The Advantage of Running a Business as a Student
Having a business as a student, particularly in federal universities where most students come from low or middle-class backgrounds, is a significant advantage. It allows you to earn money from various sources beyond what you receive from home, giving you financial independence and valuable entrepreneurial experience.
1. Online Food Vendor
Operating as an online food vendor is highly recommended for students. This approach allows you to manage your academic responsibilities while earning on the side. Many students find cooking tedious, so there’s a demand for prepared meals. Here’s what you need to get started:
– Capital: A small amount to cover initial costs.
– Environment: A clean space to prepare meals.
– Equipment: A good smartphone for content creation and taking pictures.
– Skill: Culinary ability to prepare tasty meals.
You can cook specific meals on a pre-order basis, which helps you manage your time effectively. Selling soup bowls is also a viable option.
2. Baking and Selling Snacks
Baking and selling snacks such as chin chin, meat pies, and cakes is another lucrative business idea for students. To succeed in this business, you’ll need:
– Capital: Enough to buy ingredients like flour and oil.
– Equipment: Basic baking tools.
– Packaging: Affordable options like sealed nylon, which costs around ₦700-₦1000 for 100 pieces.
Market your snacks to everyone you know—friends, course mates, neighbors, and even lecturers. Good word-of-mouth and social media advertising can significantly boost your sales. As you earn, reinvest in your business to make operations smoother.
3. Perfume Business
The perfume business is currently a hot trend among students. Begin by purchasing 5-10 perfumes and perfume oils. Capture appealing images of your products and promote them on social platforms popular among students. Don’t rely solely on online sales; offline marketing is equally important. Awareness is crucial—buy wholesale to maintain a reasonable profit margin, and wear the scents you sell as a form of advertising.
4. Blogging
Blogging is an excellent business idea for students who enjoy writing. It doesn’t require physical advertisement and allows you to share your knowledge and insights with a global audience. Choose a niche that suits your strengths—fashion, technology, academics, etc. Create a blog on WordPress or Blogger, maintain a consistent writing schedule, and grow your audience over time. You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. If you’re new to blogging, consider taking free online courses to get started.
5. Graphic Design and Web Design
Graphic design and web design are highly profitable skills for students. They don’t require physical advertisement but do require proficiency and a strong portfolio. Use social media to showcase your work, and consider platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to attract clients. Offer your services to fellow students and local businesses, continuously improve your skills, and aim to become an expert in these fields.
6. Vocational Skills
Vocational skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, and painting are excellent business ideas for students. You can start with a small amount of capital, primarily for tools. Creativity is essential—excel in your craft, advertise your work on social media, and always showcase your products by wearing or using them yourself. For instance, tailors should wear their own designs as a form of self-promotion.
7. Photography
Photography is a great business idea for students who are passionate about capturing moments. You can start with mobile photography, learn the basics, and gradually build your brand. Offer your services to fellow students, network with event planners, and continuously improve your skills. Photography offers vast opportunities if you’re committed to mastering it.
8. Real Estate (Realtor)
Becoming a realtor as a student is both possible and lucrative. Learn the trade from experienced professionals, build a network of contacts among property owners, and offer your services to students and non-students alike. Referrals are crucial in real estate, so delivering quality service will naturally lead to more clients.
9. Tutoring
Tutoring is an excellent, capital-free business idea for students who excel academically. Identify challenging courses that many students struggle with and offer tutoring services in those areas. You can provide one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, or even create educational content for platforms like YouTube. This business allows you to monetize your knowledge while helping others succeed.
10. Selling Clothes (New and Thrift)
Selling clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry is a popular business among fashion-conscious students. To get started, know where to source affordable items or establish a relationship with a distributor. A good smartphone for taking appealing pictures is essential. Advertise both online and offline, and always dress well to serve as a walking advertisement for your products.
11. Selling Everyday Items
Selling everyday items that people use or consume regularly are sellable for students, though there are exceptions. Just make your way around it and make it sellable
However, it’s crucial that your business does not interfere with your academics. Success requires resilience, time management, and creativity. Focus on building a strong brand and ensure that your business enhances rather than hinders your academic progress.
See Also
The English Language in the Internet Age.
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