Part V: Working From Home - What Type of Business?

Section: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

The most important step in deciding to work from home is figuring out what you're going to do. A piece of advice; do what you're passionate about. Let's face it, you already have a job. Whether it's a job you commute to for a paycheck, or if you're a stay at home parent who does not collect a paycheck, you already have a job. So if you're going to start a new business, you must absolutely love it to be successful.

When you start a new business from home, more than likely you'll have to wear many hats. You will have to do the marketing, bookkeeping, printing, purchasing supplies, making appointments, fielding phone calls, mailing and among other things, you might have to do the laundry, cook and clean too.

With all of the new responsibilities, it would be an absolute shame and a poor business decision to go begin a venture that you are not excited about or do not truly have a passion for. You'll be setting yourself up for failure.

How do you decide which venture to start? Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to get the ball rolling:

1. If I had a the opportunity to do anything in the world, regardless of how much it paid, what would I do?
2. What do I enjoy doing in my spare time?
3. Which of my many talents have I received encouragement to start a business.
4. Am I a people person or more of a loner?
5. Do I want to sell a product or offer a service?
6. What would be my ideal business day?
7. What jobs have I had in the past and which ones did I enjoy?
8. What aspect of my current job do I enjoy? Can I open a business doing that?
9. Am I good with children
10. Do I prefer to work with adults?
11. Do I prefer to work with Senior Citizens
12. Do I like animals?
13. Does my business need to be portable? Will I be moving in a year or two? Can I continue my business in my new location?
14. Will I have a regional business?
15. Am I starting my business from scratch or is it a franchise or MLM
16. Am I artistic
17. What are my strengths
18. Am I good with numbers/figures
19. Do I like to talk a lot in front of large audiences?

Do yourself a favor and take the time to really ponder these question. While you're brainstorming, remove all limitations. Sit with a pen and paper (or computer and word-processing software) and make a list of ideas. Do not, let me repeat DO NOT limit yourself. While you are brain storming, there is no room for negativity. If the business you're thinking of doesn't already exist, great! Create it!

Here are just a few home ideas to investigate:

1. Accounting Business
2. Seamstress/professional alteration
3. Virtual Assistant
4. Pet grooming
5. Custom cake service
6. Cleaning Service
7. Day Care
8. Freelance Photographer
9. Tutoring
   1. Teach Senior Citizens how to use the computer
   2. Tutor elementary through high school students
   3. Help people learn another language
10. Recruiter (match maker of sorts)
11. Resume writing service
12. Web Design
13. Arts and Crafts
14. Music Instructor
15. Freelance Writing
16. Music Instructor
17. Physical Trainer
18. Lawn Service
19. Hair/Beauty care
20. Consulting:
    1. Marketing
    2. Computer
    3. Insurance
    4. Wedding
    5. Accounting
    6. Financial
    7. Beauty
    8. Party Planning
    9. Decorating
    10. Nutrition
21. Children Party Planner
22. Caterer
23. Proofreading Service

If you can't see to come up with a home business, search the internet using terms like 'work from home ideas' or 'home based business ideas' or 'working from home'. You get the idea.

Once you've listed about 10 or 20 things that you might enjoy, research them. Go to your local library to find out as much as you can about the business. Get on the internet and perform a Google search (or which ever search engine you feel most comfortable using) and use as many search terms relating to your business as possible. Find out as much as you can. Take your time and investigate thoroughly.

If it's a pre-existing business, make sure it is legitimate. There are many work at home scams praying upon people who are fed up with their commute or at-home parents in need of making additional money. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Check with the Better Business Bureau in you area before getting involved. Here are a few more sites that will help you detect a scam:

www.fraud.org
www.rileyguide.com/scams
www.scambusters.org
www.ftc.gov

Once you've found a legitimate business that you are passionate about and fits your household's schedule, discuss it with someone you trust. Before you do, however, make sure your business is something YOU want to do. This is a big decision and you're feeling a bit insecure about it. One discouraging word from a friend or a family member may be enough to stop you in you tracks. This won't be easy, but persevere. In the long run your business may be very rewarding (both personally and financially).

Now that you know what business you're going to start, what do you do next? Read Part VI - I've decided on my business what do I do now?

Section: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and webmaster of this website, Visit Hudson Valley.com and No Job for Mom.com. She is also the Insurance Feature Writer for Suite 101.com

This document last modified Monday, 16-Feb-2009 09:17:46 CST

Tidbits & Stuff was born on Thursday, March 9, 2006
© 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Felicia A. Williams

Contact Us | Writing Guidelines| Privacy Policy