You might have thought about starting a business that will be profitable for you. Perhaps you thought about ICT enabled business ideas.
There are no doubts ICT gives your business a competitive edge, but are all business really ICT based?
Are there high demand ICT offline business ideas that can turn good profit?
Before you jump on one of the many trending ICT online or offline business ideas, let’s have a quick chat about the PROs and CONs.
Or You can skip to the part were you analyze your business opportunity.
This article intends to guide you on choosing an ICT offline business idea and implementing these ideas. Several offline business ideas you could choose from that guarantees a high-profit margin. Nevertheless, you have to consider these factors before you select any business idea.
Let’s face it, being broke is terrible. You can’t put a positive spin around that feeling.
Those moment when you frantically search your purses, pockets, or wallets for any forgotten money, only to find pieces of papers.
Entrepreneurship proves to be the one relevant solution to alleviating poverty in Nigeria.
It is no news that Nigeria ranks 20th on the list of countries with the youngest populations with an average age of 18 years 7months. In 2016, the National Bureau of Statistics posited that about 31 million Nigerians were unemployed. Implying that the rates of unemployment in the country are alarming, and that relying on the government only leads to a dead end.
If you fall within these statistical margins, then keep reading.
First we have to work on a few things:
Contents
1. Turn Your Idea Into a Plan
If you already have a business idea then what you really need is a business plan. You have to understand that having a business idea doesn’t guarantee your success. You have to take deliberate actions to turn your idea into a feasible plan. Develop a plan that caters to the success of your business, and then it can take off.
Forget the rest of this article and just read this article I shared on developing a business plan that’s truly a plan.
2. Self-discipline
Making deliberate efforts to discipline yourself is vital. You need to understand that being an entrepreneur is tough. Before you succeed, you must be willing to remain accountable, self-motivated, and focused. Many businesses crash before they even made it into the limelight. You need to stick to your business plan, budgets and constantly develop yourself for the business’s success.
3. Be Flexible
Making changes in your business plans could be a bit tough and challenging. It could be tough to accommodate other strategies into the business plan if it is rigid. While it is okay to devote time and energy to planning your business, it would be better to leave room for changes.
Be on a look out for business models that are thriving. Understudy the management. Copy their act.
Entreprenuership is risky, you signed up for it so might as well dare the high waves.
4. Follow Your Passion
Passion for your business idea is required to select a path. That’s because it gives you fuel even on your worst days and there’d be lots of does when you start out. Choosing a business idea you hate is like playing a dangerous game. You will need to motivate yourself during more challenging times; your passion will keep you going. It would help you in communicating the potential of your business.
5. Listen to The Pros
Be open to learning from others. Yes, it is your business idea, and you know it like the back of your hands. But for adequate progress, you need to spend time listening and observing what others have done. You need to attend seminars, podcasts, read books, and webinars. These give you an edge and help you avoid mistakes they couldn’t.
Now let’s talk about those offline business ideas.
ICT Offline Business Ideas
Using ICT for your offline business idea has its immense benefits. Your business is sure to record several improvements such as increased efficiency in carrying out your business services, reduced costs, improved decision making, increasing your competitive market value, and most importantly, expanding your business scope.
Several offline-based companies are already leveraging digital tools to boost their business performance. For example, owning a website for your offline business can increase your coverage to a broader audience. It could also help you track your customer’s insights.
The following are offline business ideas you could venture to ensure your productivity.
Hair and Cosmetics
Saloons are always going to be relevant for more than gossips and hairsprays.
The beauty market can very well survive without ICT.
Yeah a good website and all can be great. But You don’t need a website to launch a saloon or beauty bar.
Interior Design
With the new trends in home design, people have become very intentional about the detail in their homes. People want pleasing room decoration and functional workspaces. There is always a need for people who have an eye for interior design. According to research, people who require interior designers’ services are mainly on the upper end of the income bracket.
The opportunities available for an interior designer, especially in the corporate world, are immense. You get to work with large businesses that pay you to design their hotel interior, lobbies, offices, and resorts. You can research for design inspiration online before you get started in creating your designs. Then leverage both your personal and professional network to build a business around your skill.
For professional development, you should consider taking free jobs with some home realtors and developers. It would be adequate to help you build your portfolio, which is highly regarded and recommended before starting the business thoroughly.
Real Estate Business
One of the growing industries is the real estate market. It is considered highly profitable because you can make a lot of money starting a real estate business, whether as an agent or investor. Many people have made names for themselves in the real estate business. Most of them do it by acquiring and reselling these properties, which gives high returns.
You can also be an agent where you help buyers and sellers have smooth business transactions. Create an excellent business flow by assisting buyers and sellers in acquiring and selling commercial and residential properties.
Learn more on how to make money in real estate business in Nigeria.
Cleaning Services
The demand for cleaning services is getting high due to the constant rise in festivities and busy work schedules. Individuals and businesses alike are in dire need of agencies to clean their homes and their offices.
Delving into cleaning services is an evergreen business and is highly profitable. Many people will require your services for weddings, special family occasions, moving to a new place, renovations, etc. All you need is a little investment in cleaning tools like brooms, mops, detergents, and antiseptics. The cleaning industry is highly lucrative. It also allows room for outsourcing more workers to support you when you feel overwhelmed.
Mobile Phone Accessories Business
Due to our digital economy, there is an increase in the number of people using smartphones. Generally, over 2.5 billion people use smartphones in the world, and the number is still increasing daily.
Since many people have smartphones, the need for smartphone accessories is also on the rise. Accessories include phone cases, chargers, replaceable batteries, screen guards, earpieces, and more. According to research, some mobile case sellers go as far as raking 6-7 figure income by selling phone cases.
Although there is fierce competition, this is a market that is worth the trial. You can test the market by opening a physical store and an online space on any eCommerce site before owning a personal website.
Transport
Major Nigerian cities make use of Uber services, although it is not common in many cities. However, in cities like Lagos, one can be sure of its functionality. You can choose to be an uber driver because of the freedom it offers you. You can schedule what time works better for you, either nighttime or in the day. Although it provides opportunities too for you to choose a full-time role.
Being an uber driver is a lucrative business in these big cities; the average Uber driver makes about 80,000-150,000 Naira weekly.
Try taking the transport business offline. Tons of cab drivers still work with hotels to get long distance trip.
Most people want to be able to negotiate their fare and keep online tracking on the minimal.
It doesn’t even require much. All you need is for your car to be in a great state. But you need to consider the cost of gas or fuel, regular check and maintenance of car parts before you venture into this business.
PROs and CONs of ICT Offline Businesses
The upside to these offline businesses is that they stay relevant in spite of the swirling ICT solutions within the business market. While these businesses may thrive without an online presence, gaining one would only improve your services.
Final Thoughts
Having the best business ideas comes from the interplay of passion, skills, strategic thinking, and timing. Before taking off your business idea, all you need to consider is researching your available market and the available customer base. You have to take intentional steps to move out of poverty by taking intentional risks to begin a high profitable business.
