Blog Layout

Nick Brown • May 28, 2021

Not Comfortable Going Back Into The Office? 5 Online Business Ideas You Can Try as an Alternative

Leverage your experience with virtual businesses.

Group of business owners in an office using a laptop to manage their online business.
The world is progressively tackling the pandemic through vaccination drives —they have made it possible for businesses to reopen safely. Consequently, many companies are recalling their staff back into the office. Even so, employees had adapted and become comfortable with the 'new normal' of working from home. The new directive of being recalled back into the office will take away conveniences such as avoiding morning traffic, taking care of loved ones, and a better work-life balance. As an experienced white-collar worker, you can leverage your experience and knowledge to run your own virtual business. If you are not comfortable going back and working the traditional 9 to 5, here are a few online business ideas you can try.

5 Online Business Ideas You Can Try

1. Expert Consultant

Virtual/online expert consultant is a low-investment opportunity that you can try based on your professional qualifications and work experience.  Over the years, you have done the necessary work where you are now considered the Subject Matter Expert (SME). Perhaps it is now time to take advantage of your years of hard work and put it to use, on your own terms.  If your work involved in-demand skills in areas such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Human Resources, Recruiting, Diversity & Inclusion, Technology, Travel and Events Planning, Security, Digital Marketing, or Social Media Management, then you are in a perfect position to branch out as an Expert Consultant.  If your are not prepared to dive in full time, perhaps you may want to develop this as your "Side Hustle" and see where it goes.  Many successful entrepreneurs start off as Side Hustle and then later evolve their business into something more substantial.

What will you need?  At a minimum, you'll need a responsive website, a reliable computer (PC or Mac), Internet access, web camera, audio as well as video recording tools. The ideal way to achieve success is through prior planning, designing, and research on your audience—this is the tricky part that requires considerable effort in putting the content together.  Solid research along with prior planning will definitely increase your chance of success.

Expert Consultant is an excellent alternative to returning to the office because:
  • It helps generate passive income.
  • It fulfills the self-actualization need.
  • It's not straining because you rely on your knowledge and expertise.
  • It can be started as a part time Side Hustle.

2. Open a DropShipping Store

What is Dropshipping?  Dropshipping is the process of buying products from producers and selling them — at a profit— to third parties using an online platform. A dropshipping operator doesn't require inventory but relies on the services of fulfillment centers.

The dropshipping model helps you skip multiple hurdles like local licensing, leasing fees, staffing, as well as operational costs. Nonetheless, the success of a drop-shipping store relies on your ability to fulfill orders on time, excellent customer service, and marketing.

Dropshipping is a great model because it eliminates inventory management, and you can also run it from anywhere.

3. Virtual Assistant/Administrator Support

Millions of small businesses can't afford to hire qualified administrative staff. There's, therefore, a considerable demand for administrative services to provide support such as scheduling and calendar management, client/customer outreach, editing and proofreading, internet research, graphics and presentation support, travel and events planning, etc. You can start an online virtual assistant agency that offers administrative support to fulfill this gap.

You can utilize marketing strategies like creating a website, marketing on social media, as well as seeking business from your friends and peers.

4. Technical Writer

There is an unlimited number of copywriters on the internet, but only a handful are technical writers. Website owners, engineering companies, and affiliate marketers constantly seek the services of technical writers to break down complex topics into digestible articles.

Some of the technical roles that match well with technical writing include data scientists, sales engineers, web developers, information technology managers, as well as software developers.

You can launch a technical writing career by enrolling in a short technical training course to gain relevant skills. Subsequently, market your skills in platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, Facebook, or by advertising your services through Google Ads.

5. Blogging

Blogging is a popular marketing tactic that offers plenty of benefits and avenues for you to express yourself. If you're a marketing executive, you can blog about marketing topics, methods of sales, and experiences in the field.  If you are a sales executive, you can blog about cold calling, exceeding your quota and getting the order.  If you are an IT executive, you can blog about strategies for cost reduction, capex versus opex and cybersecurity.  Those are just a few examples.

Blog owners with big audiences can earn income from affiliate sales, adverts, and selling exclusive content. Your earning potentially can be in the several hundred thousand dollars range.  Below are a few tips you can utilize to succeed in blogging:

Work on Your SEO: Ensure you update your site according to the latest Google algorithms. Google is constantly changing their algorithm.  The frequent updates can complement the consistent work on valuable content, social sharing, and link building.

Keep Up with Trends: Success in blogging relies on a loyal audience— you'll therefore need constant research. Search for information in social media platforms, keyword tools, and search engines.

Let Us Help You Set Up a Virtual Business

It's going to be challenging to leave the comforts of working from home to resume the old patterns of working in the office. Nonetheless, you can chart a new path by taking the leap and starting an online business. If you're not comfortable going back into the office, and not ready to start a business full time, then starting a Side Hustle business may be the right solution.

That said, Digiedg is the ideal company with enough experience to provide you with an All-in-One Digital Business Solution. We specialize in web design, social media management, and email marketing. Contact us today and let us help you kickstart your online business.
Female blogger working on a content using her laptop - digital businesses to start in 2023.
By Nick Brown 12 Dec, 2022
Looking for the best business to start for the new year? Read on for some of the best digital businesses in 2023 and how you can get started!
Man working on a laptop at home - taking projects and working in a gig economy.
By Nick Brown 05 Dec, 2022
Finances are tough for almost everyone this year. Fortunately, there are opportunities waiting in the gig economy. Read on to find out more!
Social media management plan for hotels - front desk agents assisting guests in checking in.
By Nick Brown 21 Nov, 2022
Read on for tips on how to update your social media management plan to keep your hotel's online presence strong, even when you're busy!
More Posts
Share by: