tough to find and associate with. Many of the best business opportunities are based online which also allows a much broader customer base and exposure to all different kinds of people.

Business Opportunities Online

Seems most online business opportunities, like the ones you see advertised are either:

Directs Sales Opportunities
Network Marketing
Affiliate Marketing
Commissioned Sales Rep.
Product Reseller
Customer Service
Consulting
Franchise Opportunities

I'm sure there are more categories, these are a few that I've seen. Either way, with any business opportunity, you'll be working with other people, It pays to work with people you feel comfortable with, people who can help you get to the place you need to be.

Business opportunities require start up capital. Depending on the type of business, most business start ups will cost between $50 and $25,000 dollars. Franchise opportunities tend to run more and direct sales or network marketing seem to cost a bit less.

Advice for Finding the Right Business

I'd set a goal of finding a good business to start. Plan on spending a month or so evaluating business opportunities. Narrow your options down to a few and then make a decision. Most profitable business opportunities will have a mix of you using skills you already possess and having to learn a few new ones.

Do you have any experience starting a business? Would you care to share with our visitors and readers?

Make 2009 a great year and as you look forward to 2010 make a decision to start the business you've been thinking about.