Business Ideas for the (emerging) stay-at-home Economy?

[Andy Black]

I loved that recording @Andy Black

The hard part is becoming qualified to answer the questions that help people without any real skills. Economics major + clothing store salesperson = useless.

Of course you have skills.

You passed some exams. Could you help anyone else pass exams?

You’ve got a job. Could you help anyone else get a job?

You have a job selling in a store. Could you help others do the same, or sell in general?

 

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[Andy Black]

What can you do right here, right now, that will help people and where you can get paid?

Delivery driver? Seems like lots of businesses want to deliver products now, and delivery dates are getting pushed back for businesses that already deliver.

Fit safety screens in grocery stores and pharmacies to protect staff from the steady stream of customers?

Tutor kids online who are panicking (or who’s parents are panicking) about summer exams?

Help panicking businesses with their digital marketing and/or moving services online?

 

[Move the chains]

As more people and companies are discovering that working from home might actually be a good thing for themselves/their business, maybe there's opportunity for a "working from home tech consultant".

This consultant would take care of the following things:

- Getting all necessary computers and tech in place so a person can start working for a company from home in rapid fashion (less than a day or something like that). They would select the computer, mouse, webcam, etc. and set it up for the home worker so the company doesn't even have to think about it.
- Setting up all necessary software (zoom etc.) so the home worker is ready to go as soon as possible
- Getting a person actually connected to their company's specific network through home (lots of small businesses don't necessarily have a dedicated I.T. person, it's just "the young guy on staff who knows a lot about computers" [been in this position many times]).
- Also takes care of chairs, desks, general ergonomics, etc.

I agree that this is going to encourage companies to consider more remote working options. One of the challenges is not only the infrastructure (tech) but coaching/educating managers or supervisors on how to effectively lead remote employees and teams. I'm sure the current situation is cause a bunch of middle managers to have kittens since they've never been challenged to evolve beyond micro-managing.

I've known plenty of bosses who measure an employee's value by how many hours their in the office. This is game-changer now in having to lead very differently and develop better metrics of success and value.

On the plus, we know a lot of younger people entering the workforce value their freedom and the movement to remote work spaces could be more appealing to that generation.

 

[minivanman]

Like the baby boomers generation post-war 1945?!

Maybe we can name this one Corona Bangers 2020.

 

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[valuecreator]

How about a dating service ONLY for people who tested positive to coronavirus?

It could go viral!

 

[ricardo.chung5]

Yes! Valve (the video game company) just released a VR title, and I know that thousands of people have bought a VR headset for it. Those people had the money for a VR headset, and they definitely want to make use of it. Same goes for the other thousands of people who already owned one.

It doesn't have to be videogame related, although I personally think that's the easiest market to get into for VR.

VR streaming classes could also be a good idea. Depending on how long school is out, could be an option for teachers to have the same kinda effect without being there. VR is not a staple in every household right now but could be an option in the future

 

[Jake]

Amazon had the "Customers who liked this also liked" system and I can't count how many times I've went down that rabbit hole

Side note: I've spoken to a guy who was on the team of Devs that presented this to Bezos. It was a online book store at the time. They said Hey!! We can develop a solution that recommends products based off of what they were searching for. Bezos said "you're all a bunch of F*cking idiots leave my office immediately". Then they built it anyway and presented it to him again. He liked it and implemented it. They probably should have done it elsewhere.

 

[minivanman]

I know a market need is really important for an easier building experience, but we need to throw ourselves into something we are deeply and intrinsically passionate about. All of us know that the beginning grind will break even the most sturdy of minds, if that self propelling burn isn't going. So if nips up T shirts get your gears going, or building high density chicken coops for egg distribution, then its a good idea. But if we do things purely for the $, it will fizzle and die out in no time.

I know I see this all the time but it's not always true. I was in the cleaning business for 20 years basically and not for 1 second did I like it or care about it. I stayed so long because of the money I made from it. The only reason I worked in it almost every day is because I'm a pervert and liked seeing the girls. If not for the 'girls', I'd have probably never been seen. As for any passion for cleaning.... nope. The real main reasons I sold them was because I became less of a pervert and had enough money. I don't have a passion for washers and dryers but I just can't help myself when it comes to making money. The only reason I like this business is because I basically work alone so it keeps me busy (last night I worked from 10pm-4am).... I could care less about washers and dryers. There is something that I have a passion for and I'm starting it but for some reason, unlike all the businesses I've not had a passion for, I'm starting it real slow. I have everything ready but for some reason I'm waiting on that feeling that says, "GO!". When I do start it, I will be all in no matter if it makes me a dime. But passion is not needed for a money-making business..... I'm living proof. Actually, my sister is living proof as well.

 

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[ChrisV]

Selling space blankets to the guys over in the COVID thread

 

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[ChrisV]

I can access my work computer from anywhere using Remote Desktop. Maybe there are advantages to connecting via cloud-based?

Sorry that was a bit of an inside joke between him and myself.

But maybe a consulting service like @EVMaso said that shows less tech-savvy, traditional companies how to do stuff like this.

 

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[Kak]

I can access my work computer from anywhere using Remote Desktop. Maybe there are advantages to connecting via cloud-based?

Are you using Microsoft a Remote Desktop?

I can NEVER get that to work right. I would love to set that up.

Cloud based would be more reliable than a single computer at a home. Also potentially more powerful and rent power as needed.

Both have advantages and disadvantages from where I’m standing.

 

[biggeemac]

Hi all.....IT expert here.

Yes, I have long considered doing a "roaming IT guy" model in my area. Since people need periodic IT support as opposed to a full time guy, a subscription-based model may be a good way to go, kind of like your weekly yard maintenance person. I have thought about crafting a support model. I also do some nice wireless installs (not that cable co wireless modem crap), which I can also manage remotely.

In terms of RDP, there are advantages to both, which @Kak indicated. My wife runs her small business and RDP absolutely DOES NOT work for her company, and never will. There is a significant learning curve that most users just cannot grasp. Office365, on the other hand, isn't so hard to grasp. Its a godsend, but it too has a learning curve, especially when you add OneDrive and Sharepoint into the mix. This is where I have a huge opportunity to sell services to my local community. Not on the office365 subscription, but on teaching people how to set it up properly and use it to its full potential. Figuring out how to effectively charge for my services would be my biggest challenge.

Anyway, I'm rambling.

 

[AmazingLarry]

I've been thinking a lot about this recently. I'm living outside the US right now, but I'm from new england and I work closely with a custom fabrication / machine shop in Connecticut. I've been trying to come up with a product that I could design/sell and they could make. So far, I think my best bet would be something with home workout equipment or home office ergonomics.

 

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[Velocke]

One idea might be to provide shopping services for the elderly. Right now many older people are really scared to be in public and us younger people are in a position to protect them. So I think that a business that helps them get the things they need (for a reasonable delivery price of course) could thrive in this new economy. A business (or even self-employment situation) that basically provides personal assistance to any elderly person who needs it. Many of them aren't that good with technology so applications like Peapod (that delivers groceries) might be too complicated for them. Purchase items, sterilize them, and leave them on their doorstep. This is also massively scaleable if you could start a service like Uber for this assuming there's no shelter-in-place order in your area.

I generally assume that either cost or the "not good with technology" aspect are what stop older people from taking advantage of the grocery-delivery services that exist. You say "a service like Uber", but that's still an app. Would you envision customers ordering services via phone call, then, to make it more accessible?
The trouble with trying to target under-served demographics often seems to be that those demographics don't have money, or at least not enough to support the proposed business/service. Do you think enough older people would be willing to pay for delivery or personal assistance service when a pandemic is not happening (would vary by area, of course).

 

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[dabelge]

Not specific to staying at home, but infection prevention (nice ring to it...)

Coat all handrail, doorknob, gas pumps (basically thing that are commonly touched.) with copper, copper oxide or silver. After the awareness (and slight paranoia...) of viruses, you can bet this will be a great business.

Adding to the "don't dig for gold, sell shovels..." idea, any kind of company that can recoup, salvage or mine these metals can see a hefty profit.

Home computer building, home office supplies....Oh! Actually home office tools that combine different tools in one to save space!

Building desks, comfortable computer chairs.

Space management services and interior design firms will have a boom due to people integrating more office in their living space.

just read this from fastcompany

Copper kills coronavirus. Why aren’t our surfaces covered in it?

Civilizations have recognized copper’s antimicrobial properties for centuries. It’s time to bring the material back.

www.fastcompany.com

 

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[reedracer]

My daughter is working at a hospital & taking care of a Covid19 ward. she has to self isolate herself after work, she feels very tired & lonely....so, I got her a puppy! ..... Dog breeder as a business, anyone?

I saw an article about shelters being emptied as folks are using this as a great time to adopt dogs.

 

[Bobby_italy]

I read An article yesterday predicting divorces will skyrocket after this ., and what you said here was one of the reasons

A man in Italy was pretending to be homeless just to escape from his wife, this kid knows what's up!

 

[Andy Black]

I think I saw an article about divorces going up in Japan due to couples having to live in closer proximity than normal.

Online counselling?

 

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[Entre Eyes]

Saw this on LinkedIn:

View attachment 31400


Found it only on Instagram here:
> http://instagr.am/p/B94tLg-HnbM/ View: https://www.instagram.com/p/B94tLg-HnbM/

Also I think this era will force people to be a bit more creative with additional bedding as well.

 

[AmazingLarry]

Do you guys think there will be a long lasting push to bring manufacturing back to the US? It seems like there might be some coming legislation to encourage this and people are definitely realizing that being dependent on foreign manufacturing is not good, but will this be strong enough to counteract the cheap prices overseas?

I'm involved with manufacturing/engineering and I've been trying to figure out how I can help businesses with this. I'm thinking consulting and logistical assistance and planning that help companies through all the stages of moving their manufacturing. Any thoughts?

 

[reedracer]

I've thought about this too. Maybe a spray/wipe on anti viral/bacterial compound that could be applied to handles, railings, buttons, etc.

Copper and silver naturally have anti viral/bacterial properties.

Of course I would only sell the product. Not going to go around wiping 1,000s of touchpoints for customers lol

Interesting find:

Paint Shield™ Microbicidal Interior Latex Paint - Sherwin-Williams

Paint Shield™, the first EPA-registered microbicidal paint that kills five specific difficult-to-treat, infection-causing bacteria within two hours of exposure on painted surfaces.

www.sherwin-williams.com

Welcome to the Hyatt, Mr. Pizza, I'll be your handle wiper for tonight. Can I interest you in the 2nd door from the right to begin?

 

[LightningHelix]

@Kak since everyone is working from home – maybe some type of cloud-based computing system that allows you to access your work computer from anywhere? Jeez, somebody really should invent that!!

I can access my work computer from anywhere using Remote Desktop. Maybe there are advantages to connecting via cloud-based?

 

[Deleted78083]

Too late, I think businesses must have an edge. Plan for when people will go back to work THEN, what will they want?

 

[mr4ffe]

Folks, I want to give you another idea. We need to reinvent the desk chairs for remote workers such as developers. Those ergonomic chairs are expensive and not very comfortable. I was thinking about an comfortable armchair with some sort of computer table attached to it. In this way you can stay in a comfortable position between a bed and a sofa and still focused on your work. I am a remote tech manager, I have a ergonomic chair but I feel most focused and productive when laying on the couch with my Mac on the legs. Think about it..

View: https://youtu.be/Hwkbj26BQxM

 

[Bobby_italy]

An italian vlogger who's been inactive lately gained a metric ton of subs, people are really bored.

A british coach has 600'000 PEOPLE watching his live streams, jesus.

 

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[Bobby_italy]

Online tutors for kids in the United States since schools are shut down?

I feel like the home-services business aren’t going anywhere. I’m taking a Udemy digital marketing course, maybe I can market that skill towards blue collar businesses? Plumbers, electricians, etc.

What’s the best way to make an app? Can I just take a Udemy course on app development you think? The other day I had to go to 4 different grocery stores to find eggs... never found them. An app that shows what grocery stores are out of out, their estimated wait times, etc.

An app that shows hospital urgent care wait times.

I don’t know. I get so distracted and caught up in thinking of ideas that I end up action-faking... or not doing anything at all. I should probably just finish this digital marketing course and go from there.

I get ahead of myself trying to figure out a way to help people sooner rather later but I don’t really have any skills. Go figure! An economics degree and 2 years working at a clothing store and I feel absolutely useless.

There are tools to make apps without knowing any programming, just google it.

 

[Bobby_italy]

Of course you have skills.

You passed some exams. Could you help anyone else pass exams?

You’ve got a job. Could you help anyone else get a job?

You have a job selling in a store. Could you help others do the same, or sell in general?

the points of view on this forum really help me thinking out of the box, thanks andy!

 

[zblundell]

As more people and companies are discovering that working from home might actually be a good thing for themselves/their business, maybe there's opportunity for a "working from home tech consultant".

This consultant would take care of the following things:

- Getting all necessary computers and tech in place so a person can start working for a company from home in rapid fashion (less than a day or something like that). They would select the computer, mouse, webcam, etc. and set it up for the home worker so the company doesn't even have to think about it.
- Setting up all necessary software (zoom etc.) so the home worker is ready to go as soon as possible
- Getting a person actually connected to their company's specific network through home (lots of small businesses don't necessarily have a dedicated I.T. person, it's just "the young guy on staff who knows a lot about computers" [been in this position many times]).
- Also takes care of chairs, desks, general ergonomics, etc.

In the medical field, providers are now attempting to use TeleHealth to see patients online via telephone and whatever face-to-face software the provider wants to use. The one big drawback is that it has to be HIPPA compliant software so maybe starting a business that helps set up doctor's offices/clinics/homes and any other providers (Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) to insure they are ready to go in a timely fashion and are HIPPA compliant as well.

 

[zblundell]

I generally assume that either cost or the "not good with technology" aspect are what stop older people from taking advantage of the grocery-delivery services that exist. You say "a service like Uber", but that's still an app. Would you envision customers ordering services via phone call, then, to make it more accessible?
The trouble with trying to target under-served demographics often seems to be that those demographics don't have money, or at least not enough to support the proposed business/service. Do you think enough older people would be willing to pay for delivery or personal assistance service when a pandemic is not happening (would vary by area, of course).

How about a butler or room service app? You type in the app what you need and how soon and someone brings you the item. Can pay through the app.

 

[MattR82]

My cousins wife works for a company that sells gift baskets with local goods. Their orders have doubled at the moment.

So, gift baskets, care packages.

 

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