I need Ideas, anyone can help!

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@byfaithonly (10698)
United States
February 15, 2007 8:24pm CST
I am currently working on a large writing project and the client wants examples used in the product. What I need are ideas for different types of small local businesses. Some example I have already used are barber shop, grocery store, flower shop, printing business, and a machine shop. I need 30 or so businesses and have hit the wall. Think small, Mom and Pop types are welcome but any thing small not Walmart, Sears, or such.
12 people like this
33 responses
• Philippines
16 Feb 07
I have some things in mind like automotives and spare parts shop, fish shops, meat shop, antique shop, car wash shop, canteen, burger stand and cellphone repair shop. I hope it'll help.
3 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
This certainly does help, I haven't thought or used any of these - I love myLot, need an answer you're sure to get it here. thank you!
1 person likes this
@Melda1 (44)
• Canada
16 Feb 07
As a freelance writer also, I would love to help you with your project. You say you need 30 examples of small local businesses? Well your first step might be to call everyone you know, and ask them if they or a friend, or a friend of a friend is currently running a unique small, or home based business. Many small businesses fit niche markets, so they are not readily noticeable to the general public. Check under the services section of your local newspaper, it will tell you what type of services are being offered in your community, and who is running the business. Great small businessess that people are always interested in hearing more about are home wedding planners, wedding dress makers, music teachers and anyone making any type of unique craft. I wish you'd given a little more information about the project you were working on, then i might be able to help you in greater detail. Good luck and I hope I helped.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I'm afraid I can't give anymore information as this project while freelance I am writing as a ghost writer (for those who aren't familure with that term - I do the writing the person paying me puts their name on it as their own work). I have gotten many many terrific ideas here and greatly appreciate the help - this these ideas I will "make up" situations to suit the project.
@acquaria (719)
• Italy
16 Feb 07
a very good idea!!!
• India
16 Feb 07
Small Businesses in India are plenty and some of them are listed below: 1. Tea Stall 2. Fast Food Canteen 3. Vegetable shop 4. Fruit Shop 5. Cobbler 6. Internet browsing center 7. TV repair shop 8. Motor Mechanic 9. Wheel Balancing for cars 10.Spray Painting works 11.Furniture shop 12.Tyre-retreading shop 13.Photocopying business 14.Public Call Booths 15.Tyre & tube vulcanizing 16.Newspaper distributor 17.Travel Agent 18.Insurance Agent 19.Small Bankers ( Pawn Brokers) 20.Jewellery polishing works 21.Small Machine Lathes 22.Body repair works for vehicles 23.Soft-skills training institutes 24.Computer training institutes 25.Tailoring unit 26.Hardware merchants 27.Cycle hire shops 28.Dry cleaners & Launderers 29.Car Washing workshop 30.Handicrafts 31.Toy manufacturers 32.Private Band 33.Sound and Music Shops 34.Book-Binding works 35.Cable TV operator 36.Job Typing works 37.Mobile Phone repair shops 38.Weavers 39.Taxi Operators 40.Tour Operators 41.Massage parlors 42.Beauty parlors 43.Paan Shops 44.Sweets & Savouries shop 45.Milk Vendors Do mail me at jagdishrajan2005@gmail.com if you need more assistance
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I am not sure that this is what you want but how about a restaurant Fabric shop 5&10 (these used to be very popular but walmart has put most of them out of business but there is still one family owned one here. Auto garage used car lot consienment shop Catering for weddings and parties
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
These are great, exactly what I need. I have used a restaurant but never thought of any of the others. Bless you!
1 person likes this
• United States
16 Feb 07
Car Wash Laundrymat Hardware store feed store pet shop produce market Craft shop
2 people like this
@mimatexas (1818)
• United States
16 Feb 07
How about a restaurant or a tire shop, or a mechanic shop?
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
Restaurant has been used but neither of the other two, I'm excited, my brain is going 90 mph on examples right now. First thing in the morning Faith will be writing up a storm.
@meiling (28)
• Malaysia
16 Feb 07
Here are some of my ideas :- 1. Craft Supplies Store + DIY classes Sells craft supplies ranging from tools to paper & stickers. Also provides DIY classes for those who are interested to learn the finer arts of craft like scrapbooking. 2. Pet Speciality Store Most pet stores these days sells every type of pets from dogs to cats and hamsters. How about one that specifically specialise in one type of pet? Maybe only hamsters - so they stock up all varieties of hamster food, cages, accessories including books on hamsters and even a veterinary that specializes in hamsters. (This would probably be MY store .. ) 3. Print-On-Demand Store Prints business stationeries like name cards, brochures, envelopes and ready in an instant. Uses high end digital printers that can churn out prints in 5 seconds. 4. Second Hand Books & Magazines A place where people can dispose of their old books and magazines - where it will be resold to new owners. Probably can have a book for rent corner as well. Hope this helps!
@kuirqs (512)
• Philippines
16 Feb 07
I'd suggest the following: 1) gardening supplies store 2) plant nursery 3) daycare center 4) antique shop 5) internet cafe 6) photo shop 7) repair shop (i.e of watches, cellphones, computers, etc) Hope I was able to help! Good luck!
• Philippines
16 Feb 07
The best answer I can give you is to look the website of entrepreneur. www.entrepreneur.com and check out also the ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE on magazine stand, a lot of stories there. Why not visit also the shop around your area and interview them.
@gharinder (2044)
• India
16 Feb 07
tution, travel agents, medical shop, security services, interior desinging, plumbers, electrician, painters, computer repair, petrol stations, shops (cloths shop, shoe shop, jewellery, furniture store). i think this will help
2 people like this
• India
16 Feb 07
I am a writer too and I guess, you are struck by the writer's block! How about local cyber cafes, copy/scan and printing shops, hair salons, designer boutiques by locals, milk vendors, ice cream vendors, newspaper vendors, instant photos for passports etc. hope this helps!
2 people like this
• United States
16 Feb 07
Here are some more Art Gallery Book Sotres Teacher Supply Stores Auto Electronic Stores Motorcycle Shops Sporting Goods Screen Printers Interior Decor Stores Furniture Stores Convenience Stores Bait Shops Golf Shops Local Tax Peperation Services
2 people like this
@kingsix (46)
• Qatar
16 Feb 07
There are hundreds of thousands of small businesses in the world. Please go to www.abs-cbn.com and search to business na swak na swak. I can name some...but it will be long to write its mechanics.These are duck raising, goat raising, poultry,card making, art and shop, cell phone shop, computer shop,dress shop and many more.
16 Feb 07
Here are all the ones I can think of! Grocery store - I know you've already used this, but you might be limiting yourself. What about specialist stores? e.g. Chinese/Asian supermarket Italian delicatessen (fresh pasta, etc) Chocolatier Cake-decorating shop (e.g. for birthday or wedding cakes) Candles/soap/perfumes shop Souvenir shops, selling mementos/merchandise specific to the area and local attractions Second-hand/independent bookshop Independent art-gallery showcasing local artists Charity shops Lots of takeout/ethnic restaurants are "small, Mom and Pop" businesses (Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai). Craft supplies shop (could be more than one business here - sewing, knitting, scrapbooking?). What about a market/market stalls? Butcher Cheesemonger's Pawn shop Hardware store. Used car dealership. What about an independent cinema? Local, subsidised theatre showing amateur/small-scale professional productions. Gas station (? not sure about this one). Garden furniture shop/woodwork in general. Crystals/New Age supplies. Music shop: record shop and/or instrument shop! Rental place for things like computers. Computer-fixing business, or ANY business where you take things in for repair. Shop selling specifically Christian goods or books. You could differentiate between barbers' and ladies' hairdresser. Daycare centre/creche. Roofing/tiling/plumbing businesses (potentially more than one option here). Year-round Christmas decorations shop (we have one in my town!). Indepedent toy shop selling hand-made/unusual/themed toys. Individual sandwich shop (e.g. an independent sandwich-maker, not Subway or similar). Plant shop. I hope you find some of these useful - let me know!
16 Feb 07
I thought of some more! Pet supplies shop/small petshop. Birthday supplies shop/card shop.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
Wow, this is quit a list - thank you, there are some great businesses here I'm sure I can use several of them. Actually many members have given me great ideas, as I will be writing a series of ebooks for small business owners I am sure I will use most all of the businesses listed here as examples.
• Singapore
19 Feb 07
Hi there! Maybe if you mention what's the product I can help you better! How about these? - freelance practice (e.g graphic designer, consulting practice) - sports shop - pizzeria - pharmacy - photography studio - bookstore - cafe - 2nd hand store - alternative healing centre - music store - clinic - furniture store - computer lab - store selling fishing equipment - any franchise outlet Hope this helps! Cheers! Andre www.theultimatesuccessmanual.com
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Thank you, these are very helpful, actually I have gotten many great suggestions from this discussion. The product is one of a series of ebooks on marketing for small businesses. I'm currently working on the 3rd book and had exhausted my list of businesses to use as examples. p.s. I subscribed to your manual, it looks like something I would be very interested in and may also use as an example or even recommend in future ebooks.
1 person likes this
• Singapore
20 Feb 07
eBook or marketing for small bizs? Hey that's right up my alley - I do marketing consultancy (haha thats "con" and "insult"!) for small bizs! Do e-mail me if you need any suggestions! If you look at my avatar you might recognise me with Jay Abraham - the #1 marketing guru! You can do a search for Jay's material on the internet - he's probably the best guy to go to for marketing for small biz! Thanks for subscribing to the Manual - actually it's written by my friend! A great piece of work, I must say! :)
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Feb 07
LOL, well thank you for the offer of help but afraid I'm writing for one of Jay's competitors so it would be rather unethical for me to seek advise. I subscribed to the newsletter for my own information not to use for job writing.
• India
16 Feb 07
First i need some information about you and your budget? are you men or women? because as per your information i can give the idea to start good and more income business. we have two business in my place. One is Provision stores it looks by my mother another is Finance it is marinating by mine and elder brother. Every business needs depending upon budget and capability. now put your information
1 person likes this
• India
16 Feb 07
Provison store, Smal scale industry. Medical shops, hardware shops, These are have more income business, including our finance also but too hard to maintain.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
16 Feb 07
Thank you but you misunderstand the question. I am writing an ebook providing information for small businesses. In the ebook I will use different businesses as examples. I am not starting a business, this is for businesses already in existance but it is often easier for people to understand certain "ideas" when they see it in a senerio already operating. All I asked for are "types of businesses" I will do the rest.
@Jshean20 (14348)
• Canada
16 Feb 07
Sounds like a fun project you'll be working on. Some small types of businesses that I could think of include: 1) Cell phone store 2) Pet Grooming Business 3) Pet sitting 4) Party Supple Store 5) An appliance business 6) Computer repair 8) Variety Store 9) Jewelry Store 10) Computer supply store (software, webcams, printers, etc). Hope that I've been of some help.
1 person likes this
@Jshean20 (14348)
• Canada
16 Feb 07
correction, #4 should've read "party supply store"
1 person likes this
@shooie (4984)
• United States
17 Feb 07
Hmmmmm how about some of the following and sorry in advance if someone else mentioned: Bakery,fishing tackle store, t-shirt shop,computer repair store,stationary shop, cake decorating supply store, gas station,newstand,candy shop there's tons more...lol
1 person likes this
@albert2412 (1782)
• United States
16 Feb 07
Perhaps a coin or stamp dealer, photographer, cake maker, wedding planner, translator, math tutor, painter, carpenter, architect, artist, and house cleaning. Sorry, but these are all I can think of at the moment. If you need any more let me know and I will try to find some more.
1 person likes this
@karsted (240)
• Canada
17 Feb 07
How about an eavestrough business.Thats what we do. We manufacture and install gutters, soffit and fascia. This is a very profitable small business. It is an offshoot of the construction industry. If we want to expand, we can also do siding. There is a large market for this type of business. Having gutters on your home not only adds to the beauty of your home, it increases the homes value as well, by protecting the home from the elements.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
17 Feb 07
This is great, I didn't realize there were businesses that specialized in eaves, I guess I just thought that was included with siding. Thank you.
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
17 Feb 07
I am so glad that so many mylotters have helped you with your writing assignment...I wish I could suggest something that hasn't already been mentioned but you know me...lol Good luck and God Bless...let me know
1 person likes this