Top Five Ideas for a New Business

Want to start a business in 2013 but still don't have an idea on what to do?

Here are five hot new business ideas that could be perfect for you.

Remember to always research the business thoroughly, especially if you have no background in the field.

Become a Disaster Consultant

With the frequency of major weather events, a disaster consultant helps protect businesses with their company's planning for a natural disaster. From consulting them in the right hazard insurance, preparing them financially and structurally for a disaster, or helping evaluate their needs, a disaster consultant can be in high demand as global warming increases these dramatic weather events.

Virtual Assistant

The virtual assistant helps perform content writing, data entry, and any other remote work your office or business may need. To become one, you'll need to brush up on your computer skills and social media savvy, and research for typical hourly wage expectation. This is a booming newer business, one that may fit well with those with a busy lifestyle.

Crowdfunding Consultant

If you know everything there is to know about crowdfunding (where people pool money to invest in businesses), then you can consult with businesses who need crowdfunding but haven't a clue how to start. While this is a new endeavor, it is a fast mover in the business field. Many businesses can benefit from crowdfunding and can benefit from those who can teach them.

Online Teacher

Do you have a skill that can be readily adapted to an online setting with Google docs, YouTube videos, and social media? Online teachers have become a hot property with those trying to become certified in a skill without leaving their homes or jobs. You may have to register with the state and have some certification to do this, check with your local administration.

Become a Ghost-writer

Whether you've a flair for fiction or you have a way of getting the facts down on paper, becoming a ghostwriter can be a lucrative business. This can take you into an office or you can freelance out of your home to save even more cash. Ghostwriting gives content to those businesses that need it. Typically, ghost-written content does not come with a byline or a credit to the author and may even have the credit go to someone else entirely. Writing work-for-hire content can be much easier than selling work under your own name and with your own byline. This can work for content businesses and for private clients.

Ideas for Existing Businesses

Do you have a small business already and just want some new ideas on things to do?

There are a handful of things that you may want to try in 2013 to enhance or expand your small business:

●  Get to marketing - understanding your customer and what they want is the number one thing that you want to do. Connect with them via social media, newsletters, text messages, anything and everything that they've voluntarily signed up for. Give discounts and special events to those that let you contact them.

●  Go online - if you don't have a web presence, get one. You want to be on the go and in everyone's homes 24/7. A web page doesn't even have to have commerce software, it just has to state your business, your hours, your phone and other contact information, and driving directions.

●  Go mobile - make sure that website is able to go on a mobile device. There is a vast majority of shoppers that go online first instead their computer. By having a mobile presence you will not lose these customers.

If any of these are the idea for you, the U.S. Small Business Administration has plenty of online resources that can help you get started in your new career.