There is no shortage of business opportunities for most consultants. However, you may prefer to specialize in the next trend or niche market that is just on the cusp of growth. These can be lucrative opportunities because the market is often untapped, and not already saturated with competing consultants. Use you expertise and interest to start or expand a highly specialized consulting business in one of these 10 fast-growing niche markets.
1. Gardening Consultant
Americans are increasingly spending more time at home and are subsequently investing more in their houses, both indoors and outdoors. Among a rapidly expanding segment of the home improvement market is in the area of outdoor landscaping and gardening. Homeowners, ranging from avid gardeners to those without a green thumb, are hiring gardening consultants for guidance on planning, developing and maintaining a personalized outdoor living space. Consider taking this trend a step further and specializing in a specific type of gardening consultancy, such as water gardens, cottage-style gardens, or the always-popular English gardens.2. Green Living Consultant
It is difficult to pick up a magazine or turn on the television without finding a reference to the benefits of going green and protecting the environment. The result is that both corporations and individuals have a growing awareness and desire to become good citizens of the environment. In some cases, companies are offered economic incentives by city governments to adapt more green strategies in their daily operations. Individuals are also reaping economic rewards in the form of lower water and utility bills when they make their homes more energy efficient. These are among the reasons that there is growing opportunity to make more green for consultants who specialize in incorporating eco-friendly systems in homes and businesses.3. Home Office Design Consultant
Remote workers, telecommuters and home-based business owners all need one thing – a functional home office. The number of people working from home is booming, and includes not only those doing so on a full-time basis, but those who only work from home occasionally but still need a designated space. Home office design consultants are being hire to help plan and set up an efficient, secure space. As another branch to this specialty, there is also the opportunity to work with the Federal government as a telecommuting consultant. The government currently offers telecommuting opportunities for federal employees and contractors, and even has funding requirements for establishing and promoting the telecommuting programs.4. Organization/ Efficiency Consultant
It is time to get organized and efficiency consultants are ready to help. This trendy consulting gig specializes in advising busy professionals, small business owners, and over-extended families on how to reduce clutter. Consultants provide direction in organizing everything from desks and closets to garages and craft rooms, and help clients learn how to effectively regain control of both work and home life.5. Color Consultant
A background in interior design or an eye for color can be used to advise businesses on the best colors to use in specific rooms or areas. For example, the medical field is utilizing color consultations to help create soothing environments in patient recovery rooms and cancer treatment centers. The retail industry and restaurant industry are also seeking color strategists. With more research being released that indicates color can influence everything from buying behaviors to appetite stimulation, retail stores and restaurants are seeking help to determine the best color palettes for stimulating profitable customer behaviors.6. Generation Y Marketing Consultant
As baby boomers are nearing retirement age, small and mid-sized communities are trying to attract the next generation of young professionals. The cities are often competing with large, metropolitan areas that offer greater diversity, entertainment venues, cultural opportunities, and career options. Generation Y consultants are being hired to help smaller communities learn how to market to this unique group in an effort to build their future workforce. Businesses are also seeking help in understanding this target demographic. Consultants are being tapped to help companies market to this consumer, and they are being asked to consult on work relationships and bridging the communication gap between multi-generations of workers.7. Second Career Consultant
Another business trend keeping consultants busy is that of working with individuals to identify second careers. Typically, this means working with baby boomers, serial entrepreneurs and the working retired (those who have retired from one career, but are not ready to stop working because they turned 62). This group of clients has found success in one career, already, and is now searching for the next one. However, unlike when they were 20, they now have more options and are looking for advice on how to pursue a different dream job with an intrinsic pay-off.8. Business Transition Consultant
Segueing from one business phase to another can be challenging for people at all levels of a company, including owners, executives, and employees. Increasingly there is a demand for consultants who specialize in working with companies who are in the midst of transition. This type of client includes small and mid-sized businesses preparing for the next level of growth; companies that are seeking to sell or be acquired, or have recently been part of a merger or buy-out; and those business owners who are trying to define new market opportunities for growth.9. Image/Style Consultant
Who does not want or need to look good? As it turns out, a large number of people are seeking help developing a personal style in dress and grooming, and are willing to pay for it. This trend probably stemmed from the use of personal stylists by celebrities, but it is now a sought after service in mainstream America. Clients typically include professional men and women on career fast-tracks; community volunteers and professional fundraisers; trend-setting teenagers; and new moms trying to adapt to their post-pregnancy bodies and lifestyles.10. Home Security Consultant
Today, security consultants are being hired by home owners to offer advice on both physical security issues and security vulnerabilities of home computer systems. Those specializing in physical security identify how to protect a house from home invasions and may include recommendations on alarm systems, safe rooms, and the use of wall or floor safes. Whereas, network security specialists ensure that wireless networks are secure and computers are protected against viruses, spyware and other malware that can leave homeowners vulnerable to theft of passwords, bank accounts, and other personal and financial data.
