When the global economy faces uncertainty, many people become interested in new business ideas.
These ideas can be used as the foundation for new ventures, or to revive an existing business which is in trouble.
Here are three ideas for products and services which merit serious consideration:

1. Software products
Even in 2010, software products remain as a top business idea for both new and existing businesses.
Software has low to nonexistent inventory costs, since more physical copies can be created if demand merits them, and digital downloads reduce costs even further.
Profit margins for software are generally also better than for other industries.
Indeed, one of the most difficult challenge of software developers is finding markets which as of yet have not had their needs met by existing offerings.
Furthermore, with many new platforms becoming available (mobile phone applications, e-reading devices, etc.
), this is a business field which shows no signs of decline.

2. Information products
For many of the same reasons as software (low inventory costs, high profit margins, and rapid deployment), information products will continue to be highly profitable for most businesses.
Furthermore, many businesses can easily add an information product line to supplement their existing offerings, by identifying valuable business intelligence which might benefit suppliers, customers, or other users in the value chain.
In these instances, some care should be taken so that the information being provided does not adversely affect the main business.
Still, in cases where the firm is leaving the main business, this information can be provided to others for additional profits with relatively few risks.

3. Consulting services
Consulting is another way to gain additional profits from previous business knowledge and experience.
While offering consulting to businesses not directly related to your firm can take some forethought and insight, it can also be a highly lucrative practice.
The ideas provided to other businesses may only happen once, but the profits can often continue for some time afterwards, and as an added benefit, best practices from these clients can be taken back to your business as well.
If your firm has not offered consulting services in the past for some reason, perhaps they might in the future (unless prohibited from doing so).

In summary, software products, information products, and consulting services are three business ideas which will not only be useful in 2010, but also well into the foreseeable future.
When you consider including these as part or all of your business, it is possible to enjoy higher profits, lower costs, and better prospects for continued future business success.
Copyright 2010, by Marc Mays