Aspiring entrepreneurs with big dreams typically look at success stories of renowned CEOs to find inspiration. And what we commonly learn is that they wake up early — 5 or 6 AM — and sleep before midnight.
As night owls, we tend to get demotivated by this, feeling like there’s no hope of success for us because of our different circadian rhythm. On top of that, early risers are praised more, while us night owls are typically stereotyped as lazy and unproductive.
But, interestingly, studies suggest that night owls are more intelligent, making them better entrepreneurs. However, this isn’t automatic; running a business takes hard work, regardless of how early or late you start your day.
That said, here are some business ideas perfect for night owls, and a few success and health tips for us to stay on top of our game:
1. Neighborhood Bar/Pub
Some neighborhood bars, a.k.a. English pubs, open as early as 6 AM, but that depends on their clientele. Hence, you’re free to start your business hours at night, as long as your target market prefers it that way.
A neighborhood bar is highly popular in the U.S. and England because of its homely atmosphere. It isn’t the same as a night club, where a DJ hypes up the room with blaring music. Instead, it offers small-scale entertainment such as billiards, darts, video games, and jukeboxes.
Startup costs of a neighborhood bar range from $20,000 to $1,000,000. You can spend less by buying an existing bar in a small town. Their revenue potential differs depending on their location and capacity.
2. Sports Bar
A sports bar can be a specific version of a neighborhood bar, or something as large as a night club. Again, this depends on the clientele.
The hallmarks of a sports bar are a comfort food menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and appetizers; television views in every seat, and a proper A/V equipment. You may have to invest in high-tech satellites and big-screen TVs to optimize your customers’ experience. That makes a sports bar’s startup costs potentially higher than a neighborhood bar’s.
3. Brewpub/Beer Bar
According to studies, even if consumers are drinking less alcohol, their tastes are becoming more particular. As such, microbrews rose in popularity.
In a brewpub, you can brew your own special beers right at your establishment. You can offer an array of unique brews, including those produced in other countries. Stock up on flavorful galaxy hops and other key ingredients to make your offers irresistible.
Startup costs of brewpubs tend to be hefty, ranging from $100,000 to $1 million because of the equipment. So you can start with a beer bar instead, which costs only $20,000 to $100,000 to start.
Success and Health Tips
Medical articles about night owls are usually not good, saying that we’re at a higher risk of heart disease. As such, even if we thrive at night, let’s not disregard our health so that we can manage our businesses at our best.
Researchers suggest a few tweaks in a night owl’s routine:
- Waking up two to three hours earlier than they usually would, and getting as much sunlight during the daytime
- Sleeping two to three hours earlier than they usually would, minimizing exposure to light in the evening
- Keeping the same sleep-and-wake schedule, even on weekends
- Eating breakfast after waking up, and not having meals after 7 PM
Studies show that night owls who adopted these habits demonstrated improved cognitive performance, alertness, and physical shape. Thus, try to make these adjustments whenever you can. Consider opening your establishment earlier, so you can close it by or shortly after midnight. It will also benefit the health of your employees.
More importantly, though, work according to your energy levels. Don’t force yourself to abide by a standard. As long as you’re thriving, you’re free to set your own schedule and work at your own pace.