If you're going to continue this process, and possibly focus on starting a small or home-based business, merge your passions and abilities with needs that people and/or businesses have that aren't currently well filled by other businesses. Here's a list of small business ideas discussing potential market possibilities:

1) Services - think about what it is that people want to have done around the house or for their business. Focus on those tasks that people simply don't enjoy doing or don't have the time or ability to do himself or herself. Zero in on those types of ideas and see what comes to mind - everyone has a skill to offer in one area or another. Examples might include: personal shopping, interior decorating, website building, window washing, car repairs, grocery shopping for shut-ins, catering children's birthday parties, or the like.

2) Seasonal niches - Did you know seasonal gigs can be very lucrative, especially if you're willing to do something different during the summer months than you are during the winter months? Examples might be: landscaping in the summer and snow removal during the winter; window washing during the summer and ceiling cleaning during the winter; being a professional Santa during the holidays and dressing up in other costumes for special events the rest of the year. One spring business idea is to help people prepare and plant vegetable gardens.

3) Watch the trends - Do you have a good eye and ear for what products or services are up and coming? If so, there is most likely a list of small business ideas lurking somewhere in those news stories! Some of the most successful small business owners have come up with a product or service that compliments something new that comes into the market.

4) Niche markets - there are thousands of niche markets that larger companies just don't want to take the time to address (they have bigger fish to fry), so these areas of the market present perfect opportunities for creating a list of small business ideas from which to choose. Do you see a particular market being underserved? How about a target market that isn't being addressed in a certain area? Target these areas and provide exactly what the customers are begging for!

5) Home based businesses - home-based businesses should at least make your list of small business ideas during the brainstorming stage. Depending on where you live, you may be able to store inventory, have home parties or catalog parties, and create a client base from whom you receive re-orders on a regular basis. You also work to build a team of people who do the same thing and eventually build an excellent small business working your own hours, on your own terms, and with people you really enjoy. Examples of these types of businesses include (but aren't limited to) jewelry, scrap booking supplies, air purifiers, water purifiers, candles, and home decor.

6) Sewing from home - sew clothing, quilts, home decor, baby blankets, and totes to make a bit of extra cash. Market your wares online and at craft fairs.

7) Freelance writing - the Internet has provided a whole new host of ways to become a small business owner. Freelance writing encompasses many different styles of writing, both for web content and for published materials that people still enjoy today (magazines, books, newspapers). Surround yourself with a few great clients and you'll have a budding small business before you realize what happened.

8) Photographer - digital cameras have opened up brand new opportunities for even amateur photographers. If you have an "eye" for capturing people, landscapes, or animals, you could very well have a great small business idea already.

9) Write e-books! - Can you write well? Do you have extensive knowledge you can share with others on a specific niche? If so, consider writing and sell e-books; it's possible to write them and market them much more quickly than you might think. Hey, if you've got a good business mind, you could even write an ebook ftitled "List of Small Business Ideas!"

10) Find a Business Coach/Consultant (and/or BE one)! - Do you know how much people can truly benefit by having at least one trusted advisor to be very open with? Do you realize how often we can use help to guide us when we get a bit "lost" or "stuck" in our thinking and actions? The right person could even help come up with a list of small business ideas just right for you!

Various types of coaching or consulting is an excellent way to help people in different areas of life. And, it is something that can be done part-time and, depending on the type of coaching, it can pay quite well. It's something certain retired people should consider as well; older people have a "lifetime of experience", and often enjoy using their knowledge to help others!