When I studied entrepreneurship in college, innovation was highly valued. I was encouraged to think big. To come up with “blue ocean” business ideas that had a massive potential market, and no competition.

The entrepreneurship department often held business idea competitions. The most unique and innovative ideas always won. If you entered the competition with, say, an idea for a local lawn care business, you’d be laughed at.

And, that’s okay. Innovation should be encouraged.

But something I came to realize after I graduated is that when you’re looking for that fabled blue ocean idea, you miss the endless ponds and lakes that surround you.

Good opportunities abound when we stop trying to find the opportunity of a lifetime.

Ever since that epiphany, I’ve realized there are millions of good online business ideas that are simple, relatively easy, and extremely profitable. Most of them are pretty “boring” as well.

I’ll give you some examples from my own experience.

I’ve dabbled in many online businesses. Most failed, but I’ve had a few small successes. I’d like to continue building these simple, boring, profitable businesses until I find one (or several) that stick.

And I plan to share my journey and ideas in this newsletter. The most well-received emails are the ones where I share fascinating online business ideas, so there are plenty more of those to come.

I’ll end this email by sharing a few of my favorite boring, simple, profitable online business ideas:

Do these business ideas get the wheels turning in your head like they do for me? If you have time to work on a side hustle, don’t just think about it endlessly. Actually start. Tonight!

If you have a preference, what topic would you like to see more of from me (including, potentially, a follow-along case study build)?

Thanks for reading!

Ian

P.S. If this is the first you’ve heard from me and you’re wondering how you’re on the list, it’s because you downloaded one of my products on Gumroad. If this ain’t your thing, feel free to unsubscribe. No hard feelings!

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