So if you are one of the millions who got the pink slip, graduating college, or just looking for something new. What startup would you start?
Okay maybe that is too big of a question, but what type of startup would you WANT to start might be a better way to discuss the topic. In these tough times people are starting all sorts of startups. From selling t-shirts about the swine flu to building something awesome.
So today’s question for some of you would be what startup would you start today (since Today is a day for startups, why wait?) and/or what startup have you always wanted to create/build but never have.
To help you get started thinking about some possibilities here is a list of some ideas for a startup that I know have been kicking around in my head these past couple of weeks. Now feel free to take whatever from them and run with them as I am putting all my focus into my current startup project.
Startup Ideas for a Company
- Solar Installation Company
- Japanese Import/Export Company
- Clothes Line (Might throw up some ideas on cafepress and see if they sell.)
- Online Magazine (Think WebDesignermag – Remember you could startup with a PDF and offer print on demand for subscribers)
- Solution Firm – Focus on solving problems of Fortune 500′s
- Picture Frame Company – Was always hopeful about FrameMedia, but haven’t seen much
- Tea Shop – Yes, I think a Starbucks like chain that focused on high priced tea’s, free wifi, and a coworking space would do well. Charge for desk-area and offer free seats for staying customers. Even host events to bring entrepreneurs and VCs together
- Shoe Line – Even thought I am so NOT a shoe person, I think having a line of rocking kicks would be something that I would enjoy working on.
Okay, so that should be enough to get the juices flowing. What do you think, please let me know what startup you would like, are, or trying to start. 
It’s not a company, but I am currently working on an info product (ultra-light backpack design) to start selling. Cost to bring it to market will be some time and ebay fees.
Another project I have considered is a camping gear/guide service to the nearby national forest where I live. Introduce people to some of the places that I love, show them how to safely explore them, and hopefully pass on that love.
Sounds Interesting. I know I left out the start a bag company idea, because almost everyone I know want’s a better bag. I had a Burton AMP bag for a long time and loved it. I am currently rocking a Manhattan Portage Shoulder (Man?) bag to carry my computer/crap around.
As for the camping gear/guide service, have you ever thought of doing a hike with a helmet cam or flip and just showing it speed up a bit.. and then have others do the same hike? I noticed you do some geocaching too, def something I new a lot of guys in VT do. Good Luck!
Hey John I have to say all those startups sounded very cool and well thought out. I am inspired to take a crack at one or two startups “off the brain” right now.
My top 3 startups would be
1. Willpowa (biased cause I am starting this now) a company designed for helping poor artist increase there passive income high enough to live the lifestyle of their choice off of there music and intellectual properties.
–ok that was my big swing. . . now this is where I take two more attempts to not strike out. . .close my eyes. . . uh
2. FreeWhales uh yeah this company is a start up that allows young kids to create fun raisers that will raise money for a non for profit cause that is larger than life. The company teaches the youth entreprenuer skills as well as holds after school programs that enable the youth to become confident in finance, fund raising and event planning as well as business. FreeWhales- for the small mind with a whale of an idea
–wow that great foul ball. Looks like I am swinging for the fence on this next one. Lets see if I get on base.
3. Kickstart- Kick start is a company that teaches low income families self defense. We all know that violence and abuse can cause homes and families to be ruined especially in poor households where there can be an increase in pressure to survive. Kick start is a company that uses karate and self defense classes to bring confidence to young teens and single mothers. The company provides classes for extremely low prices because it has a built in network marketing model that allows kickstarters to teach the course materials online through a web cam and actually interact with other kickstarters in other countries and virtually fight. Kickstart- The online virtual self defense course.
Hmm I don’t know about that one. But yep. Number one rule never doubt your own ideas. Thanks for the inspiration John. See you at Cashflow 101 (www.meetup.com/nyccashflow) again sometime