This workflow follows the Agent → Gmail recipe pattern — see all workflows that pair these two integrations.
The workflow JSON
Copy or download the full n8n JSON below. Paste it into a new n8n workflow, add your credentials, activate. Full import guide →
{
"id": "BSxmKG8H861zKUw9",
"meta": {
"templateCredsSetupCompleted": true
},
"name": "Boring Business Opportunities Finder",
"tags": [],
"nodes": [
{
"id": "a915b64b-1052-4cd1-aca9-0325c1b2c29e",
"name": "Workflow Documentation",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
-120,
-140
],
"parameters": {
"color": 6,
"width": 450,
"height": 420,
"content": "## Boring Business Opportunities Finder\n\nThis workflow runs daily to identify lucrative opportunities in \"boring\" but profitable business sectors:\n\n1. **Market Research**: Uses AI to scan for underserved markets in traditional industries\n2. **Opportunity Analysis**: Identifies gaps in:\n - \ud83c\udfe2 B2B Services (cleaning, maintenance, logistics)\n - \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Essential Services (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)\n - \ud83d\udcca Niche Software (industry-specific tools)\n - \ud83d\ude9b Supply Chain Solutions (distribution, warehousing)\n3. **Opportunity Report**: Creates detailed analysis with market size, competition, and entry strategies\n\n### Setup Required:\n- AI API credentials (OpenAI/Azure)\n- Email credentials for report delivery\n- Update recipient email address\n\n### Customization:\n- Modify search criteria in AI prompt\n- Adjust report format\n- Change schedule frequency"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "3c6ef52a-3c4b-4d0e-be08-d496c407fa67",
"name": "Setup Instructions",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
480,
0
],
"parameters": {
"color": 3,
"width": 580,
"height": 280,
"content": "\u2699\ufe0f **Configuration Needed:**\n\n1. **AI Agent**: Add your Chat Model API key to the \"Business Opportunity AI Agent\"\n\n2. **Email Settings**: \n - Add your Gmail Credentials\n - Update recipient email in Gmail node\n - Email will be formatted as HTML report\n\n3. **Timing**: Modify schedule in \"Daily Trigger\" for different frequency\n\n4. **Focus Areas**: Customize business sectors in the AI Agent prompt\n\n5. **Geographic Scope**: Adjust location targeting in the research prompt"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "2f165ff5-7666-4f7b-93e0-73556ad9ed7b",
"name": "Set Research Parameters",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
60,
360
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "current-date",
"name": "currentDate",
"type": "string",
"value": "={{ $now.format('yyyy-MM-dd') }}"
},
{
"id": "research-period",
"name": "researchPeriod",
"type": "string",
"value": "={{ $now.minus({days: 30}).format('yyyy-MM-dd') }}"
},
{
"id": "geographic-focus",
"name": "geographicFocus",
"type": "string",
"value": "United States, Canada, United Kingdom"
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "419a0eac-33f1-4349-ba54-a0a428ef8c1c",
"name": "Send Opportunity Report",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.gmail",
"position": [
880,
360
],
"parameters": {
"sendTo": "your-email@example.com",
"message": "={{ $json.html }}",
"options": {},
"subject": "={{ $json.subject }}"
},
"credentials": {
"gmailOAuth2": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 2.1
},
{
"id": "57cb8666-b3ff-489b-a6a5-be329ad82ab6",
"name": "Format Opportunity Report",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
660,
360
],
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "// n8n Code Node - Boring Business Opportunities Report Formatter\n// This code formats the AI analysis output for email delivery\n\n// Get the AI agent output from the previous node\nconst aiOutput = $input.all()[0].json.output || $input.all()[0].json.text || $input.all()[0].json;\n\n// Extract the opportunity analysis content\nlet opportunityContent = '';\nif (typeof aiOutput === 'object' && aiOutput.content) {\n opportunityContent = aiOutput.content;\n} else if (typeof aiOutput === 'string') {\n // Clean up the content\n opportunityContent = aiOutput.replace(/^this is the output from the ai agent:\\s*/i, '');\n} else {\n opportunityContent = JSON.stringify(aiOutput);\n}\n\n// Clean up the content - remove \\n literals and format properly\nopportunityContent = opportunityContent\n .replace(/\\\\n/g, '\\n') // Convert literal \\n to actual newlines\n .replace(/^\\s+|\\s+$/g, '') // Trim whitespace\n .replace(/\\n{3,}/g, '\\n\\n'); // Replace multiple newlines with double newlines\n\n// Generate email subject with current date\nfunction generateEmailSubject() {\n const currentDate = new Date().toLocaleDateString('en-US', { \n year: 'numeric', \n month: 'long', \n day: 'numeric' \n });\n return `\ud83d\udcbc Boring Business Opportunities Report - ${currentDate}`;\n}\n\n// Generate email body with proper formatting\nfunction generateEmailBody() {\n const emailBody = `Boring Business Opportunities Report\n\nGenerated on: ${new Date().toLocaleDateString()}\n\n\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\n\n${opportunityContent}\n\n\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\u2501\n\nThis report was automatically generated to help identify profitable opportunities in traditional, stable business sectors.\n\nNext steps:\n1. Research the most promising opportunities further\n2. Validate market demand in your target area\n3. Assess your resources and capabilities\n4. Consider starting with the lowest barrier-to-entry option\n\n---\n\ud83d\udcca This report was automatically generated via n8n automation.\n\ud83d\udce7 Questions or feedback? Reply to this email.`;\n\n return emailBody;\n}\n\n// Generate HTML version of the email for better formatting\nfunction generateHTMLEmailBody() {\n // Convert markdown-like content to basic HTML\n let htmlContent = opportunityContent\n .replace(/^# (.*$)/gm, '<h1 style=\"color: #2c3e50; border-bottom: 3px solid #3498db; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 30px;\">$1</h1>')\n .replace(/^## (.*$)/gm, '<h2 style=\"color: #34495e; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 15px; border-left: 4px solid #3498db; padding-left: 15px;\">$1</h2>')\n .replace(/^### (.*$)/gm, '<h3 style=\"color: #5a6c7d; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\">$1</h3>')\n .replace(/\\*\\*(.*?)\\*\\*/g, '<strong style=\"color: #2c3e50;\">$1</strong>')\n .replace(/\\*(.*?)\\*/g, '<em>$1</em>')\n .replace(/\\[([^\\]]+)\\]\\(([^)]+)\\)/g, '<a href=\"$2\" style=\"color: #3498db; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted #3498db;\">$1</a>')\n .replace(/^- (.*$)/gm, '<li style=\"margin-bottom: 8px; color: #5a6c7d;\">$1</li>')\n .replace(/^> (.*$)/gm, '<blockquote style=\"border-left: 4px solid #f39c12; padding-left: 20px; margin: 20px 0; font-style: italic; color: #7f8c8d; background: #fafafa; padding: 15px;\">$1</blockquote>')\n .replace(/---/g, '<hr style=\"border: none; border-top: 2px solid #ecf0f1; margin: 30px 0;\">')\n .replace(/\\n\\n/g, '</p><p style=\"line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 18px; color: #5a6c7d;\">')\n .replace(/\\n/g, '<br>');\n\n // Wrap list items in ul tags\n htmlContent = htmlContent.replace(/(<li[^>]*>.*?<\\/li>)/gs, '<ul style=\"padding-left: 25px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">$1</ul>');\n\n const htmlBody = `\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html>\n<head>\n <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n <title>Boring Business Opportunities Report</title>\n</head>\n<body style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #2c3e50; max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; background-color: #f8f9fa;\">\n <div style=\"background: white; padding: 40px; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 8px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\">\n <div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; padding: 30px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3498db 0%, #2c3e50 100%); border-radius: 10px; color: white;\">\n <h1 style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 300;\">\ud83d\udcbc Boring Business Opportunities</h1>\n <p style=\"margin: 15px 0 0 0; opacity: 0.9; font-size: 16px;\">Profitable Ventures in Traditional Industries</p>\n <p style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0; opacity: 0.8; font-size: 14px;\">Generated on ${new Date().toLocaleDateString('en-US', { weekday: 'long', year: 'numeric', month: 'long', day: 'numeric' })}</p>\n </div>\n \n <div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; padding: 30px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 25px 0; border-left: 5px solid #3498db;\">\n <p style=\"line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 18px; color: #5a6c7d;\">${htmlContent}</p>\n </div>\n \n <div style=\"margin-top: 40px; padding: 30px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #e8f5e8 0%, #f0f8ff 100%); border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid #d4edda;\">\n <h3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udccb Next Steps</h3>\n <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 15px;\">\n <div style=\"background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n <h4 style=\"color: #3498db; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 14px;\">1. RESEARCH</h4>\n <p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 13px; color: #5a6c7d;\">Deep dive into the most promising opportunities</p>\n </div>\n <div style=\"background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n <h4 style=\"color: #e74c3c; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 14px;\">2. VALIDATE</h4>\n <p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 13px; color: #5a6c7d;\">Confirm market demand in your target area</p>\n </div>\n <div style=\"background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n <h4 style=\"color: #f39c12; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 14px;\">3. ASSESS</h4>\n <p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 13px; color: #5a6c7d;\">Evaluate your resources and capabilities</p>\n </div>\n <div style=\"background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n <h4 style=\"color: #27ae60; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 14px;\">4. START</h4>\n <p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 13px; color: #5a6c7d;\">Begin with the lowest barrier-to-entry option</p>\n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n \n <div style=\"margin-top: 30px; padding: 20px; background: #ecf0f1; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #7f8c8d; text-align: center;\">\n <p style=\"margin: 5px 0;\">\ud83d\udcca This report was automatically generated via n8n automation to identify opportunities in stable, profitable business sectors.</p>\n <p style=\"margin: 5px 0;\">\ud83d\udce7 Questions or feedback? Reply to this email.</p>\n <p style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0; font-style: italic;\">\"The best businesses are often the most boring ones\" - Warren Buffett</p>\n </div>\n </div>\n</body>\n</html>`;\n\n return htmlBody;\n}\n\n// Generate the formatted output for the email node\nconst emailSubject = generateEmailSubject();\nconst emailBodyText = generateEmailBody();\nconst emailBodyHTML = generateHTMLEmailBody();\n\n// Return the formatted data for the next node (email sender)\nreturn [\n {\n json: {\n subject: emailSubject,\n text: emailBodyText,\n html: emailBodyHTML,\n // Additional metadata\n opportunity_content: opportunityContent,\n generated_at: new Date().toISOString(),\n report_type: \"boring_business_opportunities\"\n }\n }\n];"
},
"typeVersion": 2
},
{
"id": "9a9676bb-d645-49fc-84ab-5a5c0cd92646",
"name": "Business Opportunity AI Agent",
"type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.agent",
"position": [
280,
360
],
"parameters": {
"text": "=Research and identify 3-5 promising \"boring business\" opportunities that meet these criteria:\n\n**Target Characteristics:**\n- Essential services that people/businesses always need\n- Low-tech, proven business models\n- Recurring revenue potential\n- Local market focus with expansion possibilities\n- Minimal disruption risk from technology\n- Cash-flow positive within 12-18 months\n\n**Industry Focus Areas:**\n1. **Essential B2B Services**: Commercial cleaning, waste management, maintenance, pest control, security services\n2. **Home Services**: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, handyman services, window cleaning\n3. **Niche Software/SaaS**: Industry-specific tools for boring industries (dry cleaners, auto repair, etc.)\n4. **Supply Chain & Logistics**: Last-mile delivery, warehousing, specialized transportation\n5. **Specialized Manufacturing**: Niche components, custom fabrication, repair parts\n\n**For Each Opportunity, Provide:**\n\n### [Business Name/Type]\n**Market Overview:**\n- Market size and growth trends\n- Target customer segments\n- Geographic considerations\n\n**Business Model:**\n- Revenue streams (one-time, recurring, seasonal)\n- Typical pricing structure\n- Unit economics overview\n\n**Competitive Landscape:**\n- Level of market saturation\n- Typical competitors (small local vs. large chains)\n- Differentiation opportunities\n\n**Startup Requirements:**\n- Initial capital needed\n- Key equipment/infrastructure\n- Required licenses/certifications\n- Staffing needs\n\n**Success Factors:**\n- Critical skills needed\n- Key performance metrics\n- Common pitfalls to avoid\n- Growth scalability\n\n**Financial Projections:**\n- Revenue potential (Year 1-3)\n- Profit margins\n- Break-even timeline\n- Cash flow characteristics\n\n**Getting Started:**\n- First steps to validate the opportunity\n- Minimal viable approach\n- Resources for further research\n\n**Risk Assessment:**\n- Market risks\n- Operational risks\n- Regulatory considerations\n\nFocus on opportunities that are:\n- Currently underserved in many markets\n- Have predictable demand patterns\n- Don't require cutting-edge technology\n- Can be started with reasonable capital\n- Have clear paths to profitability\n\nProvide specific, actionable insights rather than generic advice.",
"options": {
"systemMessage": "You are a business opportunity research analyst specializing in identifying profitable ventures in traditional, stable industries. Your expertise lies in \"boring businesses\" - essential services and products that may not be glamorous but offer reliable income streams and growth potential. Focus on businesses with proven models, recurring revenue, and low disruption risk."
},
"promptType": "define"
},
"typeVersion": 1.9
},
{
"id": "4e5e19a9-b05f-4ef0-a432-a0e72c479096",
"name": "Azure OpenAI Chat Model",
"type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.lmChatAzureOpenAi",
"position": [
260,
520
],
"parameters": {
"model": "gpt-4.1",
"options": {}
},
"credentials": {
"azureOpenAiApi": {
"name": "<your credential>"
}
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "e7dbd62a-6580-4a28-ab85-5fdf885dacf1",
"name": "Daily Trigger",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
"position": [
-140,
360
],
"parameters": {
"rule": {
"interval": [
{
"field": "hours",
"value": 24
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 1.2
}
],
"active": false,
"settings": {
"executionOrder": "v1"
},
"versionId": "e0cf8d41-3776-4aab-a5ec-fd16b8bc7458",
"connections": {
"Business Opportunity AI Agent": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Format Opportunity Report",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Set Research Parameters": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Business Opportunity AI Agent",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Daily Trigger": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Set Research Parameters",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Format Opportunity Report": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Send Opportunity Report",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Azure OpenAI Chat Model": {
"ai_languageModel": [
[
{
"node": "Business Opportunity AI Agent",
"type": "ai_languageModel",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
Credentials you'll need
Each integration node will prompt for credentials when you import. We strip credential IDs before publishing — you'll add your own.
azureOpenAiApigmailOAuth2
Pro
For the full experience including quality scoring and batch install features for each workflow upgrade to Pro
About this workflow
Boring Business Opportunities Finder. Uses gmail, agent, lmChatAzureOpenAi. Scheduled trigger; 8 nodes.
Source: https://github.com/aristidesnakos/automations/blob/main/n8n/marketing/ip-boring-business-opportunities.json — original creator credit. Request a take-down →
Related workflows
Workflows that share integrations, category, or trigger type with this one. All free to copy and import.
Main. Uses httpRequest, rssFeedRead, agent, lmChatAzureOpenAi. Scheduled trigger; 59 nodes.
HTTP Request, RSS Feed Read, Agent +2
Automate post-purchase workflows by instantly fetching successful Stripe payments, matching them to corresponding automation templates in Google Sheets, and sending customers personalized access email
Lm Chat Azure Open Ai, Output Parser Structured, Google Sheets Tool +5
Automate LinkedIn comment monitoring and turn conversations into qualified sales opportunities using AI 🤖. This intelligent agent continuously scans LinkedIn posts mentioning your brand, analyzes ever
N8N Nodes Serpapi, N8N Nodes Connectsafely Ai, Agent +4
Automate your entire real estate sales pipeline with an AI-powered deal-making agent that captures buyer leads, matches them with suitable properties, delivers property decks, and predicts deal closin
Agent, Lm Chat Azure Open Ai, Google Sheets Tool +4
Automate Jira backlog management with intelligent cleanup, prioritization, and AI-powered reporting. This workflow scans daily to identify stale issues, missing priorities, and overdue tasks — auto-up
Jira, Google Sheets, Slack +4