Have you ever wondered how some ordinary folks like you and me managed to amass an incredible amount of wealth? It’s always fascinating to learn about the industries that can lead to such financial success, especially when they’re often underrated or overlooked by many.
One thing that’s truly inspiring is realizing that it’s not just about what you do, but how consistently you do it and who you choose to collaborate with. In my own side hustle, I’ve been working alone on tasks, but the more I reflect on various projects and read success stories, the more I’m convinced that collaboration can be a game-changer for side hustle breakthroughs.
Waste Management: From Trash to Fortune
Let’s start with an industry that might not seem glamorous at first glance – waste management. Humans generate an astonishing amount of garbage, even at an individual level. Just think about how quickly your trash bin fills up within a week, especially if you’ve received online packages or indulged in a few food cravings.
While the public waste management system is sufficient for most of us to handle our household rubbish, there are situations where we might need additional services. For instance, if you or your neighbor were to undertake a house construction project, you’d likely require dumpster trucks to dispose of the debris and excavated soil. Moreover, many businesses rely solely on private waste collection services, creating a ready market for such offerings.
One company that has capitalized on this demand is Waste Management. This giant in the industry rakes in an impressive $15 billion annually by collecting trash. According to reports, Waste Management had humble beginnings, starting with the owner buying and fixing up old garbage trucks. He used these refurbished vehicles to collect local rubbish, gradually hiring workers and scaling his operations until he could step away from the front lines and work in an office, signing multi-million dollar trash collection deals.
Photo by James Day on Unsplash
People Will Spend Hundreds to Have the Best Landscaping
Another industry that might surprise you is landscaping and lawn care. I first heard about the potential of this field from none other than Steve Harvey. He shared that one of his friends makes millions cutting people’s lawns every month. Now, that’s an eye-opening revelation!
While price points vary from city to city, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to spend anywhere from $48 to $211 on lawn care services. In fact, the national average for such services is around $129. Let that sink in for a moment – people are willing to pay $129 or more for someone to maintain their lawns.
Do you make $129 per day from your online endeavors or your day job? If not, you might be in the wrong line of work, my friend. And we haven’t even touched on the potential of commercial lawn care services yet!
Now, granted, you might not be able to cut lawns year-round in certain states due to winter conditions. But that’s where the beauty of adaptability comes in – you could simply switch to shoveling snow during those colder months. After all, you’re the lawn care and landscaping professional, or whatever fancy title you choose to give yourself.
Weed whackers and lawnmowers may not seem like much of a threat when you offer convenience to your clients. People get busy, some develop back issues, and let’s not forget the ever-increasing cost of gas. It’s as if the stars are aligning in your favor. Of course, this isn’t something you can do forever, which is why the key is to start small and then scale up. Just look at BrightView, a company that followed this path and now generates a staggering $2.5 billion in annual revenue.
Photo by Jared Muller on Unsplash
Scrubbing Floors: A Surprisingly Lucrative Endeavor
Now, let’s talk about an industry that might seem downright unglamorous – scrubbing floors. Many individuals engage in this line of work without earning a substantial income. However, do you know who makes good money from scrubbing floors? Companies and entrepreneurs with established LLC brands.
It might seem unfair, but people tend to respect the overheads and professional image of companies more than individual service providers. With the rise of the Airbnb phenomenon, the demand for cleaning services has skyrocketed. If you can secure a contract and sublet the work to hired hands, you could be onto a winning strategy. Just take a look at ServiceMaster, a company that rakes in an impressive $1.5 billion annually through this business model.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Follow Your Gift, Not Your Passion
In the wise words of Steve Harvey, “follow your gift, not your passion.” It’s not about what you love doing, but rather what you’re exceptionally good at doing. Start small, but have a clear plan to scale your operations with the help of affiliates, contract workers, or employees. The examples we’ve discussed, like Waste Management, BrightView, and ServiceMaster, all followed this path, leaving behind the direct client projects to focus on strategic growth and management.
Uber and Airbnb are two more excellent examples of companies that transitioned from directly serving clients to overseeing vast operations, ultimately leading to billions in revenue.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the specific industry or job you choose; it’s about identifying your strengths, being consistent in your efforts, and having the foresight to collaborate and scale when the opportunity arises.
Remember, success often comes from unexpected places, and sometimes, the most underrated niches can lead to the most extraordinary achievements. So, keep an open mind, trust your abilities, and never underestimate the potential of unconventional career paths.
