Start a Home Business

Home Business Start Up Research and Selection

Starting My Own Home Business

So, you say you don’t want to be a consultant for a direct sales company. You feel you wouldn’t be good at sales and besides, does anyone really make money selling Avon. You’re tired of all the business opportunities you’ve seen and think you have an idea for a business that would be satisfying and more profitable? You go girl!!

I think that is fabulous. Many have been right where you’re at and gone on to be huge successes. Hey – some of those women even created some of the most successful direct sales companies out there today.

But back to you and your business idea. To start a home business takes courage and ambition. This is natural for us women! Child birth takes some courage for sure!

Women entrepreneurs are growing by the numbers–and I don’t mean just those that decide to go into direct sales. I’m talking about women that start their OWN company or start a home business from the ground up. I am sure many of them would admit it was one of the hardest and most time consuming things they’ve ever done.

So you were driving home from work, or picking your child up and thought–wow, I have a great idea to start a home business? It just HIT you? Or maybe you thought about having a particular type of business all your life-and just didn’t know where to start, or money was an issue?

Well–don’t let that stop you. I’ve been cruising around the internet quite a long time and I found some interesting and helpful info for you.
Remember to not get overwhelmed when you’re beginning this journey. Just divide and conquer. Break everything down into manageable pieces.

A Business Plan

Yep–that dreaded plan is necessary. So start working on it! You can’t possibly know how to start without a beginning. And this plan can be your blueprint and help you keep from making drastic mistakes. If you’re like me it sounds like a monster college end of semester thesis paper! But it’s a necessary part of the process, and probably implemented by those that end up with the successful business. But don’t let a business plan become a dreaded task. It’s important – but not an ABSOLUTE.

To help you with the business plan process:

First off–see if there is a local SCORE (http://www.score.org/) organization in your area–or in a city close by. SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. Business counseling and workshops are offered at 389 chapter offices across the country.

The SBA (http://www.sba.gov) is another great resource for getting your feet wet and finding a place to “start”. From start up to marketing–they have a wealth of info for you.

Talk to Potential Customers or Clients

This might be even more helpful than a business plan in my opinion. You can get clear insight and feedback from those that you want to sell to or might be interested in your service.  Finding out what they are really looking for, their wishlist and dislikes can help you with the building blocks for your own business.

Stay Focused

Most of all stay focused on your dream. Gather information, plan and follow through. I am sure there are many businesses that never saw their first customer or client because of fear and little planning.  Yes, it does take money as well – and that can be a huge hurdle. But if you put together a good plan, have an excellent idea of what your customers really want – you are off on a strong foot.