If you’re a free spirit who hates the idea of being tied down to a desk job, you’re in luck. There are plenty of business ideas out there that will let you work your own hours and be your own boss. Here are just a few examples.
Organize and lead tour groups
There’s something special about experiencing a new place with a group of people. Traveling together can create bonds that last a lifetime. If you’re passionate about exploring the world and helping others do the same, you may be well suited to starting a tour group business.
As the owner and operator of a tour group, you’ll be responsible for planning travel itineraries, making travel arrangements, and leading groups of travelers on trips. You’ll need to be organized and detail-oriented, with excellent customer service skills. Depending on what services you’ll offer and what state you are in, you might need a travel agent license, too. Enthusiasm for your destination is also essential—after all, your love for travel is what inspired you to start this business in the first place! If you’re ready to turn your passion into a profession, there’s no time like the present to get started.
Be a freelance writer
One of the great things about being a freelance writer is that you can pretty much work anywhere. As long as you have an internet connection, you can set up shop anywhere in the world. That means that if you want to travel, you can do so without having to worry about finding a traditional job.
You can simply pack up your RV and hit the open road. Or, if you prefer a more urban setting, you can work at a cafe in almost any city. And if you really want to get away from it all, you can even live in a camper van and work as you travel. No matter where you end up, being a freelance writer gives you the freedom to live and work on your own terms.
Take your business to the dirt trails
Motorcycling is a great way to get outdoors and explore the trails, and lots of people participate in it. Dirt bikes are specifically designed for off-road riding and can handle any terrain you throw at them. Trail riding is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery. And if you own a business, take your business to the dirt trails via a camper van or an RV. You can even do business out of the back of a pickup truck. It can be a great way to promote your brand, especially if your business is related to the outdoors.
There are motorcycling events all over the country that you can attend, or you can even organize your own event. A pop-up shop at a local motocross or supermoto event is a great way to get your brand in front of potential customers. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even host a hill climb or a similar competition. Whatever you do, getting involved in the community you already belong to is a great way to promote your business.
Suppose you don’t have a business yet but want to start one related to dirt riding. In that case, some good ideas are selling motorcycle parts and supplies, providing repair services, and selling outdoor gear such as helmets, protective gear, jerseys, and shirts. The type of vehicle you have will limit what places you can get to; camper vans and RVs can get to most flat areas. But if you really want to go off the beaten path, you need an offroad-ready pickup truck or SUV. If you need more space, try to find a toy hauler for sale.
Help people declutter their homes
Many people find it difficult to let go of unwanted items, even when they are no longer needed or used. As a result, homes can quickly become cluttered and cramped. If you have a pickup truck and some extra time on your hands, you can start a business that helps people declutter their homes. You can offer to pick up unwanted items and either donate them or sell them. If you have a knack for antiquing, you may be able to sell some of the more valuable items for a profit. Either way, you can help people clear out their homes and receive some compensation in return.
It might be hard to find clients at first, so you can try to offer your services for free at first. Make sure to take photos and testimonials so that you can use them in looking for clients later on.
Offer your photography skills—take pictures for weddings, families, businesses, etc.
Most people take photos to share on Instagram and VSCO, but you can take this one step further and become a professional photographer. Being a photographer is a rewarding way to make a living. You get to capture memories that people will cherish for a lifetime, and you get to be your own boss. There are different types of photography, from destination weddings to proposals, graduations, gender reveals, and birthdays.
You will first need a professional camera and some training, which you can get from many institutions dedicated to upskilling and education. Once you have those, you’ll need to establish yourself as a professional photographer by building a portfolio. Offer your services to three to five clients for free just so you can build up a portfolio if you’re having trouble finding clients willing to pay. You should also set up a website and social media pages so that people can find you easily. As a photographer, it would be a good idea for you to look for a printer who can print your photos for clients. You can also distribute digital copies of your photos to clients via e-mail, a file-sharing website, or a photo-sharing website (like Flickr or Behance).
Key takeaways
No matter what business you decide to start, make sure that you are passionate about it and put in the hard work. It won’t be easy, but with a lot of dedication and effort, you can be successful. The businesses described here are just a few examples of the many possibilities available to entrepreneurs who want to start their own small businesses. With these ideas, you can take the next step in starting your own business.