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Known for its glitz and glam, California is one of the most visited destinations in the U.S.. Home to gorgeous beaches, wine counties and Silicon Valley, California is a wonderful holiday destination to escape since it has something for just about everyone. Additionally, it also contains a bustling metropolis and has the largest population amongst the U.S. states which attracts all manner of businesses, both big and small.
Many businesses (including in the notorious Californian startups scene) were tragically affected by the Covid-19 virus. However, through the efforts of social media influencers and a greater awareness in the community, many people are also beginning to have a greater appreciation for local businesses and are more eager to support them.
Many of us also had our lives turned upside down by this virus, especially in the finance department. Some of us may even be realizing the need for multiple sources of income to ensure financial stability. Since quite a few of us have managed to discover (or rediscover) working with our hands over the course of lockdown, some may even be considering redirecting their hobbies into an actual source of secondary (or perhaps primary) income. While these uncertain times may make you wary of pouring time and resources into starting a business in California, here are some ideas you may consider to help make the journey a little smoother.
Be Adventurous
California has a rich history of being a hub where various types of counterculture can be birthed and will flourish. With its busy metropolis acting as a melting pot for all sorts of people with different philosophies, ideas and cultures to come together, it creates a rich environment for the new and novel to take root. From the hippies of San Francisco to the modern day holistic health movement, California has been the go-to for people with a pioneering spirit.
Don’t be afraid to be experimental by fusing cultures, or trying to use new methods or even coming up with a new type of service altogether. Want to make tiny (vegan) leather jackets for dogs? Or maybe try your hand at crafting origami flower arrangements? Or your passion in life is designing skateboards? California’s colorful crowd will likely welcome you with open arms and you’ll probably find at least a few loyal customers.
Californians have shown themselves to have an adventurous and pioneering spirit time and time again from the early days of the gold rush. The state has earned itself the nickname of “the golden state” for the enterprising spirit of the many residents that have graced its street and found both a home and carved out a living for themselves. Under the blazing Californian sun, victory comes to the brave, so don’t worry how outlandish your business idea may seem, someone will see it and try it out.
Go Digital
Even if it wasn’t home to Silicon valley, California’s population has perpetually been on top of their technology game. A state that finds ways and means to keep itself young and trendy at heart, it’s no surprise that the population of California is tech savvy and always finding ways to upgrade themselves. The digital age has only created even more opportunities and ideas for further possible technological evolution.
Therefore, knowing how to use technology like social media to market and promote your goods is a must. The digital age has created more opportunities for small businesses since it’s relatively inexpensive to use and with the right strategies, it is possible to reach a large customer base in a very short period of time. Learning how to get the algorithm to favor you, how to take advantage of hashtags and how to manage an online site and social media accounts is a must for a modern business.
California is a fast-paced and busy state and going digital provides customers with a higher level of flexibility and convenience than a traditional shopping experience. As more and more people are using online retail services due to the variety of goods and the convenience offered by those services, providing at least some online services is looking more and more appealing for the long term success of your business.
Additionally, going digital has the added benefit of being more cost effective when you’re first starting out. Traditional, physical means of advertising can cost a pretty penny and a physical shop is sometimes dependent on the foot traffic of the area, with busier areas often requiring higher rent. Using an online platform and arranging for a delivery service is comparatively cheaper and a better use of expenses for a startup.
California is a wonderful state with a rich history and seemingly richer future ahead of it. With the unique mix of people that call it home and the openness of its culture, it seems that the city is steeped with a pioneering and ingenious spirit. So don’t worry to go out of your comfort zone and consider taking the plunge to start a business in California.