Business Ideas Are Everywhere

Start to think about needs in your town or city. Is there something missing? Is there a need or a product or some type of service people would use that they "want?"

What is the majority age population in your city or town? Is it mostly seniors? (a huge market because they are more active and living longer than ever.) Or is your community made up of younger families?

Check out the local sections in your paper. Read the Lifestyle and Arts section. (I always find articles about local business people who have started businesses.)

Look at local and state businesses. Look at consumer trends and what people "want."

Is there something other businesses in your area need? Don't be afraid to go around and ask!

Think about concerns we all have in the world today.

There are so many opportunities out there, waiting for like you to step up and get started with a new business!

Don't be afraid to ask!

This is where your friends, family and neighbors come in. Ask them to give you their number-one need. A product or service that's "hard-to-find." A complaint about what's missing from their lives.

How many times have you looked for something -- a product or service -- and had to travel a long distance to get it?

Answering questions will give you plenty to think about and some good material for your notebook.

And if you're interested in the business-to-business market, you could always put together a survey and mail it out to local businesses. Give them an incentive (a low-cost, high value gift) and find out what they really need to help them improve their business.

You may find that all of the local businesses in your area need someone to take care of local deliveries. Or someone to help them type or use their computer more effectively..

Just remember, starting a small business is a process and it takes time. The more planning and research you do up front, the better chance you'll have to success and have a little bit of fun, too.