Boring to Buzzing? Transform Your Useless Talent Into an Exciting Online Business

Do you often feel like a potato, plain and boring, devoid of any special skills that could possibly turn into a money-making venture? Think again. Even if you consider yourself talentless, there’s always something hidden up your sleeve that can be turned into a business opportunity.

Don’t believe me? That's probably because you don't believe in yourself. Everyone has to start somewhere full of doubts, no matter how talented or talentless they are, it's the determination that creates results in the end. So you'd better get cracking.

Is Being Boring Bad To Start a Business?

Is being boring a bad thing when you want to start a business? Not at all, because what you consider "boring" could be someone else's "amazing." Your unique take on the so-called dull stuff might just be the next hot ticket in the business world.

Let's talk about the dry-cleaning business. You drop off your clothes, they get cleaned, and you pick them up. But some business owners have stepped forward a little to offer a delivery service, tack on a small café for people to sip coffee while they wait, or add a quick tailoring service. Add a little extra and suddenly, you are turning something ordinary into something ordinary++ ("plus plus").

So, how can you transform the "boring" into a booming business?

Reliability Over Flash

In my own experience, "boring" often translates to reliable, stable, and enduring. Everyone's always talking about the latest tech startup or the new app that's going to change how we do, well, everything.

But most of those high-flying startups crash and burn within a few years, don't they? Meanwhile, the guy who started a cleaning service or a lawn care company is still in business, making a steady income. There's something to be said for offering a product or service that people actually need and will continue to need for the foreseeable future.

Find Out Your Stuff

Before you do anything, start by making a list of your skills and hobbies. Yes, even the ones you think are super boring. Are you great at making to-do lists? Do you enjoy sorting out your sock drawer by color and length? Write it all down.

Sometimes what seems boring to you might be super helpful to someone else. Once you have a list, pick one or two that you really enjoy doing. This will be the start of everything - the foundation of your new business.

What You Should Do

Grab a notebook or open a document on your computer and jot down everything you enjoy doing or are good at. Don't overthink it. Don’t think about what-ifs. Think about it later, but for now, just write down everything that comes to mind.

Even if you think it's silly or trivial, write it down. You never know what might spark an idea for a business.

Do Your Homework

Now that you have your list, it’s time to see if there are people out there who are interested in what you have to offer. Start by doing some online research. Check out social media groups, and online forums, or even ask your friends and family for their opinion.

You can also run a quick online survey to see if people would be interested in your service or product. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as;

• What have you been looking for? What problems did you used to have but you’ve solved yourself? 
• Are other people facing the same problems? 

The problems can be as small as anything. The more you know about problems that you’ve solved in your lifetime, the easier it will be to tailor your business to what others may be looking for.

What You Should Do

Use Google Trends to see if there is any interest in the skills or hobbies you have listed. Join relevant Facebook groups or Reddit threads to see what people are talking about. Check Etsy or eBay to see if there are similar products being offered. This will help you understand if there is a demand for what you want to offer.

Drop the Corporate Speak

Often, there's this idea that to be successful in business, especially online, you have to sound like a Fortune 500 executive - complete with the incomprehensible jargon and buzzwords. The problem is, most people don't talk like that in real life, you know? When you use too much corporate speak, you end up alienating folks who could have been your customers, partners, or fans. They'll probably just think you're trying too hard and move on.

Why Simplicity Works

Now, I'm not saying you should ditch professionalism. There's a way to be professional without turning your communications into a maze of business jargon. By keeping it simple and talking like you would to a friend, you're more likely to draw people in. You make your business more approachable, and that counts for a lot. People want to feel like they can trust you, and speaking plainly helps establish that trust pretty quickly.

Casual Doesn't Mean Careless

That's not to say you should dumb down your content. Not at all. You're just making it accessible. There's a reason why shows like "Bill Nye the Science Guy" or YouTube channels like "Vsauce" are so popular. They take complicated topics and make them relatable and understandable. You can totally do that too, you know?

Just because you're leaning into a more casual tone doesn't mean you can slack on quality. Make sure you're still presenting well-thought-out ideas, just in a way that's easy to digest. Avoid going overboard with slang or becoming too informal; there's a fine line between relatable and unprofessional.

So, whether it's through your website copy, social media posts, or even email communications, lose the corporate jargon. Trust me, people will love it, and you'll make a much stronger connection with those you're trying to reach.

Speaking casually and conversationally can actually help you build a deeper connection with people. It's like you're sitting down for a coffee chat instead of giving a lecture. When people feel like they can relate to you, they're more likely to trust you and, by extension, your business. So, lose the jargon and start talking like a real person. It does wonders, trust me.

What’s the Twist?

Okay, so you know what you’re good at, and you’ve done your homework. Now it’s time to add a little sparkle to your idea. Ask yourself, what can you do to make your service or product stand out? Let’s say you’re great at organizing closets.

Could you offer a special package where you also help people donate the clothes they don’t want? Or maybe you could create a handy guide on how to keep the closet organized after you’ve worked your magic. The idea is to add something extra that makes your business unique and interesting.

What You Should Do

Look at what your competitors are doing and think about how you can do it differently or better. For example, you can;

• Offer something extra that others don't (within your budget).
• Do it faster.
• Do it cheaper.

Think about what you can do that others wouldn’t do to make your business stand out.

Build Your Space

Now it’s time to create a home for your business. This could be a physical space, like a small shop, or a virtual space, like a website or social media account. Think about where your future customers hang out. Are they mostly online or do they prefer shopping in person?

Make sure your space is inviting and easy to use. If you’re setting up a website, make sure it’s user-friendly. If you’re opening a shop, make sure it’s clean and well-organized. And don’t forget to add a little personality to your space. Whether it’s a funky logo or a catchy slogan, make sure people remember you.

What You Should Do

Decide where you will offer your product. If it's a physical product, consider setting up an online store on Etsy or eBay. If it's a service, think about offering it through a platform like Fiverr or creating your own website using a platform like Wix or Squarespace. Make sure your space is inviting and easy to use. Add some personality to your space with a funky logo or a catchy slogan.

Set the Right Price

A Bain & Company study suggested that up to 70% of companies set prices based on competitor prices rather than their own costs or value proposition.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you're entering a crowded market. You don't want to go too low and be seen as "cheap," but you also don't want to price yourself out of the market.

This part can be a bit tricky. You need to figure out how much to charge for your product. Too high and people might not buy it. Too low and your net profit will be peanuts. 

So start by figuring out how much it costs you to make your product and sell it. Include everything from the materials you use to the time you spend. Then think about how much people might be willing to pay for it.

Do some research online to see what similar products are being sold for. And don’t forget to ask your friends and family for their opinion. Once you have an idea of what people are willing to pay, you can set your price. Just make sure you’re making enough to cover your costs and make a profit.

What You Should Do

Calculate all your costs, including materials, time, and any other expenses. Then, research what your competitors are charging for similar products. This will give you an idea of the price range. Make sure your price covers your costs and is competitive.

Get the Word Out

Now that everything is set up, you need to let people know about your business. Start by telling your friends and family. They can help spread the word and might even become your first customers. Next, use social media to your advantage.

Create accounts for your business and start posting about what you offer. You can also create flyers and hand them out in your neighborhood or post them on community bulletin boards. And don’t forget about online ads. A small budget can go a long way in getting your business noticed by potential customers.

What You Should Do

• Start by telling everyone! Your friends, and social followers - they can help spread the word and might even become your first customers.
• Create separate business accounts on social media and start posting about your offerings. 
• Advertise on TikTok!
• Consider running PPC (pay-per-click) ads on Facebook or Google.
• Hand out flyers in your neighborhood or post them on community bulletin boards.

Video Content is King

Did you know? Video content makes up over 85% of all consumer internet traffic. That's a big deal! Video allows you to present your brand in a dynamic, easily digestible format. Whether it's how-to guides, product demonstrations, or just some behind-the-scenes looks, video can make your online presence way more engaging.

Test and Tweak

Once your business is up and running, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s working and what’s not. Maybe people love your product but think your website is hard to use. Or maybe they love your service but think it’s a bit too expensive.

Pay attention to the feedback you get from your customers and make changes as needed. This might mean lowering your prices, improving your website, or tweaking your product. The point is to be flexible and willing to make changes to make your business better.

What You Should Do

Once your business is up and running, ask for feedback from your customers. Monitor your website or online store analytics to see what's working and what's not. Make changes as needed. This might mean lowering your prices, improving your website, or tweaking your product.

Find Every Little Thing Enjoyable

Yep. Have fun. Of course, starting a business is stressful, but it should also be enjoyable.

After all, this is your chance to share your passion with the world. So, try to stay positive and enjoy the process. And don’t be too hard on yourself. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. Keep moving forward. No regrets, you won’t have time for them!

Being boring isn’t a roadblock; it’s more like a launching pad. Your so-called boring idea or talent has its own charm and, believe it or not, a crowd that’s into it. So, put on your thinking cap, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to turn that 'boring' idea into a business people will talk about. Because, hey, the world needs a little more ‘boring,’ especially if it’s your brand of it!

What You Should Do

Starting a business can be stressful, but try to stay positive and enjoy the process. Take breaks when needed, celebrate your successes, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned. Mistakes will happen, and that's okay. The important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward.

How to Create an Exciting Online Presence

According to various studies, you only have about 2.6 seconds to make a good first impression. That's crazy fast! What this means is that a well-designed, intuitive website isn't just a nice-to-have; it's basically your digital handshake. So, investing in good website design can be a game-changer.

People keep mentioning "audience" - know your audience, find what people are looking for. That's not always true. In fact, don't care about your audience. Be you, tell your personal stories, and the "audience" will find you. People fail because they try too hard to connect to ("engage with") others and they can't get financial results from the effort.

Stay Curious

Curiosity didn’t just kill the cat; it made the internet a fascinating place! Being curious means always asking questions, seeking new knowledge, and exploring new topics. Curiosity leads to learning and growth, and it’s super fun to share this journey with others online. Share interesting articles, fun facts, or new things you’ve recently learned.

For example, if you just learned how to make sourdough bread, share the process and the result. If you read an interesting article about space exploration, share it and add your thoughts. Staying curious and sharing your journey will not only make you more interesting online but will also encourage others to explore new topics as well.

Show Your Sense of Humor

Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a great way to connect with others online. Sharing jokes, funny stories, or humorous observations will make you more interesting and approachable. But be careful with your sense of humor, as it doesn’t always translate well online. Avoid offensive or controversial jokes. Instead, opt for light-hearted humor that will make people smile.

For example, share a funny anecdote about your day, a hilarious meme, or a joke that made you laugh. Showing your sense of humor will make you more interesting and will also make your online presence more enjoyable for others.

Tell Stories

Humans are wired for stories. We’ve been sharing stories around campfires for thousands of years, and now we share them around the virtual campfire of the internet. Sharing stories about your experiences, your dreams, or even your struggles can make you more interesting and relatable online. But remember, the internet is a public place, so be mindful of what you share. Avoid sharing overly personal or sensitive information. Instead, share stories that are entertaining, inspiring, or thought-provoking.

For example, share a story about a trip you took, a challenge you overcame, or a funny encounter you had. Telling stories will make you more interesting and will also encourage others to share their stories as well.

Share Your Opinion

The internet is full of opinions, and while it’s not necessary to have an opinion on everything, sharing your thoughts on topics that matter to you can make you more interesting online. Whether it’s a movie, a book, a current event, or a controversial topic, sharing your opinion will spark conversations and might even lead to healthy debates. But remember, the internet is also full of trolls, so be prepared for some pushback and always stay respectful and open-minded.

For example, share your thoughts on a recent movie you watched, a book you read, or a current event that caught your attention. Sharing your opinion will make you more interesting and will also encourage others to share their thoughts as well.

Affiliate Marketing

So, you’ve accepted your "boring" self, and you're rocking the online world with your newfound interesting persona. Now, let’s talk about making some money with that charisma! Promoting affiliate products is the way to go.

You’re probably already using products that you love and find helpful, so why not recommend them to others and make a little cash on the side?

For example, if you’re sharing your passion for miniature car models and you swear by particular models, you can become an affiliate for that brand and earn a commission every time someone buys their products through your unique affiliate link.

Just be sure to only promote products that you truly believe in and find valuable. This way, you maintain your integrity and the trust of your followers. And don’t forget to disclose your affiliate relationships – it’s required by law in many places, and it’s also the right thing to do. So, go ahead and turn your "boring" into "buzzing" and start making money as an affiliate!