Ah, the joyous time for New Year’s resolutions. Dieting to getting fit, spending more time with your family, redecorate a bedroom… the list goes on and on. I’ve made more of a commitment than a resolution this year. I plan to start my own business.

I know, it seems kind of odd that I would write all of this information about small business and not have my own. But I have learned so much writing this blog the past few months. Enough, in fact, that I have the confidence to really follow my dreams and start something.

Some 671,800 small businesses started up in 2006, two-thirds of which can expect to be in business for at least two years. So, now it’s our turn. Are you ready? 2007 is our year, right?

Okay, so you may be with me on a positive outlook for starting a business this year, but your enthusiasm may be lacking due to the fact that you don’t know what kind of business to start. We all have ideas, but whose to say that our ideas land in a flourishing market? Don’t worry, help is out there.

The most important key to picking the right business to start in 2007 is to pay attention to the world around you. Find a trend and revamp it to fit your style and a specialized market. If ideas are scarce, Entrepreneur.com is ready for you with their Hot Center – a list of the hottest business trends for 2007. And it’s a long list. You’re bound to find something you would enjoy.

Here are some possible ideas to get you brainstorming:

Home Sales Parties
Many stay-at-home moms are tuning into this trend in order to add a little adult time to their lives, as well as bring in some extra funds. Pick a product you believe in, whether it be makeup, jewelry, spa treatment supplies, home décor, scrapbooking supplies, etc., and arrange to have “parties” at other people’s homes. You get a certain percentage of the profits and your friends who host the party get special incentives as well.

Personal Service Industry
Put simply, saving time for someone else. It could be anything from a grocery shopping service, to walking their dogs, to putting together the scrapbooks others can never seem to get around to (one of the areas I plan to make part of my business).

Writing
If you have the talent, then put it to good use. One of the largest growing internet industries these days is a need for copywriters. Businesses want their webpage text to draw the consumer in, and they need good writers to do that. One of the best parts is that, typically, it’s a freelance job so the possibilities are endless.

Landscaping
This is an industry that will probably never go out of style. People want beautiful yards, whether it be for their home or business location. If you have a talent for sculpting the spectacular from rocks, water and flowers, then you should definitely consider this industry.

Coffehouses
In a category all their own, despite the fact that you can practically find one on every corner. Thing is, if you have a block near you that doesn’t have a coffeehouse, chances are that you could start one there and be very successful. Everyone’s got to have their coffee. And if you can beat the prices and selection of “those other guys,” you’re in business.

I could go on and on. There are so many wonderful possibilities for a successful business in 2007 that, as long as you stick to the trends, you really can’t go wrong.

HERE’S TO A PROMISING NEW YEAR!

Sources:
• Entrepreneur.com: What’s Hot for 2007?
• Entrepreneur.com: 13 Niches to Investigate for Part-Time Business

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