MFMLaunching a new business is an incredibly exciting prospect but it involves a huge amount of work. More and more people are choosing to establish new ventures. If you’re thinking about setting up a business, it’s beneficial to use your interests, hobbies and passions to develop ideas. If you’re on a mission to turn an interest into an income, this guide is packed with suggestions for your start-up.
Exercise and fitness
Over 60% of men in the UK exercise regularly. The pandemic shone a spotlight on healthy living and many people became more active during lockdown. A passion for exercise and fitness provides an excellent base for business ideas at a time when health and well-being are dominating the headlines. If you’re an active person, you enjoy working out and you’re motivated by the way it makes you feel, career options like setting up a personal training business, opening a gym or running exercise classes may seem like a natural fit. It’s also worth exploring options like studying to incorporate services, such as advice about nutrition and working with clients with specific requirements.
A passion for exercise and active pursuits could also lead you down the path of developing products that are geared towards fellow fitness fans and enthusiasts. You may have been inspired by the shift towards loungewear and activewear during the pandemic, or you may have ingenious ideas for innovations to help people train at home or exercise in the outdoors, for example. Perhaps you have an interest in technology and you want to invent the next big thing in the world of wearables, or you have an incredible concept for a new health app. There are multiple avenues you could pursue.
If you are thinking about launching a business, such as a gym or exercise studio, a personal training company or a start-up that designs products for active people, it’s crucial to undertake extensive market research and define your ideal buyer. Consider working with freelancers or an agency that specialises in fitness marketing and identify competitors. Think about which types of marketing methods and platforms you’re going to use to reach your target client and work on developing your brand identity and your USP. Use market research to determine whether there’s a demand for the products or services you have in mind and gather information from prospective customers. Your findings should help you to draw up a detailed business plan.
Fashion
Fashion is the biggest creative industry in the UK, contributing more than £26 billion to the economy. The market is growing and consumer habits are evolving, which has created opportunities for new businesses. Online shopping is booming. The Internet and the rise of the smartphone have opened doors for new brands and businesses that design and sell clothing and accessories and offer services within the fashion industry.
If you have a passion for fashion, you could explore ideas such as setting up a new clothing or accessories brand, creating a new website that sells products from other brands, or developing an app that provides access to niche products, including occasionwear or vintage clothing. There are also opportunities linked to the growth of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion and recycling and customising clothing. Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that support sustainability. It’s worth considering this trend if you’re thinking about launching a new label or you have plans for a new website or app. You could use your site or app to showcase and sell environmentally friendly products or run a swap shop for customers who want to buy second-hand, for example.
Within the fashion industry, there are also avenues that don’t involve designing, making or selling clothes, accessories and shoes. If you have an eye for fashion, for example, you could consider setting up a styling business or offer services, such as personal shopping. You could also capitalise on creative skills to work with designers, fashion houses or venues to organise events.
Travel
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies among men. Seeing the world broadens horizons and provides unique, memorable experiences. If you love to travel, you can use this as a base for a new business idea. There are all kinds of options to think about, including opening a tour agency or travel company, becoming a travel blogger or influencer or setting up a website that offers advice and recommendations for travellers and tourists. You could also explore the idea of designing products for people who enjoy backpacking, camping or going on holiday or developing a new app that makes itinerary and journey planning simple and stress-free.
Competition in this industry is fierce. If you have ideas, it’s critical to research the market and find out as much as possible about your competitors and your target client. Gather information, get to know prospective customers and figure out how you’re going to connect with them and monetise your business. It’s also essential to work out how you’re going to set your brand apart.
Reviews are incredibly influential within the travel and tourism sector. Studies show that 95% of people check reviews before booking a hotel or a trip. As a start-up owner, it’s vital to understand the importance of attracting positive reviews and sharing good feedback. Once your business is up and running, encourage existing customers to leave comments, incentivise recommendations to friends and family and provide excellent customer service and support. Glowing reviews will help you attract more attention online and persuade prospective clients to choose your business. Average or low scores will push customers towards agencies and companies with better ratings.
Many men dream of running a business. Developing ideas based on your interests and passions is a brilliant way to discover opportunities for a start-up. Use your hobbies to generate ideas and your experiences to identify and solve problems or offer something new to clients and buyers. From exercise and fashion to travel, you can set up a business that aligns with your passions and turn an interest into an income. Explore ideas, conduct thorough market research, define your target audience and set your brand apart.