Can’t pick a business idea? Start here.

Most of the time, I focus on one business idea or a similar type of business. But today, I wanted to go a little broader.
Since you’re reading this, chances are you still want to start a business of your own.

You want it to be simple, low-cost, and something that actually makes money.

But you’re stuck on one thing: What kind of business should I start?

For some, they see a need or demand in the marketplace and can seamlessly get into a business that fills it. Others, though, know that they want to start something of their own, but just can’t seem to find that great business idea.

I have found myself in this camp more than once.

So let’s take a look at how to break this cycle and find the best business that works for you .

1. Don't Start With a Passion. Start With a Problem.

You’ve probably heard “follow your passion.” That advice has helped exactly no one who wants to make money fast.

If your passion happens to solve a real problem, great. But most people’s hobbies are not what folks are lining up to pay for.

Instead, ask this:

What are the problems people already pay to fix?

Dirty houses
Overgrown yards
Broken fences
Junk piling up
Gutters clogged
Old carpet that needs to go
Walls need painting
Cabinets need to be replaced
Toilets need to be replaced

These are just a handful of the real-life problems people hate dealing with. And they’re willing to pay to make them go away.

Make a list of some of the problems you can think of. It’s somewhere in this list that your business lives.

2. Look at Your Hands (and Your Weekends)

What have you already done with your hands, tools, or your free time?

Ever fixed up your own fence?
Helped a friend clean out a garage?
Changed oil, moved furniture, painted a house?

Is there something you did that seemed to come naturally, or that you didn’t mind doing, or maybe enjoyed doing?

You don’t need a degree or a license to start a business in most service industries. What you do need is confidence to offer help and a basic ability to do the job right.

Most of the time, you're closer to a business than you think.

3. Look for Signs in Your Own Neighborhood

Walk or drive around your town.
What do you notice?

If you see:

• A dozen houses with dirty siding → power washing

• Lawns that haven’t been cut in 3 weeks → lawn care

• Old mattresses left by the curb → junk removal

• Empty driveways in the morning → dog walking or pet services

This is market research at its best.
The best service business ideas aren’t created. They’re noticed.

4. Go Small First. You’re Not Stuck With It Forever.

Here’s the trap a lot of people fall into: “What if I choose the wrong business idea?”

The truth is, you’re not signing a 10-year contract. You’re running an experiment.

Choose something simple. Do it for 30 days.
If it works, double down.
If not, you pivot.

If you're interested in starting a power-washing business, go rent a decent power washer from the local rental shop and try it out at your home or a friend's. This is a great way to see whether you even have an interest in the type of work involved.

Sure, you’ll spend a bit of money on it, but doing the work for a day or two can go a long way in telling you if you have any interest.

You’ll learn way more by doing a few small jobs than by watching 20 YouTube videos about starting a business.

5. Use These 3 Filters to Pick a Strong Idea

Run your idea through this test:

1. Is it in demand?
Are people already paying for this in your area?

2. Can I learn it quickly?
Can you get up and running without years of training?

3. Can I start it cheap?
This depends on the type of budget you have, but can you start with a small amount of money?
Do you need less than $1,000 to get going?

If the answer is “yes” to all three, that idea is worth trying.

The Basics

It’s the end of the year.
You don’t need the perfect idea right away
You just need a direction.

Pick a service that solves a problem.
Start small.
Test it fast.
Get a few wins.
Then build momentum.

Every big business started with a tiny first step.
Yours can too.

Tim

For more on these businesses and many others, visit FullThrottleStartUp.com

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