By Debbie Gregory.

Thanks to the Internet, people can make a steady income from wherever they are utilizing a variety of skills. All you really need is an Internet connection, a computer, and an idea. Below are even more small business ideas for you to consider if you are looking to start a business or need a second income stream.

21.) Freelance Writer or Editor

Do you love to write? Content creation is a huge part of marketing in today’s world and companies are always looking to add good writers to their teams. You simply need good writing and editing skills.

22.) Professional Blogger or Social Media Influencer

Blogs and being a social media influencer are both great ways to make money. The pros make money selling advertising and affiliate marketing on their own blogs or social channels. They also get paid to blog for other companies and travel or use products to promote them. Popular topics include travel, cooking, health, technology, finance and more.

23.) Proofreading Services 

Similar to writing services, a good proof reader is worth their weight in gold! If you love grammar and punctuation, consider offering your services to others. You can even promote your service on websites like Upwork, LinkedIn, and other places where prospective clients may look.

24.) Social Media Manager

If you are a social media expert, managing Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other social channels for others can be a lot of fun. You will need to help the company keep up with the latest trends and tricks for building and engaging their audience, but if you have the skills and desire, this can be a very lucrative side business.

25.) Photographer

This is another great side job for someone already in the field or even an aspiring hobbyist. This is not an easy one to start unless you already have the correct equipment and knowledge. If you aren’t a pro yourself yet, you can team up with professionals at a lower rate to learn the trade. It is also best to select a photography niche and focus on it such as sporting events, weddings, family portraits, pet portraits, etc.  Instead of trying to do all of them, select one as each niche has its own challenges and special equipment.

26.) Sell Photographs

If you have the equipment and a passion for photography, but do not wish to be a photographer, you can also sell the photos you take to stock photography companies. Sites like Shutterstock and iStock by Getty Images will allow you to sell photos for money.

27.) Graphic Designer 

If you already work as a designer, consider offering your services on the side. You can network through business networking groups and in places where businesses look for graphic designers, such as Upwork and LinkedIn to start building your side clientele. If you have other related skills, such as animation and web development, you can further broaden your offerings and generate more business.

28.) Web Designer

Every company needs a good quality website. If you have the skills to build it – offer those skills!

29.) Search Engine Optimizer (SEO) 

As a web designer, you should have experience with SEO or Search Engine Optimization.  SEO is complex and challenging to get right and this is particularly true because the major search engines are constantly changing how they rank and display sites in searches. If you have good SEO skills, you can make quite a good amount of money offering those skills to companies.

30.) Shoot or Edit Video

Video is an incredibly popular marketing tool today. It is one of the best, most engaging, ways for companies to communicate their messages to consumers. If you have the skills and equipment to shoot or edit video, this is a great way to make some extra cash.

We at VAMBOA, hope you have enjoyed this mini-series. Today’s digital environment makes it so easy to monetize your existing skills and passions. Whether you are looking to create a full-time business or simply want to make some cash on the side, there is never a bad time to begin.

VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hopes that this article has been valuable.   We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful and timely information and are the “go to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners.  VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association.   We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website.   If you are not yet a member, you can register here:

https://vamboa.org/member-registration/

We also invite you to check us out on social media too.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vamboa

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VAMBOA

By Debbie Gregory.

VAMBOA hopes you enjoyed Part 1 of Small Business Ideas for Veterans.  Please find below Part 2 of this 3 part series with more small business ideas for entrepreneurs.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Business (HVAC)

There is a great demand for HVAC experts and requires special training and licensing.  You can count on being extremely busy when temperatures are very high or low.   You might want to focus on maintenance and annual service calls as well as new installs.  You may also want to work exclusively in residential or commercial.   As a service-disabled veteran business owner, you have extra points when you bid on some contracts.

Home Inspection Services

The home inspection service business requires you to have knowledge of the construction and real estate. Plan on climbing up on roofs, attics and into crawl spaces. Having ASHI or NAHI certification may be required.  There is a huge market because almost every home sale requires a home inspection.

Identity Theft Protection Agency

If you are well versed in cyber security, this is a good business for you to get into as ID theft is a constant threat that costs consumers and businesses billions of dollars.

Junk/Trash Removal Business

You make money when people are moving, renovating or cleaning out their homes or businesses. You can also expand into document shredding.

Landscaping Business

If you have a green thumb, gardening tools and equipment, and are physically fit, this could be a great business for you. You can also provide artificial turf installation as this is a popular trend.  You may wish to focus on residential or on commercial.  Again, if you are a service-disabled veteran, companies seeking a diverse supplier network want to do business with you.

Locksmith Business

Locksmiths can be heroes to anyone who has ever found themselves on the wrong side of a locked door.  Additionally, tenants move, employees leave and there is a demand to change locks and update to locks and security that is better and offers more technology.

Off Road Tours Business

The ability to drive in rugged terrain and a love of the outdoors can lead you to start an off-road tour business.

Painter

Some jobs are best left to the experts, especially when they involve ladders, scaffolding and expertise.   You may want to focus on residential or commercial.

Personal Security/Bodyguards Business

More and more, people who are targets for kidnappers due to their wealth or fame are utilizing personal protection services. Prior security experience is highly recommended.  It addition many corporations provide their top management bodyguards.

Pest Control Services

Insects and wild animals are often a nuisance for residential homes and businesses. Your business will identify and eradicate these pests.  You can obtain monthly contracts too.

Photography

A picture is worth a thousand words, so if you have the talent to take beautiful photographs or capture precious moments at special events, consider a photography business.

Private Investigation Firm

Move over Magnum PI.  This business is a good one for those who are inquisitive and like to investigate, who are resourceful and are detail oriented.   resourceful.

Remodeling Business

If you can use remodeling design software, have a flair for design and are up on the latest design trends, this could be a great creative outlet as well as a lucrative business.  Perhaps you might want to focus on one area such as additions, fireplaces, bathrooms, kitchens.

Residential Security Consultant

You will provide expert advice and tips on various security issues to homeowners.  More and more homeowners are securing their homes with technology that they can access with their smart phones. Security stores and companies might want to partner with you for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Restaurant Business

You need to have passion for cooking and love to try out new recipes as well as be service oriented and understand all the aspects of running a business that is usually open seven days a week.

Veteran and Military Business Owners Association, VAMBOA.