Discovering The Home Business Of Your Dreams
For many people, a home based business sounds like an ideal way to earn money. Before you consider starting your own home business, however, here are a few questions to ask yourself. The answers will help you decide on the type of business for which you are best suited.1. What are your REASONS for starting a home business?Is it a desire to “be your own boss?” Do you want to stay home to be able to provide child or elder care? Are you retired and you’re looking for a little extra income or were you laid off and are you looking for an alternate full time income? What type of a home based business appeals to you?2. What INTERESTS you? You will be investing a great deal of your time in this business, and it is important that you are vested in the product or the service. Are you interested in promoting a health care product line or providing information services? Do you like interior decorating, event planning, or scrap booking?3. What FORM will your business take? Will it be computer-based such as an eBay consultant or an editorial service provider? Will you provide a service where people will come into your home such as a child care provider? Will you go to others to provide a service such as lawn care or house cleaning?4. What is your level of COMMITMENT? What kind of time, energy, and start-up funds do you have for your business? Are you able to work for periods of uninterrupted time or will you have to “fit” your business activities around other activities? Will you just “dab” at it or are you prepared to give it your “best shot” by making it a priority in your life?5. Assess your SKILLS. Do you “have a way with” children or the elderly that you could employ as a care provider? Are you an effective writer? Maybe editing is for you. Can you repair small appliances or bikes or computers? Do you have a business background?Could you be a business consultant or a tax preparer? What is your knowledge base? Could you be a tutor or a lecturer?6. What are your PERSONALITY traits? To be successful you must be organized and self-motivated. You must also be willing to persevere and make sacrifices for the sake of your business.7. Is there a MARKET for your service? With the aging baby boomers, many seniors will need help such as eaves trough cleaning or snow removal that will allow them to stay in their homes. The internet has opened up a myriad of opportunities for the entrepreneur.The green movement has provided a whole range of possibilities such as home energy consultants and auditors.8. What are the FACILITIES in your home that you could dedicate for your home based business? What are your computer facilities or your home office facilities? Do you have room for a child care facility or a repair shop?9. What financial INVESTMENT are you prepared to make? Do you have to make modifications to your home to accommodate your business and if so, what would be the cost? Do you have to buy a certain quality of product in order to start selling? Is additional training or licensing needed? Be realistic and weigh carefully the costs before you commit to anything.10. What kind of SUPPORT can you count on from family members? Does your spouse or partner embrace this business venture and therefore, be willing to help with the household chores? Are your children at an age to understand the fact that you need time to focus on your business and respect the fact that you will not always be “available” to cater to their needs?
