Business Idea #129 - Answering Service

Great idea for a business that you can do from the comfort of your own home.

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Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Business Ideas & Tips by Green Owl Press.

This newsletter is packed with tips and tricks to help you start a business.

These are actual real world businesses that pretty much anyone can start, with very little (or zero) start-up costs. If you love our ideas, let us know!

Answering Service

Answer phones for businesses without ever leaving your home.

How to Start and Run an Answering Service Business with No Money

Starting a business with no capital can feel like a long shot—but when it comes to launching an answering service, it’s more doable than you think. With minimal equipment, some hustle, and a strong focus on customer service, you can create a profitable business that provides 24/7 support to companies across industries. Here's how to do it—step by step.

What Is an Answering Service?

An answering service is a business that handles incoming calls for other companies. Services can range from taking messages and forwarding calls to scheduling appointments or offering basic customer support. It's especially popular among small businesses, medical offices, legal firms, and service providers who need a professional voice on the line when they can’t answer themselves.

Step 1: Use What You Already Have

Start with your phone and computer.
If you have a smartphone, laptop, and internet connection, you already have the essential tools. Use free apps and software to turn your home setup into a professional system:

  • Google Voice for a free business phone number

  • Zoom or Skype for video calls and onboarding clients

  • Trello or ClickUp to manage tasks and clients

  • Google Sheets to track calls and billing

Step 2: Pick a Niche to Specialize In

Instead of trying to serve everyone, choose a specific market. Specialization helps you stand out and command higher rates. Great starter niches include:

  • Real estate agents

  • Medical or dental offices

  • Legal firms

  • HVAC or plumbing services

  • E-commerce shops needing after-hours support

Focus your messaging around solving specific problems for that industry—like missed calls costing real estate agents potential sales.

Want to find out more about starting an Answering Service with no money?

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Michelle / Green Owl Press