Interviewing Readers: Why Haven’t You Started an Online Business?

We spoke with five readers of this blog to uncover why they haven’t launched an online business and what draws them to content about entrepreneurship. Each answered six questions, revealing their hesitations, aspirations, and time constraints. Their responses offer raw insights into the barriers and motivations shaping their decisions. Below, meet Shaznay, Jamal, Elena, Aaron, and Priya, and dive into their thoughts on starting an online venture.

Shaznay, 34, Graphic Designer

What holds you back? 

Fear of failure stops me cold. I worry about investing time and money into something that might flop, leaving me worse off. The market feels saturated, and I’m unsure how to stand out.

What’s appealing or unappealing? 

The flexibility is tempting - working from anywhere, setting my hours. But the constant hustle, like chasing trends or managing social media, feels exhausting. I’d rather create than market.

Any product ideas? 

I’ve thought about selling digital art prints or custom logos. My designs get compliments, so there’s potential. I’d need to figure out pricing and platforms first.

What do you hope to gain? 

Extra income would ease financial stress. I’d love to ditch my side gig and have more creative freedom. Building something of my own sounds fulfilling, too.

Time commitment? 

I work 40 hours a week, plus freelance projects. I could squeeze in 10 hours weekly for a business, but it’d mean less sleep. Weekends are my best shot.

What support would help? 

Clear, step-by-step guides on starting small would be huge. I need advice on low-cost tools and avoiding scams. Hearing from others who’ve succeeded without quitting their jobs would motivate me.

Jamal, 28, Retail Manager

What holds you back? 

I lack the know-how. Tech stuff like building a website or handling payments intimidates me. I’m also scared of losing my steady paycheck.

What’s appealing or unappealing? 

Being my own boss sounds dope - no one barking orders. The risk of no guaranteed income freaks me out, though. I’ve seen friends burn out chasing online dreams.

Any product ideas? 

Maybe a sneaker reselling business. I know what’s hot in streetwear, and I’ve got connections. Sourcing inventory and dealing with shipping would be the hurdle.

What do you hope to gain? 

I want cash to travel and invest. Running my own show would build confidence. It’d be cool to prove I can hustle smarter, not harder.

Time commitment? 

My job’s 50 hours a week, plus commuting. I could do 5-7 hours on evenings, but I’m wiped most days. Starting small feels like my only option.

What support would help? 

I need beginner-friendly tutorials on tech basics, like setting up a shop. Real stories from regular folks making it work would push me. Budgeting tips for startups would seal the deal.

Elena, 42, Teacher

What holds you back?

Time is my biggest issue. Between teaching and raising kids, I’m stretched thin. I also don’t trust myself to pick a viable idea.

What’s appealing or unappealing? 

I love the idea of extra income without a second job. The tech learning curve and constant updates scare me. I’m not ready for that stress.

Any product ideas? 

I could sell lesson plans or teaching resources. Teachers are always hunting for quality materials. I’d need help designing and marketing them.

What do you hope to gain? 

More savings for my kids’ college funds would be amazing. Flexibility to work when I want is a big draw. I’d also enjoy sharing my expertise.

Time commitment? 

I’ve got maybe 4 hours a week, mostly late nights. Summers are freer, but I’m burned out by then. A slow ramp-up would be necessary.

What support would help? 

Templates for business plans would give me direction. I’d love mentorship from educators who’ve done this. Affordable courses on marketing basics would get me moving.

Aaron, 50, IT Technician

What holds you back? 

I’m comfortable where I am. Starting a business feels like a gamble at my age, and I don’t want to disrupt my routine. I also lack a clear idea.

What’s appealing or unappealing? 

Extra cash for retirement is the main pull. The idea of managing everything myself - taxes, inventory, customer complaints - sounds like a headache. I’d need a simple setup.

Any product ideas? 

I’ve considered selling PC repair guides or tech troubleshooting videos. People always need help with their devices. Creating content consistently would be tough.

What do you hope to gain? 

I’d like a side income to fund hobbies like golf. Working remotely would be nice, too. It’d feel good to share my skills with others.

Time commitment? 

I work 45 hours a week, so maybe 8 hours for a side gig. Evenings are tight with family time. I’d need a low-maintenance business model.

What support would help? 

Case studies of older entrepreneurs would inspire me. I need tools to automate tasks like email or billing. A checklist for launching without big risks would be perfect.

Priya, 25, Marketing Assistant

What holds you back? 

Self-doubt is my roadblock. I’m not sure my ideas are good enough to compete. The upfront costs, even small ones, make me nervous.

What’s appealing or unappealing? 

I like the idea of building something from scratch. The pressure to always be “on” online, like posting daily, feels draining. I’d want a manageable pace.

Any product ideas? 

I could sell eco-friendly planners or stationery. I love organizing, and sustainable products are trending. I’d need to research suppliers and branding.

What do you hope to gain? 

I want enough income to quit my 9-to-5 eventually. Creative control would let me experiment with ideas. It’d also boost my confidence to succeed independently.

Time commitment? 

I work 35 hours a week, so I could do 10-12 hours on a business. Weekends are mostly free, but I need downtime. A flexible schedule would be key.

What support would help?

I’d love a community of new entrepreneurs for advice. Guides on branding and social media ads would be clutch. Success stories from people my age would light a fire.

Advice for Aspiring Online Entrepreneurs

Starting an online business can feel daunting, but actionable steps can turn hesitation into progress. Below, I address the six questions posed by our readers, offering concise, practical advice to overcome barriers and seize opportunities. With 350 words, this guidance aims to spark confidence and clarity for anyone on the fence.

1. What holds you back? 

Fear, time, and lack of knowledge often paralyze action. Break tasks into small steps, like researching one platform for 30 minutes weekly. Accept that failure is part of learning - most successful entrepreneurs flop first. Start with low-risk experiments to build momentum.

2. What makes the idea appealing or unappealing? 

Focus on what excites you, like flexibility or creative control, to stay motivated. The hustle, like constant marketing, can overwhelm, so prioritize automation tools, such as scheduling posts with Buffer. Test the waters with a side project to gauge if it suits you. Keep your day job until you’re stable.

3. Any product ideas? 

Look at your skills or hobbies for ideas - teach what you know or sell what you make. Research market demand on platforms like Etsy or eBay to spot gaps. Start simple, like digital downloads, to avoid inventory headaches. Validate your idea by sharing it with a small group first.

4. What do you hope to gain? 

Define clear, realistic outcomes, like earning $500 monthly or working remotely. Write down your motivations to stay focused during tough moments. Track progress with milestones, such as launching a site, to maintain drive. Reinvest early profits to grow sustainably.

5. What time commitment do you have? 

Even 5 hours weekly can work if you’re consistent. Use time-blocking to dedicate specific hours, like Saturday mornings, to your business. Outsource repetitive tasks, like bookkeeping, to free up energy. Start with low-maintenance models, such as dropshipping, to fit busy schedules.

6. What support would help?

Seek free resources, like YouTube tutorials on Shopify or X posts from entrepreneurs. Join online forums, such as Reddit’s r/Entrepreneur, for peer advice. Find a mentor through local business networks or LinkedIn. Build a step-by-step plan with deadlines to stay on track.