Business Ideas 2014: Trends for the Home-Based Entrepreneur

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Trends represent a shift in consumer needs and demands, and business
ideas are often spurred by growing trends. It is important for
home-based entrepreneurs to think beyond the common home business ideas
out there and consider trending markets.


Trends represent the biggest demand, which in turn means healthy
profits and bottom line. It is what consumers want, and what they are
buying. Unlike fads which are short-live, trends have greater staying
power.


RELATED: Use Social Trends to Find Market Opportunities in Business


Here are some growing trends that offer home business entrepreneurs with huge opportunities in 2014 and beyond:

Trend: Healthy Living

Consumers are increasingly seeking active lifestyles and healthy
food. More and more individuals are focusing on health, wellness, and
active lifestyles. The health and wellness trend has seeped into a
number of areas, including how people eat, where they shop, and what
clothes they are wearing. People are becoming aware of the importance of
getting fit and maintaining healthy lifestyles, while capabilities to
track overall fitness have improved.


This growing awareness of the importance of living a healthy
lifestyle has created opportunities for small business entrepreneurs.
Here are some business ideas that are enjoying success due to the
wellness and health sector:

• Fitness accessories, an example of which is Swiggies Wrist Water Bottles created by Julie Austin
• Employee wellness services and programs to help encourage employees to be healthy while reducing healthcare costs
• Fitness apps such as Hot5, SwimTag and RunKeeper
• Organic food, such as Amy’s Kitchen natural frozen food brand
• Personal fitness such as Alissa Harakal, a personal trainer in the Washington D.C. area

Trend: Sustainable and Ethical

Consumers have started to grasp the concept of sustainability. While
many are still unable to change their consumption habits, an increasing
number of people want to be “good.” They want to consume, but they want
to do it guilt-free. And businesses are responding by providing
eco-conscious products that will allow these consumers to indulge, but
without the guilt.


Even high-fashion brands have adopted the trend: Gucci has been
selling sunglasses and footwear made with biodegradable plastics. Stella
McCartney uses biodegradable rubber soles with mock croc and faux
leather uppers for her shoes. Products can be expensive and chic – but
created with a view to sustainable living.


Some business ideas that follow the guilt-free trend include:

• Healthy foods that offer guilt-free indulgence
• Biodegradable clothing and accessories
• Ethical fashion

Trend: Mindful Living

One of the biggest trends in recent years is mindfulness. Mindful
living is the craving for a sense of reflection and ease, far away from
the overstimulation caused by everyday life. It is the desire to clear
the clutter in the mind, find balance and life and focus on the present
moment.


On the Web, a search of the term “mindfulness” in Google Trends shows a strong upward trend:




Some of the growing segments with regards to mindfulness practices include:

• Yoga and meditation such as the ideas mentioned in the 5 New Age Home Business Ideas
• Mindfulness and Emotional intelligence training programs – this is a good market for executive coaches and consultants
• Websites focusing on tools to help achieve mindfulness
• Accessories and fashion (e.g. for yoga practitioners)

Trend: Mobile

The mobile device has reshaped communication. More and more people
use mobile devices to keep connected and access the Web at anytime,
anywhere. It helps empower people by giving them access to education,
health, financial and other important tools. As a result, mobile is
changing how businesses interact with their customers. For entrepreneurs
who spend more time away from their desks, mobile devices have allowed
us to do our business on the go.


RELATED: 10 Trends in Small Business Retailing


Here are business ideas focused on the mobile trend:

• Mobile-ready websites, such as responsive web designs
• Wearable devices
• Location-based services
• Mobile security
• Mobile apps and games