5 businesses to consider starting in 2008

by Fred Roed on 28/01/08 at 11:26 am
10 comments

In the current exciting climate, rife with blackouts, crime, blog ceremonies and regime change, we must reflect on what direction we entrepreneurs must take in the next year. Here are a few ideas:

1. Start an alternative energy company
Maybe this is stating the obvious, but the generator industry must be feeling pretty bullish at the moment. There are quite a few options here: solar panels on rooves, wind power, etc. I’ve even set up a few hundred hamster wheels in our garage. I’ll let you know how it goes.

2. Start a wholesaling business
People are hurting with the rapid increase in the price of general stuff. If you can find it for cheap you can sell it for cheap – so load up your bakkie and start selling. More than a couple South African fortunes have begun this way.

3. Start an export company to the rest of Africa
Some of the countries surrounding South Africa, with the major exception of (*cough*) one, are experiencing economic booms that are making them attractive targets for exporting. Importing doesn’t seem like a good idea, what with the Rand looking mighty shakey, and the rate cuts making those expensive ‘forrin’ goods too pricey for our local wallets – so pick it, pack it and send it, baby!

4. Start a cottage industry
Let’s face it. Your garage is a mess anyway, so why not use it to make a profitable mess. Your thought process should be something like this – One: what do people need? Two: is there anything that people need that I can make? Three: can I make lots of it?

5. Start a legal firm
OK, so maybe you don’t have a law degree, but, heck, this is Africa. Who needs one? This weekend’s news carried the story of some high-flying dude who went around parading as an advocate, even appearing in court. Awesome. The thing is, with the level of corruption and fraud in South Africa at the moment, you’ll be so busy from the first day that no one will notice that you know jack about law.

Fred Roed is the marketing guy in the Ideate crew. Fred is the CEO of web marketing company World Wide Creative and the co-founder of online learning portal Heavy Chef. Fred loves writing about people out there doing marketing right. Follow Fred on Twitter here. View more articles by Fred Roed.

10 Responses to “5 businesses to consider starting in 2008”

Wezz

Jan 28th, 2008

Great tips, dig the last one – been thinking about becoming a fake-lawyer after watching a few episodes of The Riches.
Lesley

Jan 28th, 2008

My favourite is also the last idea. My daughter-in-law NP would be formidable in that position.
Bruce

Jan 29th, 2008

I have just registered my new company as a fake shrink to treat all those out there who think they are fake lawyers or fake advertising executives. I then opened a new department to treat all those who think they are in politics but are actually fakes but do not know it.
Rhei, writer Surefirewealth.com

Jan 29th, 2008

To have a better life in business: do wholesale!

Just like here in the Philippines, we can observe that Chinese have this thinking:It’s better to gain less than nothing, but when you add all of that, you’ll see that you earned more than what you’re expected.”

And mostly, Chinese here do have a wholesaling business. Come here and observe how lucky they are. Wishing that all people have this logic especially here in my country.
Richard

Jan 30th, 2008

Great post, Mr Roed.

I am digging Bruce’s idea, but through all your hard work, contemplating the idea of becoming the next Richard Branson or uncle Tokyo, you forget one which I think could get you places in todays day and age, especially in South Africa.

Get some shares in the funeral service industry, Yes I know its not everyones cup of tea, but you could make an extra bit of Bob and after all it is a never “dying” business.

Peace
tshepo malewa

Feb 9th, 2008

i want to paitent an idea the question is.How do ido it and where?Please help
Mariaan Grimbeek

Mar 30th, 2008

Hi. Been trying to get into the export market. Done all the homework. Any ideas and contacts to export what and where in Africa?
Ndi

May 6th, 2008

well. its all good that you post up the ‘truth’ about the ’scandals’ in our country, but no where are you being responsible in motivating away from the negative. Especially with the last step to ’starting a law firm’. maybe i have more faith in a country where one or many may see doubt.
some of the ideas you posted are some what positive, considering our crisis in this country, not saying that they are here for ever, but in due time things will sort themselves out. Like look at Richard Maponya, he also started on ground level. and its not about the rapid rate one falls into success and riches but also the respect and loyalty gained from admirers of ones success and achievement(s) along the way.
Jason Abrahams

Jul 10th, 2008

I am very interested in starting an export business. Have no idea about exporting but but very eager to learn. Have a product in mind which i would like to export. What would be the next step? Any advice?????
Simphiwe

Jul 19th, 2008

I am very interested in starting an export business. Have no idea about exporting but but very eager to learn. Any advice