Business ideas that can make you hmmm...

IT'S the great western dream - becoming a millionaire overnight! And it happens in America everyday - or so we think! And the fever is catching on in India. People are experimenting and taking risks that sometimes pay off. At times in a big way, at others not.

But importantly, what most unique business ideas require is the right gestation period, timing, market scenario, marketing, and planning to take off on a successful start. As S. Merugu, a knowledge analyst believes, `An innovative business initiative is one, which addresses an obvious need in the market, but has no precedent.' In short, the idea should be viable. Initially, stick to a few tested ideas. They may not help you mint millions in a microsecond but can trigger a few good ideas of your own and help you make a few thousands in the bargain!

The mail-order business

From mail-order flowers to mail-order brides, mail-order web services are the most popular web business that has survived the brunt of the dotcom bust.

These are websites that offer people the ease of service and delivery. Everything from grocery shopping, to cosmetics can be ordered through such sites. For those interested in creating websites and webmastering, this can be a good start-up point.

All you need is the spirit of entrepreneurship, some tech and design skills, business acumen and the ability to sustain the business.

An invitation to success

Designer invites are in. With so many weddings, award functions and parties happening, the need for attractive invitations has gone up. People have the money to spare, and the interest and the desire to make these dos a success.

The traditional `nimantran patra' has evolved to new dimensions, making card makers with the right designs an `in' lot.

All you need do to is take up a course in printing technology, supplemented with DTP and screen-printing courses. You're ready to start your own set up.

Help!

... is exactly what most employed folk these days are crying out for.

They are short on time, energy and house help. House-help being the key word here. Fortunately, there are firms that offer these services too.

Contractual help is becoming a popular service sector and there's money to be made in it if the business is managed well.

These services sometimes even extend to provision shopping, and payment of bills.

So all you need are good people skills, to be a good judge of people, and have excellent time management skills.

Corporate gifting

Corporate gifting has been a global tradition that dates back to the time of royalty. Only now, it has assumed a more professional touch and feel.

If not done with the right amount of care and taste, your corporate gift could well be misunderstood for a bribe. Fortunately, business establishments can now outsource their corporate gifting to companies that specialise in it.

There are firms that pick and choose, wrap and deliver your corporate gifts for you! Of course these services come at an attractive price. If you're a shopoholic whose choice of gifts is appreciated, you could give this idea a try.

Mannequin on the move

Retail fashion is a hot topic these days.

So is window dressing. Window dressers are professionals who dress store windows.

Window dressing is a neat marketing tactic to attract customers and increase revenue. A niche service, there are not many window dressers in India. Rather an off-beat business proposition, those with a creative bent, oodles of patience, awareness of the market pulse and the right marketing skills can take a go at it.

Food sells

The hassle, boredom and routine of having to pack lunch everyday is driving most office goers to the nearest mealtime food vendor. On the lines of the Mumbai dabba walas, these are caterers who sell packaged lunches at highly reasonable rates.

They can be found near offices and popular business establishments. Neatly packaged, hygienically prepared, these food vendors are a big hit.

So, if you love dishing out mouth-watering delicacies, consider this option.

There's enough room for everyone in this business. After all, variety is the spice of life!

Small ideas good money

One of my aunts was bored of being a stay-at-home mom. Restless and full of beans, she started experimenting by making beautiful embroidered outfits for her daughter.

Her work was appreciated and she soon started churning out design after magnificent design on a professional basis.

If you share a passion that is similar, you can consider freelancing your services. Like an intermediate student who had a knack for freehand mehendi sketching did.

She now does bridal mehendi designs for a fee. The advantages - flexi time and you are your own boss.

Resume working

Another unique business proposition is to become a professional resume writer.

Of course, you need to be skilled at it. You must be up-to-date with the latest trends in resume writing, and have good written language and editing capabilities. You can also team this with additional services such as career counselling or guidance services.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a skill and polish it to a fine shine, then market it and make money!

SAMYUKTA KODA