Small Business Ideas in Beijing
2008-03-20
When I conducted a survey in June 2006 among expat spouses in Beijing, I realised with amazement that 67% of the respondents were interested in starting their own business.
You can call it being self-employed, being an independent contractor, or freelancing.

I would therefore like to share with you a few business ideas that – in my opinion - could work quite well in Beijing… but also quite well anywhere else in the world as they are based on transferable or portable skills.

CONSULTING – FREELANCING
You would most probably want to target foreign Small and Medium Businesses.
Contact your Chamber of Commerce to get hold of companies’ database.

- Website / Graphic Designer
If you can create websites and/or graphics, logos, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, advertisements, you will be very successful in Beijing - although the software and hardware costs can initially be steep. Indeed, most foreign (1-person) businesses struggle with Chinese designers, as good communication is key to a successful result.

- Marketing / Strategic Consultant
If you are an expert in your industry, such as strategy or marketing consider beginning your own consulting business.

- Writer
Writing is perhaps the ultimate portable business. With your laptop and your imagination, you could write whenever, wherever. Also, remember that Beijing stories are currently “hot” in all magazines, and particularly in travel and lifestyle magazines.

- Personal & Business coach
Coaching is a profession you can do part time or full time. It can be conducted face to face but also via the phone and by email.
Expect to earn 3 times more coaching corporate clients than individuals.

- Interior designer
If you have a flair for the creative, consider interior design. You could work with real estate agents, business centres, and/or individuals.

TEACHING
You can offer your program to the general public but also in house to private companies, associations, learning centers or other organisations with a track record of filling programs.

You could be teaching: Languages / Art / Photography / Computer skills …but also become a:

- Personal Trainer / Yoga instructor
Check with compound clubhouses if you can use their facilities for your classes. They will do part of the advertising and usually charge a low fee.

- Tutor
You can start a business tutoring students by advertising at schools and other places frequented by families. If you have children, talk to their teachers and determine the needs of your school students.

SELLING GOODS AND PRODUCTS
Each time you get frustrated about something you cannot find in Beijing, remember that this represents a business opportunity.

You could be selling:

- Imported Goods
- “Self-made” Goods
- Exported Goods

This list could be much longer but I hope it gives you some good ideas.

For further support on starting your own business, we have three events you do not want to miss in April:
- Panel Event on Women Entrepreneurship on Thur, 10 April 2008: if you need some inspiration www.inspiredbeijing.com/beijingevents.php?eventID=30
- Reshaping Your Career on Sat, 12 Apr 2008: if you want to reflect on your skills and strengths www.inspiredbeijing.com/beijingevents.php?eventID=36
- Branding for small businesses – Your Mission Statement on Fri, 25 Apr 2008: to focus your marketing efforts www.inspiredbeijing.com/beijingevents.php?eventID=39