21 Best Business Ideas For Sales Professionals (2024)
Interested in starting a business as a sales in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a sales could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Sales?
We put together 21 of some of the best sales business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sales businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)
Struggling to keep up with the constant grind of sales tasks? Consider starting a sales automation platform. This business idea revolves around developing a software solution that streamlines and automates various sales processes, from lead generation to follow-ups, freeing up valuable time for businesses.
By integrating such a platform, companies could enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and focus more on closing deals rather than juggling administrative tasks. You’ll need to have a strong grasp of both software development and sales strategies to create an effective tool that truly adds value.
A sales automation platform not only strikes a chord with tech-savvy entrepreneurs but is also a worthwhile investment in today’s fast-paced business world. The growing demand for efficiency and the move towards digital transformation make this an opportune moment to dive into this venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
2. Start a mom blog ($5.33K/month)
As a sales professional, starting a mom blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income and tap into a rapidly growing niche market. You already possess essential skills like effective communication, persuasive writing, and a knack for understanding customer needs. These talents could be leveraged to create compelling and relatable content that attracts readers and keeps them engaged.
By weaving in stories and advice about your parenting journey, you could build a loyal audience of mothers seeking both connection and guidance. Monetizing your blog through affiliate links and selling merchandise could provide a steady stream of income. Plus, the skills you develop in content creation and audience engagement could also enhance your effectiveness in your primary sales role.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Mom blogger creates two related businesses, one generating 8-10k Canadian dollars per month in traffic revenue, and another offering courses to new bloggers about how to monetize their sites, all at an initial investment of $2,000, and largely based on her Pinterest presence.
3. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)
As a sales professional, you could leverage your persuasive and networking skills to venture into the specialty food business, capitalizing on the growing market, which is expanding at an annual growth rate of 6.4%. Your expertise in identifying customer needs and building relationships could give you a significant edge in sourcing premium and unique ingredients globally, setting your products apart from competitors.
By focusing on a niche market and working with reliable suppliers, you could create a brand synonymous with quality and health. Additionally, your experience with sales processes ensures that you are well-equipped to navigate business registration, licenses, and permits seamlessly.
With the potential to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time venture, starting a specialty food business could marry your sales acumen with entrepreneurial aspirations, tapping into a lucrative market hungry for premium, health-conscious food options.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
4. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($414K/month)
As a sales professional, you could leverage your expertise in building relationships and understanding customer needs to start an eCommerce marketing agency. This venture allows you to help online sellers achieve their goals by offering creative, technology, and marketing solutions tailored to their specific needs. With your background in sales, you can effectively communicate value propositions and convert potential clients into long-term partnerships.
The eCommerce industry is rapidly evolving, and businesses need to stay ahead of trends to remain competitive. By starting an eCommerce agency, you could provide essential services that help brands navigate these changes without the need for them to hire full-time staff. This not only creates a lucrative opportunity for you but also positions you as a crucial partner in your clients' growth strategies.
Moreover, focusing on building your digital skills and staying updated with industry trends will enhance your agency's capability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Whether you choose to specialize in a particular niche or offer comprehensive services, this venture could be both profitable and fulfilling, aligning perfectly with your entrepreneurial spirit.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
5. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)
You could supplement your income or even transition to a full-blown business by starting a social media marketing service. With your sales background, you're already skilled in understanding customer needs and driving engagement, which are crucial for creating compelling social media strategies. Helping companies enhance their online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn could become your specialty.
Your ability to analyze engagement metrics and fine-tune strategies for better results aligns perfectly with sales analytics. Not only could this venture offer you flexible working hours, but it also promises scalability as you gain more clients. By leveraging your sales skills and staying updated with social media trends, you could establish yourself as an indispensable asset to businesses, leading to consistent, recurring revenue.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
6. Start an online reputation management business ($167K/month)
Starting an online reputation management (ORM) business could be a natural extension of your sales expertise, allowing you to leverage your skills in persuasive communication and relationship building. As a sales professional, you understand the importance of managing perceptions and could transfer this knowledge to help clients enhance their digital footprints. This venture involves strategies like search engine optimization and public relations to mitigate negative commentary and build a positive online presence.
You could offer services such as blog outreach and social media cleanup, reclaiming online narratives for individuals and businesses alike. An ORM business is not only a flexible, remote opportunity but also taps into a billion-dollar industry, making it a profitable side hustle or full-time enterprise. For entrepreneurial-minded sales professionals, launching an ORM firm lets you monetize your ability to influence and drive narratives in the digital space.
How much you can make: $710 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
ReputationStacker is a subscription software that simplifies and automates the process of getting more online reviews, helping businesses to manage their online reputation and grow their customer base; currently generating over $300k monthly revenue with low churn rates and a strong customer support team.
7. Become a professional finder ($130K/month)
Starting a professional finder business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and leverage your sales skills. As a sales professional, you already possess excellent communication abilities and a wide network of contacts, both of which are essential for engaging clients and locating their lost or hard-to-find items.
With minimal startup costs primarily focused on marketing and networking, you could quickly launch this venture. The demand for such services is high across various industries, offering the potential to grow a steady stream of income. This business also brings the unique satisfaction of solving problems and delivering tangible results, making it a rewarding side hustle or even a full-fledged business opportunity.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
TutorCruncher Co-founder Samuel Colvin details the success story of his tutor management software company, which has grown to become the leading software in the UK with over one million users worldwide and is set to expand its market through the launch of a new Tutor App.
8. Start a guitar company ($51.5K/month)
If you are a sales professional with a passion for guitars, launching a guitar company could be an excellent side business or full-time venture. With guitars being versatile, portable, accessible, and affordable, there are multiple entry points into the market, such as guitar production, sales, distribution, or even repair services. Leveraging your sales skills, you could identify and connect with potential customers more efficiently while showcasing your enthusiasm for the product.
You could start by identifying your target market and creating a strategic business plan tailored to meet their needs. With your existing knowledge in sales, you could effectively market your guitars and attract a dedicated customer base. Don't forget to register your business name and meet any licensing requirements to get started professionally.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)
KLOS Guitars CEO and co-founder Adam Klosowiak created a unique line of carbon fiber guitars and ukuleles, launching with a successful Kickstarter campaign that has since led to over $1 million in funding, with current monthly sales over $100K mainly through Shopify.
9. Start a kids activity business ($255K/month)
As a sales professional, starting a kids activity business could be a strategic and lucrative side venture or even a full-time business, leveraging your expertise in customer engagement and relationship building. Imagine creating a fun and engaging environment where kids can explore their creativity and energy while parents enjoy peace of mind. A kids activity business offers various structured activities tailored to different age groups, from arts and crafts to outdoor adventures and educational games.
You could develop programs like after-school activities, weekend workshops, and even special events like birthday parties, all of which provide flexibility and the potential for high demand. Your sales skills will be invaluable in marketing these services, booking events, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This venture not only fulfills a crucial need in your community but also allows you to utilize your knack for connecting with families and building supportive, long-term relationships.
How much you can make: $1,661 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
10. Start a health care training business ($52.5K/month)
As a sales professional, venturing into the health care training business presents an excellent opportunity to leverage your sales acumen and tap into a rapidly growing industry. You could offer a range of training programs designed to enhance the skills of healthcare workers, meeting the increasing demand for continuous education prompted by recent global events. By providing guidance on career preparation and skill development, you could significantly improve the performance and employability of these professionals, creating a stable client base.
Considering the continuous advancement in medical technology, the need for high-quality training is ever-present. You could start this business virtually, reducing overhead costs and reaching a broader audience through proper planning, exposure, and strategic advertising. Your sales expertise would be instrumental in attracting hospitals, medical schools, and managed care companies as clients, ensuring a steady stream of business and profitability.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $90,000/month
VORTTX Training and Testing is a virtual emergency response training system generating 1% of its market potential of one hundred million dollars a year in its second year of full-time operation through utilizing email marketing, trade shows, trade events, referrals, personalized LinkedIn messages, and featuring testimonials from early adopters.
11. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
Starting a B2B lead generation service could be an excellent opportunity for sales professionals to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. Leveraging your expertise in identifying and nurturing potential clients, you could help other businesses overcome the challenge of finding high-quality leads, which is essential for their growth. By combining research, cold outreach, and advanced technology tools, you could build a robust pipeline of prospective clients for your customers.
The demand for B2B lead generation services is high, as every business needs a continual flow of leads to thrive. If you have a knack for sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, this venture could be highly rewarding. The scalability and constant demand for lead generation services make it an attractive option for entrepreneurial sales professionals looking to make a significant impact in the business world.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
12. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
If you’re a sales professional looking to supplement your income or start a business, you could consider venturing into lead generation services. Lead generation involves identifying and attracting potential customers for a company's products or services, a key component in any successful sales pipeline.
By leveraging your skills in digital marketing and data analysis, you could create strategies and campaigns that capture interest and convert it into actionable leads. In today’s digital age, businesses crave effective lead generation to stay competitive, and your expertise could offer them tremendous value. This service not only enhances the growth of your clients but also provides you with a reliable stream of income, making it a win-win situation for all parties involved.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
13. Start a digital marketing consulting ($49.2K/month)
If you have a knack for navigating the digital landscape, starting a digital marketing consulting business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or kickstart a new entrepreneurial venture. As a digital marketing consultant, you could help businesses enhance their online presence through targeted strategies and campaigns.
This could involve crafting personalized marketing plans, managing social media accounts, optimizing search engine results, and analyzing data to boost client visibility. The potential for growth in this field is significant, especially as more companies shift their focus online. If you enjoy a blend of creativity and analytics, this could be a rewarding business opportunity that leverages your sales expertise to create impactful digital marketing solutions.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
From a honeymoon in Costa Rica to a successful global digital marketing agency generating $100k a month, Travis Richardson shares his journey of building Impressions Agency without taking any loans or money from friends by keeping costs low, adapting quickly, testing out new strategies that produce results, and focusing on building long-term customer relationships.
14. Start a mystery game store ($1.29M/month)
Starting a mystery game store could make sense for a sales professional, as you could leverage your skills in engaging customers and promoting unique products. Offering tactile puzzle games, brain-churning intrigue games, and immersive mystery-based board games, your store could cater to people's innate love for a good mystery.
With a talent for creating compelling narratives, you could craft intriguing marketing campaigns and host engaging events that draw in curious minds. From game nights to puzzle-solving events, you could build a thriving community around your store, making it a hub for mystery enthusiasts and driving foot traffic. This venture not only allows you to capitalize on your sales expertise but also provides a dynamic and interactive shopping experience that sets your store apart from the competition.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 63 days (?)
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
15. Start a tour guide business
If you’re a sales professional with deep knowledge of your local area, starting a tour guide business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. Your skills in persuasion, customer relationship management, and communication can seamlessly translate to the tour guiding industry. By offering a native perspective of a town you know well, you could attract tourists eager for authentic, personalized experiences.
To get started, you could select an area you’re passionate about and study its history and attractions to answer visitors’ questions accurately. By partnering with local tour and travel companies or nearby game parks, you could easily broaden your customer reach while leveraging your sales proficiency. This not only allows you to earn extra income but also offers a flexible side hustle that can grow into a full-fledged business.
16. Develop a design tool ($408K/month)
As a sales professional, you could leverage your understanding of customer needs and market trends to develop a successful design tool business. By creating software that simplifies the design process, you'd provide an invaluable resource for clients looking to produce high-quality visuals without requiring extensive design expertise. This could appeal to small business owners, marketers, and even other sales professionals who want to create compelling presentations and materials.
Your role would involve understanding user pain points and translating them into a user-friendly interface with essential features like template libraries and drag-and-drop functionality. Given the rising demand for digital content, a design tool can attract a broad customer base looking for efficient, cost-effective design solutions. This venture would not only allow you to tap into a thriving market but also enable you to apply your sales and customer service skills in a new, entrepreneurial context.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,290,747/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)
Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.
17. Start a ski destination vacation rental business
As a sales professional, you could leverage your persuasive and interpersonal skills to successfully market and manage a ski destination vacation rental business. Your ability to build and maintain client relationships would be invaluable in attracting and retaining guests, ensuring a steady stream of bookings and positive reviews.
Additionally, your knack for identifying customer needs could help you in curating personalized vacation experiences, setting your rentals apart from the competition. This entrepreneurial venture offers the possibility of supplementing your income or even transitioning into a full-fledged business, capitalizing on the lucrative tourism market during ski season.
18. Start a marketing and sales business ($81.1K/month)
If you're tired of seeing lackluster sales efforts in businesses, starting a marketing and sales business could be the perfect opportunity. You could specialize in helping other businesses connect with their target customers, drive sales, and grow their brand, leveraging your expertise to craft tailored marketing strategies and deploying effective sales techniques.
Your role would involve utilizing digital tools to generate leads and conversions, understanding client needs, and applying proven methods to deliver results. Given the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and sales, there's a constant demand for expertise in this area. By addressing these challenges, you could provide tangible value to businesses striving for success. If you have a knack for communication, strategy, and analyzing consumer behavior, this could be a highly rewarding endeavor for you.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
19. Start a holiday e-mail service business
Starting a holiday e-mail service business could be a natural fit for a sales professional. Leveraging your sales expertise, you could craft compelling and personalized holiday e-mails for businesses looking to engage their customers during the peak holiday season. This side business takes advantage of your ability to communicate effectively and persuade, skills you've honed throughout your sales career.
You could offer tailored packages, from writing festive content to designing eye-catching e-mail templates, using your network to secure clients and partnerships. Additionally, this venture could easily be managed alongside your existing sales job, making it a flexible and lucrative way to supplement your income.
20. Start a video-editing app business ($38.8K/month)
As a sales professional with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a video-editing app business offers you the exciting opportunity to tap into the booming world of digital content creation. You could leverage your sales skills to identify and approach key target markets, such as content creators, filmmakers, and everyday users who are looking for user-friendly yet powerful editing tools. By creating an app with features like intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates, and advanced editing tools, you could address the growing demand for accessible video editing.
In addition, your experience in sales could be invaluable when it comes to marketing the app and building relationships with potential users and partners. You could use your knack for customer engagement to refine product offerings based on user feedback, ensuring that your app continuously meets evolving market needs. With video content showing no signs of slowing down, this venture enables you to diversify your income streams while making a significant impact in a dynamic, high-demand industry.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,575 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
21. Start a waterbottle business ($47.3K/month)
Starting a water bottle business could be a natural extension of your sales expertise, as it involves not only producing a tangible product but also leveraging your selling skills to address a growing market need. By focusing on designing and selling high-quality, reusable water bottles, you could tap into the eco-conscious consumer base who is increasingly concerned about reducing plastic waste.
Your background in sales equips you with the tools needed to identify potential customers, create effective marketing strategies, and build strong customer relationships—all essential components for a successful water bottle business. The demand for sustainable products is on the rise, and with your sales acumen, you could position yourself as a leader in this niche market, ultimately supplementing your income or even turning it into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $11,000 — $78,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Pressa Inc, a company that sells an innovative water bottle called Pressa Bottle that allows users to juice and press real fruit into any beverage, has been able to generate just over $50k per month primarily through their .com and Amazon, while also selling their product in a few select retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards, and Uncommon Goods, and is looking to scale up substantially with a hope of hitting $3M in sales next year.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
