Dec '25 • General discussion
Real Business Ideas for an Uncertain Economy
If I had to start from scratch today and wanted to make $1M in 5 years, here’s what I’d actually do.
Not theory. Not trends. Just realistic paths.
Most people I know are not talking about starting or scaling businesses because it is trendy. They are doing it because layoffs, inflation, and uncertainty have changed what security looks like.
This is me thinking out loud about what works right now and why.
1️⃣ AI Services: Selling Time Back ⏱️
AI is not the product. Time is.
People want less chaos, not more tools.
Examples• Inbox and calendar management• Automated follow-ups for service businesses• Faster customer support• Personal assistants for execs and founders
Cost to start$500 to $3,000
Why this worksMonthly retainers + specialization.
Revenue range$40k to $100k solo$150k to $300k with focus$500k+ scaled
2️⃣ Hybrid Wellness + Community 🧘🏽♀️🤝
Generic wellness is crowded. Specific wellness is not.
Examples• PCOS or postpartum communities• Surgery recovery programs• Menopause and hormone health groups
Cost to start$1,000 to $5,000
Why this worksMemberships + trust + community.
Revenue range$30k to $75k early$150k to $300k established$500k+ with events and premium programs
3️⃣ Home Services: Boring but Profitable 🏠🔧
Homes always need maintenance.
You build the system, not the labor.
Examples• Cleaning• Pest control• Plumbing• Roofing• Home health
Cost to start$2,000 to $10,000
Why this worksRepeat customers and service plans.
Revenue range$75k to $150k owner-led$250k to $500k small team$1M+ multi-city
4️⃣ Niche Social Media Strategy Shops 📱🎯
Not an agency. One niche. One platform.
Examples• TikTok for real estate• Instagram for med spas• LinkedIn for consultants
Cost to start$500 to $2,000
Why this worksRetainers and focused delivery.
Revenue range$50k to $120k solo$200k to $400k small shop$500k+ productized
5️⃣ Pet Care: Built for Recurring Revenue 🐾
Pet spending is steady, even in tight times.
Examples• Pet wellness subscriptions• Monitoring and check-ins• Mobile grooming coordination
Cost to start$1,000 to $5,000
Why this worksRoutine creates subscriptions.
Revenue range$25k to $75k starter$150k to $300k subscription-based$500k+ scaled
Any others? Curious how your business model fairs in today's economy. Let's discuss.
Join us in January for The Shift [A Small Business Mixer]
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Real Business Ideas for an Uncertain Economy
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