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Google who?

Ten years ago who’d have thought that phrases such as, ‘I Googled it’ and ‘Try E-bay’ would be commonplace in business and consumer conversation? We’re now familiar with these hugely popular and powerful web brands. But, it’s sites such as these that are providing opportunities for smaller entrepreneurs, in the shape of ‘feeder businesses’.

Getting the most out of the big brands

According to trendwatching.com, a ‘feeder business’ is a small organisation that feeds off brave new brands like Google, E-bay and Amazon. For example, some businesses use Google maps as a basis to create their own tourist guides, or promote a service creating and maintaining Google advertising programmes for companies. Other individuals decided to set up shops for consumers to sell goods on E-bay or sell books for them via an Amazon Sellers’ account.

Trendwatching.com also identifies entrepreneurs who feed of the growth of budget airlines, by developing catering businesses that directly supplies travellers with a gourmet meal as they board. While several other companies now trade by writing individuals’ online dating profiles.

Ways ahead for your business

Maybe it’ll be you that develops the next big feeder business idea. Think about the various features of new companies and services that have emerged in recent years. Can you develop an offshoot business as a result of this?

You might already have existing business facilities and logistics in place to make it even simpler to do so. A website or email newsletter with segmented or targeted links could also easily be used in the publicity drive for your new business spin-off.