Top 10 Small Business Ideas for 2012

For a few years now, small business owners have been waiting for the long-discussed economic recovery to finally happen. While these owners certainly look forward to the uptick in business, stronger top-line revenues and improved profitability could also spur them to finally consider selling their businesses. The fact remains that many proprietors still see their business's current value as too low to plan a financially successful exit.

•Can your business sustain your everyday expenses and can it profit you.

•Can it raise enough funds to get it running for a long time and can become a profitable venture.

•Is your business something that is needed everyday and does it has an appeal to sell on a steady basis?

•Is your business something that you know how to do and can you do it well?

•Is it something that you like to do and doesn't mind you at all doing it over and over again?

Now that we know our objective in putting up a small business lets go forward and see what are the best idea for small business this 2012.

1. Online business - this includes article writing/blogging, virtual assistant, translator, copywriter or bookkeeper, data entry, etc. This is one of the ideal business ideas for beginners would be to take advantage of various online business opportunities. By doing online data entry and online paid survey jobs, you can earn money per hour for your work. The more accuracy and consistency you show in your job, the more work you will get.

2. Mobile apps development – young and old nowadays possesses a mobile phone and on the mobile phone is application that people always uses. Calendars, Alarm Clocks, notepads are some example of applications that are commonly downloaded. Whether this is a businessman, a politician, an artist or just an ordinary person uses this and have a lot of application on their phone.

 3. Make-up artist or hair salons - Providing either makeup artist services or hair salons is yet another interesting small business idea. If you have the required makeup skills and talent, you can start your own company and do the makeup of television and movie stars. By providing good service, you can get long-term contracts which will increase your revenues greatly. The great thing about hair salons is that they are a sure thing. No matter how dismal the economic climate, women will still scrape together the money to get their hair done, even if they have to let their nails go. So hair salons with talented stylists and well-priced services will still be real money makers.

4. Cleaning services (pool, yard, garage etc.) - A cleaning service is a good business proposition for a person who relishes the idea of cleaning apartments, homes and commercial establishments. Cleaning services goes round the clock, most apartment or houses usually cleaned during the day and building or businesses are cleaned after office hours. Cleaning Service can be a steady source of income assuming that there are no immediate competitors. Otherwise, one would have to spend money on advertising and this may eat into one's profits. Considering that cleaning services earn popularity and goodwill through word of mouth, a job that is well done will rarely go unnoticed.

5. Home care services or baby sitting – being a babysitter doesn't require you to have a license, with more parents needing to work and offering a home based child care can be a great way of starting your own business. The growing numbers of senior baby boomers also provide growing business opportunities for senior care. In-home care and senior residences are the obvious ones, and don't forget all the related opportunities such as driving, delivery, catering and cleaning services for seniors who want to stay in their house. You can certainly develop your own business providing care for seniors.

6. Recycler – the best thing about being a recycler is that you're not just earning your own money and you're also helping the environment. Average homeowner doesn't always know where or how to recycle the stuff they've got. With this kind of business all you need to have a is pick up truck to start buying and simply offer to remove their scrap metal, old computers, and other recyclable materials.

7. Event management/party planner – This could be the most hectic business idea that I can think of, however when it comes to profitability this is the right business to venture in. Event planners have to organize a particular event by taking into consideration the suggestions given by their clients. This job requires creativity, patience and ability to get work done from people on time. It can help you be a successful event planner if have a good team of creative professional that can help you organize the event under you.

8. Online selling –This is being popularized by e–bay, whether you sell pre loved or brand new stuff you can still earn big bucks. There are still some people who have a whole lot of money and are willing to spend it on the name products that matter. Luxury handbags, scarves, and shoes for women are still selling well.

9. Social media consultants – with the tremendous rising of social media era and the giant social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter,  and Youtube, businesses have been taking advantage of this to gain more exposure for their brands and products. With more than 800 million active users in Facebook alone, business promotion in this top social networking site is now a priority for business owners and marketers. If you have the social media marketing skills that can outsource likes and follows for your client's business, then this business can help you earn big bucks on the Internet.

10. Pet related services such as pet sitter, pet cleaning and grooming services – Most Americans and Canadians loves to have pet especially dogs and feeding, caring for them and pampering their pooches a spending priority. Kennels, doggie daycare, dog treat bakeries and dog resorts are few of the things that you may want to venture in.

These Business ideas are not necessarily ideas for businesses that anyone can start however you can get some idea on the list above. However, in my opinion, these are business opportunities that are going to provide real chances to make money in 2012 and beyond. Remember that business that is done right, in the right place and for the right people may be profitable enterprises for years to come. If you're considering a sale in 2012, take your time and do it right. Plan ahead, research your market and stand out from the competition. Knowing the sales process is half the battle. With proper preparation, you can ensure a stress free transition and a financially successful exit from your business.