How Small Business Ideas Happen

Like many, my buddy recently found himself out of work. Job hunting was not productive for him, and after months of diligent resume campaigning he became very discouraged. As he was thinking of options he began thinking of being in business for himself, but exactly what his business would be, he didn't know.

He knew he wanted to do something completely different. He knew he had skills in many areas and was trying to come up with small business ideas so he could be self employed. Naturally, he asked his friends and family if they had ideas for his business, and he experienced people giving him more advice than he really wanted! People mean well, however their bombardment of thought and ideas became more detrimental then helpful when he was trying to sort out his thoughts.

When he mentioned his ideas to people they either discouraged him by stating all the headaches that go with self employment, or they told him a number of small business ideas that they had considered. Although some of the advice was sound, he wanted this venture to be his.

Through the years he had done many different crafts. Working with wood was his way of relaxing from the stress of dealing with people all day. There were many times when people have seen his handiwork and told him that he could sell his creations on the side. He had given away as gifts a share of the creations he had made; he also started making wall hangings and other creative art. Of all the small business ideas that he had considered, the idea of a woodcraft boutique was the one that he thought was the most feasible. He thought he could have his own things displayed, have an area for consignment craft items produced by others, and a line of quality home accessory items. He also loved to paint so he thought he could sell his artwork, usually oil paintings, in addition to the other things.

He lives in a resort area so there are many visitors that come to the village. A small town four miles from his house has several gift shops and has specialized in drawing people to the community with special shopping events through the year. He spoke with several of the business owners about his small business ideas, and they thought a shop like that would be a great compliment to the existing shops. No one sold his type of wares in the area. 

There was a space to rent that had enought room to work and sell his dream, which he rented for six months to start. He thought that would give him enough time to see what would happen. If things did not go well, he will not be out a great deal of money, yet if it takes off he will extend the lease. The last time I spoke with him he was enjoying his new life, and I think it will be a nice change of pace for him.