Throughout the USA, people are seeking work at home. There are some "jobs" available where the employee can work at home (telecommute). It can be extremely difficult to find legitimate jobs, however, and there are limited positions available. So, a large percentage of the people who want to work from home are choosing to start their own home businesses. There are a variety of reasons for the increase in home businesses.
- Many want to supplement their income. They work an outside j-o-b, but they're simply not earning enough to pay their bills in today's economy.
- Stay-at-home moms and dads often want to contribute to the family income while they actually "parent" their children. More and more parent in the generation currently raising young children place a higher priority than their parents did on staying at home with their children, rather than having caregivers raise them. But they must sacrifice some of the "extras," because a single-income family often does not earn enough money – particularly in the present economy. A good compromise for these parents is a home business.
- Many retirees either want to stay busy after a lifetime of working; and many others cannot get by on Social Security and whatever savings or pension they may have. Rather than getting a job where, once again, they must punch a time clock and fight traffic, for retirees, a home business is a great option.
- Those with disabilities may not be able to afford to live on disability income (SSDI) alone; and many do not qualify for it, although they are unable to hold a job.
- Many people simply want the fabulous tax advantages of a work-at-home career.
Finding reputable companies with whom to work can be time consuming and challenging. There are hundreds, if not thousands of ads on the internet that are scams, compared to the relatively few that are respectable companies with real products. Just spending an hour or two on the Internet seeking home businesses will result in discovering many that have no products and/or services. They are in existence ONLY to recruit others into their "business." They often promise huge incomes, while in reality, only a very few will truly earn any income at all. And, of course, there are the companies that tell you that your computer will do all the work while you sleep! Unfortunately, there are people who will believe this and invest money into these businesses, only to learn they were "ripped off."
Most home businesses are network or multi-level marketing. Many well-known financial "gurus" now recommend network marketing. Unlike the "pyramids" of the past, with network marketing and a good product or service, nearly anyone who works hard can be successful. With multi-level marketing companies, at some point, if not at the very beginning, home business owners can earn additional income based on the sales of those who they bring into the business, their "downline." With some network marketing companies, you will earn from only those who you personally enrolled, while others pay for two, three or unlimited levels in your downline.
So, how do you determine which home businesses are reputable and which one is a good fit for you? There are many excellent companies, but no one business is right for everyone looking for work at home.
Research is extremely important when starting your own home business. If you have heard of the company and used their product or service, it will simplify your decision. However, just because you've heard their name, it does not mean they are a reputable company! Through the internet, it is not difficult to thoroughly check out a company before investing any money.
- Keep in mind that some excellent companies have complaints filed against them for various reasons. A former home business owner who was not successful may blame the company for their failure, when they simply did not work their business or didn't take advantage of the training available through their company.
- Work-at-home forums often reveal information about various home businesses. You have to be careful here though, because again, a disgruntled former business owner may not tell the entire truth.
- Ask many questions. Determine the true cost of working the home business you are researching. Is there a start-up cost? Is there a monthly fee? If there is a monthly fee, do you receive benefits in exchange? Is there adequate training and support? What is the cost of the training, and by what means is it provided (in person, phone conferences, email, website)? There are companies that tell you there is no start-up cost, but then they charge hundreds of dollars for the training – and you may have to travel great distances for training. The better companies will offer unlimited training by phone, internet and email.
- Learn about the product or service being offered. Would you buy it? What is the cost of the product? No matter how great the product, if it is too expensive, you may not be able to sell it, particularly in today's economy. If there are similar products available at stores at a lower price – even if it is not as good a product – it likely will be difficult to market.
- Ask about advertising policies. Can you use the company's name & logo in your advertising? If not, why not? Can you advertise on the internet, in newspapers, in the phone book, radio or TV? Will the recruiter teach you how and where to advertise?
- Determine whether the company pays a one-time commission or residual income. With residual commission, you will earn money from each customer/client as long as they keep paying a monthly fee. This generally applies to businesses that sell memberships or services, not products. For instance, the client pays a monthly membership fee, and you earn a percentage of that fee each month.
Once you have researched the company itself, it is a good idea to get to know the person who is recruiting you. In most situations, that is the person who will be training you. Are you comfortable speaking with the recruiter? Is he/she easy to understand (accent, slurred words, talks too fast)? Do you feel as though he/she is pressuring you to sign up? Do they sound desperate or as though they are rushing you to make a decision? Are they flattering you too much, sounding as though it's what they tell every prospect? Have they trained others, or will you be their first? Do you feel as though they are providing honest answers to your questions, or do they hesitate too long before answering? Do they sound as though they enjoy doing their work? Ask them about their availability for support and training.
Once you feel comfortable with the recruiter, the product and the company, it's time to take a good look at yourself. Will you, and can you apply yourself to your home business? Are you able to work the required minimum hours necessary to succeed? About ten hours a week is usually the minimum number of hours you need to actually work.
Are you disciplined enough to work with no one looking over your shoulder? Are you comfortable talking – either in person or by phone – to strangers? Although you may begin your business talking with your own network of friends, family or neighbors, eventually you'll have to approach strangers. Will you take it personally if a prospect says "no?" It takes many "no's" to get just one "yes," so you must be prepared to be told "no" many times without taking it personally or having your feelings hurt.
Are you going to just give the business "a try?" If so, you will likely fail. If, after you've completed your research, you do not truly believe you can be successful, you probably will not. If you do not really believe in the product or service you will be marketing, you will have a difficult time doing so. Don't leave the "back door" open for an easy escape, because if you do, at the first bump in the road, you’ll quit. You will have wasted your own time and that of your trainer. Enter your business knowing that you will succeed and you will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Do you expect to be earning a living with your business in six months? It is highly unlikely. All real businesses – at home or brick-and-mortar, take time to build. If you are unwilling to commit to at least one year working and building your business, you are wasting your time and money starting a home business.
If you consider other businesses outside the home, rarely are they successful immediately. Think of any independent restaurant (not a chain with a built-in reputation), a hair salon or a privately-owned retail store. They all take time to build their clientele or customer base, and business advisers often tell new business owners to expect to make no profit for the first year! Most home businesses can be earning a profit sooner, but don't expect it to happen within your first few weeks. Although it happens occasionally, for most it does not.
Finally, are you "coachable?" Can you and will you follow the instructions of your sponsor, or are you a person who likes to find a "new way" to do everything, trying to "reinvent the wheel?" In most established home businesses, there is a "system" in place that has proven to be successful. If you cannot duplicate that system into your own business, you may have a difficult time growing your own business.
Being a successful business owner takes patience, with your research of the prospective company and your business once you start it, and by constantly learning from people within your own company and the many motivational speakers and authors who teach how to succeed. If, after thoroughly researching your business, you commit yourself to it, you will succeed.
