Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Starting A Home-based Business

By Sinclair Sonny

The rise in technology creates new opportunities for making money from home. While home-based businesses can offer most any product or service, information technology plays an important role in this growing business sector.

Many entrepreneurs enter the home-based business industry by accident. They see a way to make money and start small, expecting to expand when the business takes off. But when their business does become profitable, they may decide to stay small, at least in part because they like the advantages of basing their business at home.

For some, starting a home-based business is the fulfillment of a dream, an opportunity to gain income from a personal skill or interest. Others enter into a home-based business by necessity, having lost a job or incurred a disability that keeps them out of a conventional work setting.

No matter why they start a home-based business, these entrepreneurs face some unique work situations. On the negative side, a home-based business takes up space in the home, which could cause family conflicts. There are no fringe benefits --- no sick time, vacation time, health benefits and no one to cover for you. There are startup costs and no financial stability at first. Working at home takes great personal discipline to keep to the task and not get distracted. And there's no one to share the risks.

On the other hand, working at home provides tremendous flexibility and the chance to participate more in family life. You can work from most anywhere. There are no coworkers to deal with and no boss to question your work. Overhead and start-up costs are minimal. You can manage your own physical environment, making your office safe and comfortable. The profit is all yours.

Get a copy of the company's fully audited financial statement. What are the startup and maintenance costs? What responsibilities will you and the seller have to each other after you've invested? Compare the financials with other business opportunities and don't fall for pressure: today's offer will still be there tomorrow.

If you're going to start your own business, you must have a business plan. Determine what form of legal ownership is best (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation). Are special licenses or permits required? Conduct a market analysis; does your prospective business fill a business need? To qualify for financing, you'll have to show the startup costs and income opportunities.

A home-based business can be an opportunity to make money while keeping your independence. Whether go out on your own or buy into an existing business, it's important to move slowly, get advice, and consider your options before you act. - 16732

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