New Home Business - Get Up And Running In 5 Basic Steps | Running A Home Based Business Available Now.

New Home Business - Get Up And Running In 5 Basic Steps

Posted on April 7, 2008 - Filed Under Health and Fitness, Home Based Business |

When I first started my adventure with a home based internet business I thought: “Ok this is easy, just click and get your online business started”. However, after a week, I learned that there is so much more that needs to get done. Many of the work from home offers promise big money with minimal effort. This is not how it works. Working from home requires planning and organization. I found a great resource online called SCORE. SCORE provides business counseling and insight in to next steps for a new business. They also offer “How-To” guides for newbies like myself.

After endless research and several hundred resources later, I came up with 5 basic steps that will help a new home business owner get started. Here is what I have learned on my journey to become my own boss:

Define a business that works for you and try to fill a need. Every article and quick tip I have researched has discussed the importance of finding a business that works for you and that will serve potential clients. It is not only about your work experience but also about what you enjoy. It is important to do some homework up front and find out what service you can provide; what need there is for the service; and what you will enjoy doing. Some ideas that come to mind based on my interactions with friends and family are: Party Planning, Crafts, Personal/Virtual Assistants, and Children’s Cab Service (I know I need someone to drive my kids around while I am at work!).
Get Legal. Go to your local city hall and determine if you need a local license or permit. For example, in my area I only have to apply for a city business license. There is a small fee but it pays to be legit! There are also many online resources that are available. Also, you may want to check into your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what is covered.
Get Organized. Write down your business plan! I wrote down my expectation for work hours and earnings as well as maximum investment dollars. My investment plans included supplies, my own pay rate and initial setup. I also wrote down my objective for this business to measure my success. One of my objectives is to become a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) without jeopardizing the financial freedom of my family. I basically followed the concept of defining SMART goals; that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Take a look online for more information of setting SMART goals
Overcome The Contradiction. Find Childcare. This is the greatest contradiction of all time. Every article I have read has indicated that it is important to find Childcare. WHAT? I thought the whole point of this Home Based Business was to be with the kids. Right? Well, here is what I know. I have a 2.5 year old that will tear down the walls and escape down the street at a moment’s notice if someone is not watching her. So here is the deal. With little ones you have a couple of options. Focus your efforts when they are out of commission in the wee hours of the morning, noon or night. If not, find a play date for a few hours a day. It will be good for the kids and for your business. You can trade play dates or sitting “services” with other SAHMs. Also, check out the local community services offered. There are some great kids programs that will keep the little ones busy and the prices are reasonable if not free.
Work It. Once you have completed these preliminary steps. It is time to get to work. Get connected with others to help promote your business. Network. Blog. Write Articles. Engage Friends, Family, or leverage your volunteer work to promote the business. Check out your local publications to place free or low cost ads. Utilize online connections. There are online networks that can provide great tools and resources to connect you to clients, advertisers, or other home business opportunities. I visit these sites on a daily basis because the resources are very useful and connect me to other opportunities to promote my business. The bottom line is that you have to get your business out there for people to recognize that your business amongst thousands of others is the one they should choose. At the end of the day, you will recognize that the more work you put in; the more people will recognize your value.

So Work It!

Gina Blanco, author and new business owner, is venturing into the Internet world of Home Based Businesses and is on a quest to become A Tour Guide to Legitimate Home Based Business.

Her intent is to provide as much information as possible to empower home based entrepreneurs to make informed choices that are right for them and their family. Visit her website and check out her blog at: http://www.stayathome-mom.com

Tags: Home business, new home business, Stay at Home, Stay at home mom, work at home

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