Having
a business that you run out of your home can be very
rewarding if gone about the right way. Unfortunately
many will give up before beginning to reap the
benefits due to many reasons. A large number of the
businesses that fail can be traced back to step one
- the decision of what type of business you will run
out of the home.
Working from home can be a dream for some, and a
nightmare for others. Not everyone is cut out to run
a business and be their own boss.
Some don't have the
discipline or tenacity to follow through. It is key
to recognize this in yourself right from the start.
You will save yourself alot of frustration and
heartache if you first put serious thought into
whether a home based business is for you. You will
read over and over again that "Anyone can have a
work at home business or career". I disagree with
this statement and suggest to anyone who is thinking
about working at home to initially take inventory of
themselves to see if they would be the type of
person that should pursue their own business. Are
you a self starter? Can you work well without
supervision? Do you have perseverance and patience?
Are you willing to learn?
Let's say that you have decided that working at home
is perfect for you. First and foremost when looking
into working from home, find something that you love
to do. Draw from your talents, interests and
hobbies. If you have a hard time being objective
about yourself - ask your friends and family where
they see your strengths.
The most
successful businesses with the most longevity are ones that
a person truly is happy at doing. They are passionate about
their business and pursue it with zest. Their business
survives because it rarely becomes just a 'job' to them -
which can happen if you choose a business that is only
chosen to help bring in some extra money for you.
Don't jump at the first idea or opportunity that comes
along. Too many times people are so eager to start working
from home that they do not do the research required to build
that solid foundation. There are many "opportunities" out
there and if someone finds out you are considering working
at home - you will be inundated with information and new
"best friends". Find out what all the costs are - not just
the upfront cost to get involved but also the continuing
costs in regards to materials, products, and sales aids. If
you decide to get involved in a Direct Selling company or
Network Marketing Company - understand that you will have
guidelines to adhere to and that you will be a
representative of the parent company as opposed to being
your own company. Many have sales quotas to fill and some
have very strict policies when it comes to advertising and
sponsoring others into the business. There are many many
wonderful companies that offer a way for you to start
earning an income by doing catalog sales, home parties and
word of mouth selling. But do understand that you are
required to follow their rules and regulations of running a
business as a representative of theirs.
If your idea is one that is on your own or a "home-grown"
business, be sure there is a need for your business or
service. You may have a talent or service that is wonderful,
but unless it is marketable, your business won't thrive and
grow. This can differ geographically depending on the
demographics of the area you live in. Before diving in with
both feet, test the waters. Find out from friends, family,
business associates and any other network you are involved
in if they see a need or desire for your goods/services.
It's best to spend a little bit of time and in some cases
money at the beginning to find out if your idea is a
feasible one.
Once you have decided on a home based business and are
confident that this is what you want to pursue - give it
your all. Building a successful business takes alot of time
and effort. Many studies show that new businesses take up to
5 years to see a profit. I see people time and time again
giving up after just a few months because it was too much
work or the results weren't what they had hoped for. You
need to be realistic when going into your own business.
Success only happens overnight to a very rare few and
customers/clients won't come knocking down your door. You
will have alot of sweat and possibly tears that will go into
your business to reach your goals - whatever you have set
the goals to be. Remember, there will many trials and errors
mingled with success and joy.
Working at home is the trend of the new millenium and if
done properly can be all that you had hoped it could be.
Having
a business that you run out of your home can be very
rewarding if gone about the right way. Unfortunately
many will give up before beginning to reap the
benefits due to many reasons. A large number of the
businesses that fail can be traced back to step one
- the decision of what type of business you will run
out of the home.