Initial Thoughts: Avoid physical product businesses (e.g. Drop Shipping, Amazon FBA) due to time constraints.
Considered Print on Demand but eliminated due to product quality checks.
Shifted focus to service-based business ideas.
Chosen Idea: Google Maps & Business Profiles
Utilized Google Maps as a platform for finding small businesses to assist.
Identified potential for helping businesses optimize their Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business).
Viability Check
Use Google Trends to assess demand:
Tested “Google Business Profile” and confirmed consistent interest over time.
Learning About Google Business Profiles
Found a 42-minute free course on Google Skillshop to quickly learn about managing Google Business Profiles.
Finding Businesses to Serve
Navigate to Google Maps (maps.google.com)
Search for small businesses (e.g., plumbers, hairdressers) in a preferred area (e.g., small towns in the US).
Identify businesses with incomplete profiles:
Look for low reviews, unclaimed profiles, and minimal information.
Action Steps Taken
Found 22 businesses with incomplete profiles.
Focused on calling businesses instead of emailing for immediate contact.
Initial Calls: Attempted multiple calls to 22 businesses:
Many did not pick up.
Engaged with owners but faced challenges in sales.
Recorded feedback from calls for learning.
Shift to Fiverr
Realized the need for a platform to handle transactions without using existing skills.
Created a Fiverr account to facilitate service offerings.
Results: Successfully pitched services to:
Two companies for $250 each.
One company for $200 after negotiation.
Total earned: $700.
Conclusion
Challenge completed, thought it was fun and informative.
Created content for a free downloadable guide to help others replicate the process.
Suggested future viewers check out additional resources and subscribe for updates.