8 Business Ideas For Government Employees: The federal government employs more than 2 million people around the country, making it the largest employer in the United States by far. For anyone currently working in this field.
8 Business Ideas For Government Employees
That means two very important things: first, you have valuable experience and skills that are likely applicable to many different industries outside of government; and second, even if you’re not ready to leave your job yet, you should be thinking about what other careers might be a good fit for your skillset and personality type.
1) Marketing Resume
Governments have a unique position in that they are always looking for new ways to market themselves. Governments face a different challenge than companies, however. Their marketing is both internal and external, meaning they need to get employees and citizens on board with initiatives. This means government departments don’t have time to spend money on full-page ads or flashy radio commercials—they have to think outside of their traditional budget.
Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that can help governments get creative while saving some cash at the same time. Below you will find 8 business ideas for government employees from various fields to spark some creativity and inspire your own campaign. Think outside of your current job description: Be honest; how often do you use office supplies? Not because you run out, but because you actually buy them yourself? Maybe once every six months? How about once every year?
If so, why not try an unused product like Sharpie permanent markers (with refills) instead? It doesn’t cost any more and lasts much longer than most standard pens. The average corporate employee spends $539 per year on office supplies according to Zebra Technologies Corp., but if departmental heads implemented Sharpie into their purchasing policies it could save taxpayers over $460 million annually!
2) Business Services
Working for The Federal Government or in your local state government can provide a stable income for some individuals, which means you could possibly work enough to support yourself and eventually start a business on the side. Many people work part-time during off-hours while attending school or developing their own business ideas.
However, there are several different ways you can run your own business without giving up that full-time job: On The Side: Part-time businesses allow you to make money working in government with your day job. Working evenings and weekends are also helpful if you want to attend school part-time as well.
Working Part-Time/Vacation Days: Some federal jobs give employees time off during specific holidays like Veterans Day or President’s Day when most businesses are closed anyway.
3) E-Commerce
Whether you’re in government or not, an e-commerce business may be just what you need to get started. E-commerce websites can range from a few hundred dollars and some sweat equity to hundreds of thousands of dollars. But even before writing your first line of code, you can come up with solid business ideas for a new online store by figuring out what products or services people are searching for via Google and Amazon.
Also, think about your own needs as a consumer—do you ever wish there was an easier way to find something? Use that frustration as inspiration for your own e-commerce business! If you’re having trouble coming up with good niche ideas, try brainstorming some topic areas based on your personal interests. If nothing else, focusing on topics you enjoy will help keep things fun – which is an important part of creating quality content day after day.
Plus, if readers resonate with your personality (or how you write), they’ll likely become regular visitors to your site or newsletter. Eventually, those daily interactions could turn into loyal fans who keep coming back because they want to hear more about what you have to say on a particular topic – turning them into paying customers along the way.
4) Speaking
Speaking is one of my favorite ways to make money from home. It’s also, by far, my biggest earner. Speaking engagements are part of a business called public speaking or after-dinner speaking. Public speakers are invited to local events, conferences, and seminars in order to share their knowledge with an audience. They are usually contracted for their specific industry and may even be sponsored by companies.
After-dinner speaking is much more informal; it is usually done for nonprofit organizations where you’re raising money for a cause instead of being paid directly. In both cases, businesses that book public speakers hire based on their expertise as well as their availability. To get started finding speaking gigs start with associations, trade groups, professional guilds, and local event planners.
Your employer might also have connections that can help you land your first speaking gig—perhaps your boss could ask other high-profile individuals at your company if they’ve heard of any upcoming events that would be open to outside presenters?
If not, you can always ask yourself; most successful people enjoy sharing information about themselves and will gladly agree if they have time available before or after a meeting. Whether we like it or not (most likely not) there will always be someone interested in hearing what we have to say so why not let them pay us for it?
5) Event Planning
A lot of government employees have interesting hobbies or interests that could translate into an event-planning business. Maybe you like to cook, craft or do photography? Put those skills to use and plan a themed party for someone. This can be done in your spare time and on your own schedule. It’s also a great way to meet people and network.
If you’re really good at what you do, you might even be able to get some advertising via word-of-mouth. If nothing else, it’s a fun way to spend free time while making extra money on the side. Since most people are already strapped for cash at tax season, why not get started early by helping them organize their finances or prepare their taxes ahead of time.
Many state governments allow accountants with certain licenses to prepare taxes—including individual income tax—so reach out to state licensing boards about the requirements (and there are many!) for getting licensed as an accountant before you start looking for clients.
Also check with your accountant; many offer tax planning services as part of general practice—helping clients organize their books ahead of tax season so they don’t have to panic when they’re under pressure preparing returns.
6) Product Creation
If you have some expertise in a particular field, why not leverage it by coaching people who are looking to hire someone with your talents? You can easily make extra money online doing something you love — or turn it into a full-time business. Sites like Clarity let you create a profile where entrepreneurs and business owners can pre-pay to book a phone call with you to help them with whatever they’re looking for.
Whether it’s coaching, consulting, or training, clients rely on coaches for their expertise and targeted advice as they navigate their own journey. Making your consulting and coaching services available directly through Clarity is an easy way to reach potential clients in need of help. Check out more great ways to make money from home here! (Click here!)
7) Coaching and Consulting
If you’re especially talented at a certain subject, why not help others develop their skills in that area? Businesses of all sizes and industries are always looking for qualified employees, so why not help them out by coaching or consulting on areas that you know well? Businesses hire coaches to improve specific workplace skills. Smart companies will hire someone who really knows their industry and can be an expert resource.
This is one of my favorite side business ideas because it can be extremely lucrative—you’ll likely be paid more than $100/hour, especially if you catch on with big-name companies like Google or Apple. And there are many online resources if you want to get started with a business coach website today. These businesses don’t pay upfront, but instead, take a percentage of your earnings over time.
You never have to spend any money upfront either (aside from your own product costs), as most companies offer some sort of cash bonus when you sign up with them, which helps offset your start-up costs. It’s also important to note that once your websites start making money (around 3-6 months) they will begin paying back what they owe you before they take their cut; at no point during my experience was I ever expected to pay back money that I made from working through these programs.
8) Networking with other Small Businesses
Growing your business is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as an entrepreneur. Whether you’re a new or established business, networking can help open doors that would otherwise be closed to small businesses. It doesn’t have to be hard: find events in your area geared toward other entrepreneurs, join local chambers of commerce and industry associations.
And look for ways to connect with other businesses that serve a similar audience or provide complementary services. As part of your planning process for next year, consider how you can get involved with another business or organization in a meaningful way. You never know who may be looking for someone like you when they need something like what you do.
Also Read: Ten Business Ideas For Highschool Students
Conclusion
So there you have it, eight business ideas that require little startup capital and are able to be run from any location. Now it’s time to turn those great ideas into an even greater reality! Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey.
Remember, if you feel like your idea needs more support or is outside of your comfort zone, feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to help (and if we can’t, we know someone who can!). Just reach out and let us know how we can assist you today! We wish you much success in achieving your business goals!
