Ever stared at your textbooks, wondering if there’s a faster, more direct path to building something of your own? You’re definitely not alone. It’s a question that pops up in dorm rooms, coffee shops, and, as we recently saw on Reddit, in the minds of aspiring entrepreneurs wrestling with the “university vs. business” dilemma.
One Redditor, grappling with this very thought, brought up a crucial point: “With Amazon, malls, all of that, would I even survive?” It’s a valid fear, isn’t it? The digital marketplace feels like a colossus, casting a long shadow over anyone daring to dream of a brick-and-mortar shop or, well, almost any kind of business.
The Big Fear: Surviving the Amazon Era
So, can you survive? Absolutely. But it means thinking differently. The Redditor instinctively hit on a key strategy: focus on things people can’t buy on Amazon. This isn’t just about physical products; it’s about experiences, highly personalized services, and hyper-local solutions.
Think about it: Amazon can deliver a book in a day, but it can’t give you the buzz of a live concert, the perfectly crafted latte from your favorite barista, or the comfort of a local expert solving your specific, niche problem face-to-face.
Niche Hunting: Beyond the Obvious (And the Oil Rig)
Our Reddit friend pondered a restaurant – a classic example of an “experience” business. Great idea! People crave connection, atmosphere, and food prepared with passion. But then came another thought: a funeral home. “You will always have work,” they reasoned. And, well, they’re not wrong. Death, taxes, and the ever-present need for a good funeral director – some things are truly recession-proof and Amazon-proof.
Now, while the idea might seem a bit morbid, it highlights a brilliant entrepreneurial instinct: finding a market with consistent demand. Of course, not everyone’s cut out for the funeral home business, and that’s perfectly okay! It takes a certain emotional fortitude and a genuine desire to serve people during their most vulnerable moments. If your heart isn’t in it, even a guaranteed income might not make it a sustainable path for you.
Then there were the role models: President Bush Sr. with his 1950s oil company and Arnold Schwarzenegger with real estate. Both became incredibly wealthy, but as our Redditor rightly pointed out, “I don’t live in Texas and starting an oil company is I think really expensive, plus no drilling rigs where I live.” And Arnold’s real estate game? That often requires significant capital and market savvy. These are big-league plays, often requiring resources and connections that aren’t readily available to someone just starting out. It’s inspiring, but perhaps not the immediate blueprint.
So, What Can You Do? The “Un-Amazonable” Business Ideas
Instead of replicating past titans, think about what the future can’t easily automate or deliver via drone.
- Hyper-Local Services: Think specialized cleaning, bespoke tailoring, pet-sitting with a personal touch, mobile car detailing, or even highly personalized tutoring.
- Experiences: Escape rooms, unique workshops (cooking, pottery, coding for kids), guided tours of your city’s hidden gems, pop-up events.
- Custom Creation & Craftsmanship: Hand-made jewelry, custom furniture, personalized gifts, bespoke software solutions, art commissions.
- Expert Consulting & Coaching: If you have deep knowledge in a niche (e.g., digital marketing for local businesses, fitness coaching, financial planning for young adults), your expertise is your product.
- Community Hubs: Cafes, co-working spaces, or specialized retail (like a board game cafe or a niche bookstore) that foster community and in-person interaction.
Passion vs. Profit: Finding Your Sweet Spot
The funeral home idea, while practical, didn’t ignite passion. And that’s a critical lesson. While you don’t need to be head-over-heels in love with every aspect of your business, a fundamental interest or belief in what you’re doing will fuel you through the inevitable tough times. Can you find a balance? A business that meets a real need, offers a decent income, and aligns even a little with your interests or values? That’s the sweet spot.
University or Business? Or Both?
And what about quitting university? It’s a huge decision. Sometimes, university can be a fantastic incubator for business ideas. You gain knowledge, network with peers and professors, access resources, and even test out concepts with lower stakes. Many successful entrepreneurs started their ventures while still in college. Consider a hybrid approach:
- Use your studies: Can your degree give you an edge in a specific niche?
- Start small: Launch a side hustle or a minimal viable product (MVP) while you’re still studying.
- Network: Build connections with potential mentors, co-founders, or early customers.
Ultimately, the biggest hurdle isn’t Amazon; it’s often the fear of the unknown and the paralysis of choice. The key is to start small, validate your idea, and adapt. Whether you’re planning to serve gourmet burgers or provide compassionate care, the entrepreneurial journey is about solving problems for people in ways that big tech giants simply can’t.
So, don’t let the Amazons of the world scare you off. Instead, let them inspire you to find your unique, un-Amazonable niche. What problem can you solve?