How to Create a Whole New Industry

by | Jan 21, 2015 | Sales Motiviation

By Jeff Beals

The thought of it might cause you to say, “Ewww!”

It’s kind of creepy in a way, and some people fear it could lead to illicit activity, but a new “industry” has opened for business and is starting to grow. It’s professional cuddling.

You read that correctly. You can now work as a professional cuddler.

If you want proof that the service-based economy has overtaken the production-based economy, this new profession should convince you.

A recent Wall Street Journal article featured the emergence of professional cuddling, which supposedly is aboveboard – non-sexual and fully clothed at all times.  The industry is gaining popularity.  There’s even a free location-based app to help clients find cuddling services near them.  Some cuddling pros ply their trade in rented storefronts.  Others come to the clients’ homes or even host clients in their own homes. Some professional cuddlers have installed security cameras for safety purposes.

Here’s how it works…Professional cuddlers charge an hourly fee or an overnight fee depending on how much cuddling you want to purchase. Once the paperwork is signed, the cuddling commences, which could include bear hugs, snuggling, spooning, squeezing, and if the client requests, “tickling sessions.”

I’m not sure professional cuddling is the type of long-term, sustainable business I’d want to invest in (Can a person make a living wage as a professional cuddler?), but the growth of such a business gives us valuable insight into life in 2015.

Entrepreneurship

For one thing, entrepreneurship is alive and well.  With more than 7 billion people on Earth, the marketplace for new ideas is huge.  All you have to do is find your niche within that huge market and offer a service/product that people value.  If the business stands on its own merit, and you promote it properly, you can conceivably make a living doing crazy things.  If some people are actually willing to pay someone to cuddle with them, then there are people who will pay for just about anything.

Providing Solutions

Buyers pay for what they value, and because there are so many diverse people in the marketplace, there are endless things that could possibly be valued.  If you find something that solves a problem and relieves someone’s “pain,” you stand a good chance of doing well.

In today’s society, life moves fast. Many people have become separated from their support systems – family and friends.  Despite the hyper connectivity that the Internet age has brought us, many people feel disconnected emotionally. Perhaps that’s why a cuddling business might work.  Study the market and find what needs are not being met then fill the void.

Adaptation

Some unconventional businesses such as cuddling services are springing up because people simply need to find new things to do.  Technology has allowed us to make monumental gains in productivity. That means fewer and fewer people are needed in factories and offices. As time goes on, technology will eventually replace higher-level professionals. For example, some experts predict that computers will eventually perform much of the work currently done by attorneys.

Soaring productivity has forced many of us into different professional pursuits.  Viewed more positively, productivity has given us the luxury and opportunity to create non-essential industries such as cuddling.  As mature industries need fewer people other industries rise up to take their places.

Creativity

Because the economy is changing rapidly, creative thinking is now more important than ever.  Idea generation probably will be one of the last human activities taken over by machines.  Those professionals who are always thinking and always coming up with cutting-edge ideas are the ones who will always have a place in a competitive market.

As you read this, creative thinkers around the world are working on new business models. Some of them will be so off-the-wall, that we will shake our heads when we find out about them. Despite the craziness, some of those wacky ideas will work and will make someone rich.

When I think about people making money from professional cuddling or any other non-traditional business, it reminds me that there are endless possibilities for anyone with a good idea and a strong work ethic.  The sky truly is the limit.

A given idea might not appeal to everyone.  In fact, a large percentage of the population might greet the idea with a resounding, “Ewww!”  Nevertheless, if enough people are intrigued, that idea stands a good chance of working.

Jeff Beals is a professional speaker and award-winning author, who helps professionals enjoy greater success through effective sales, marketing and personal branding techniques. He delivers energetic and humorous keynote speeches and workshops to audiences worldwide. To discuss booking a presentation, go to JeffBeals.com or email at info@jeffbeals.com or call us at (402) 637-9300.

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Jeff Beals helps you find better prospects, close more deals and capture greater market share. He is an international award-winning author, sought-after keynote speaker, and accomplished sales consultant. He delivers compelling speeches and sales-training workshops worldwide. He has spoken in 5 countries and 41 states. A frequent media guest, Jeff has been featured in Investor’s Business Daily, USA Today, Men’s Health, Chicago Tribune and The New York Times.

To discuss booking a presentation, go to JeffBeals.com or send an email to info@jeffbeals.com.

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