I have had various ideas for a business from making jewellery to housesitting but i dont seem to be able to pin point a paticular idea that i would be good at.

Im a good listener, I enjoy meeting people and ive spent all my working life dealing with members of the public.

i started off as a part person in a local garage, then went into stationery and then in to the upvc business.

Anyone any sugesstions? Any advise?


thanks

First, don't look for an idea that you 'might' be good at. Think of something that you 'are' good at. You can't really charge someone for something you 'might' be good at.
If you have already been making jewellery and you are competent at it, maybe people have already commented on it, then thats a start.
The fact that you are 'good with people' is the greatest plus, as this is more than half the battle.
You need to have a USP, a 'unique selling point', something that will make customers want to purchase your product, rather than someone elses. For instance, if making jewellery is going to be your 'thing', you need to come up with something that has a bit of a wow factor and grabs the attention. If I was in this line, I would be tempted to try making some items by commission i.e. offering to manufacture items that include the clients own design ideas. Don't attempt making stuff in bulk to sell cheap, the Indians and the Chinese will have that side stitched up, knocking them out for pennies! Go for more exclusive lines.

Best advice though is to get on with it, don't wait for that big inspiring moment that never comes. Graft is all that counts in the end! Good luck:thumbsup:

I used to think like you as well, and thought about the fact that I should be good at something before going into business. You don't. From watching programmes like Dragon's Den, it makes you think that the business will work is because you have the business acumen. A lot of people may start their own businesses selling their own skills/craft only to realise that they don't manage the books properly.

I've seen families failed at their businesses too. It does make you weary, and it also sharpens your own business model. Selling to the right market, being in the right location, pricing it correctly etc.

I would suggest to write down a list of things that you wish to achieve, if you do start a business. If making money is not the strongest motivation, then you're less likely to put everything into it.

If you have a special skill that you want to sell. i.e. you're a designer. Then consider being in a full time job, but be the best type of designer you can be without the headache of the admin work from a business. When you have a list of clientele, then maybe you can go solo or something.

What I do believe is that if you want something hard enough, you're willing to work for it. When you do something, and you're curious and sleep, drink, do that something. It's a good thing to follow up on, I think.