The pandemic has been a wake-up call for many businesses. Those who were not quick to adapt to the changing environment suffered the consequences. Some had to close their doors for a while due to restrictions and disruptions, while some had to close their doors forever.
The shift in the needs of the consumers killed off some big names in retail. However, those who were quick to respond to the consumers’ changing needs survived and even thrived despite the looming crisis.
This shift in consumer needs opened many windows of opportunities for those who want to dabble into the world of small businesses. Here are the business trends that you can try. Some of them you can even do from the comfort and safety of your home.
1. Dropshipping
The stay-at-home requirements had consumers turn to online shopping. Online shopping gave buyers a safe and convenient method to access their needs and even some guilty luxuries. If you want to build an e-commerce business, you should definitely check out dropshipping.
Dropshipping allows you to run an online retail business without the need to maintain an inventory. The supplier will ship the orders directly to the customer.
However, if you have chosen a niche and have some extra closet space, you can buy your products at a wholesale price. This is recommended if you already know what you want to sell and you have already established which of your products gives you a steady stream of income.
2. Real Estate
Who would have thought that the demand for real estate will surge amidst a global pandemic? Months of staying at home had people realising the need for additional space and more comfortable living situations. Demand for house and land properties has increased, but the supply is hardly keeping up. If you have sufficient funds, you can take advantage of the skyrocketing demand for housing.
3. Meal Deliveries
People are becoming more conscious of the things that they eat. They want to be healthy and well-nourished, and fast-food delivery can’t help them with this goal. However, working people hardly have enough time to prepare a sandwich. Going to the grocery can take time and can be risky too.
Meal deliveries allow busy people to choose healthy meals that they want for the day. Some even offer nutritious meal plans for the whole week, sparing the customer the effort to plan their meals for the week.
There are two ways to do your meal delivery services. Some opt for meal kits, which include pre-chopped ingredients and a cooking instruction kit. Some opt for cooked meals that the customers can consume immediately.
If you choose to do this type of business, you must look for a local farm partner to supply your ingredients.
4. Online Tutoring
The pandemic has many parents opt for remote learning in fear of contracting the virus. This has raised many difficulties for children who cannot cope with the demands of remote learning. Parents are expected to assist and augment the need to demonstrate the lessons clearly to their children. However, if the parents are also working full-time or are not knowledgeable about the topic, the child will certainly be left behind.
You can provide online tutoring to these children who need additional assistance. If you are good at PSLE math tutoring, you can assist students who are having problems with the subjects. You can do it one-on-one via a video conferencing app. You can start by posting your online tutoring services on your social media accounts, or you can join online tutoring platforms. You can make an earning with your inherent skills and help struggling children and perplexed parents at the same time.
5. Online Professional Services
People are wary of going out, so bring them your professional services online. From web design services, bookkeeping services, telehealth services to legal services, you can serve your customer base online safely and efficiently. The restrictions and fears brought by the COVID-19 pandemic had people opting out to avail themselves of the services they need. An example would be therapy services given to children diagnosed with autism. Therapists turned to online therapy so that these children can continue receiving the assistance and intervention that they need.
6. Professional Cleaning Services
Maintaining cleanliness is an important step in fighting the transmission of the virus. Business establishments and homes turned to professional cleaning services to help them clean and sanitise their place. Depending on the size of your cleaning company, you can choose smaller establishments first as your clients.
One of the most important aspects of starting a business is to fill in a need. Try to look around you and assess the situation. What needs of the community can you serve? Will it be a permanent need? What can you do that can help address this need? Of course, choose services that you are comfortable doing and offering and match your skillset.
