Traditional entrepreneurs have, over the years, tended toward the safe, secure methods of running a business. Their business ideas are sound, they’ve trodden a typical path and have managed to do quite well.
What about those few business owners that have taken an original idea and run with it? Where have their ideas led them and what businesses qualify as being just a little different, yet successful at the same time?
Realizing that with the ongoing bedbug problem spreading not only to apartments but to hotels and other public areas, this company created a variety of barriers to keep bedbugs away. With eco friendly and easy to use products, they came into a market that was more than ready for what they had to offer. Knowing that their customers wanted control over an issue that was out of control, led to a business that was more than a little out of the ordinary but well received.
Love espresso? Long commute? Then Handpresso is the perfect answer. Two years after coming up with the idea, the owners launched in Milan and haven’t looked back. With sales well over 200,000 units in 35 countries, Handpresso, the portable espresso machine, is an item that consumers obviously wanted. The best business ideas are based on consumer need, learning everything you can about your demographics and giving your customers exactly what they want.
The third business isn’t one everyone should be proud of using but unfortunately it’s in a niche that has proved to be much needed. Hangover Heaven, based in Las Vegas, has an actual in-room hangover treatment. If you even think you may need them the next morning, you can book ahead of time. The company owners also have products available for purchase, based on the fact that they have a lot of customers who don’t live in Las Vegas.
These are just three examples of how a business can service a unique niche and do it very well. These companies are thriving in international markets because their products and services are needed. While they may stand out from the crowd, consumers have been unable, up until now, to find what they provide anywhere else.
© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2013
