So, you have been thinking about starting a home business
for a while. Perhaps you just can’t bear
to go back to work after having your first baby. Maybe you have a full time job, but you are
struggling to pay the bills and want to supplement your income. Or, is it that you are just sick of fighting
the traffic every day and you really don’t like your job anyway. There are innumerable reasons why people want
to work from home. Whatever your reason
may be, I suggest that you “interview” yourself first to see if you “qualify”
to be a home business owner. To
determine whether this is a realistic option for you, here are a few questions
to ask yourself before you quit your job or pay a single dime toward any
business.
·
Why do you want a home
business? This is important. Write down your reasons, your goals and what
you hope to accomplish.
·
Have you done lots of research on a
variety of businesses and found one you would be proud to represent? If so, have you checked out the company on the
internet on third party sites to see what those outside the company say about
it?
·
Are you passionate about the product
or service you would be promoting? If
not, it is unlikely you will be successful.
·
Have you compared the products you
will be offering and why they are better than those of their competition?
·
Have you thought about the target
market to which you will be marketing the business?
·
Have you looked at all of the costs
involved in starting the business? I’ve
seen companies that have a very low start-up cost, but once you get into the
business, you learn there are a variety of “hidden” charges. Even those companies that claim to be “free”
will have some kind of expenses to operate.
·
Can you afford to pay the monthly
fees and other expenses required to operate the business out of pocket for at least
three months? Many companies say you’ll
be earning a six-figure income in a very short period of time. A six-figure income is rare even after a year
in business with any company. Expect to
be paying out of pocket until you reach profit mode.
·
Do you truly have the time to work a
home business? If you have an outside
job, how much time will you be able to devote to your business? Even if you are a stay-at-home parent, will
you be able to work around your children’s schedule with their soccer games,
band practice and orthodontist appointments?
Are your children old enough to know they cannot disturb you when you
are working?
·
Do you have a space in your home
where you can work without the background sounds of the TV or the kids playing? You’ll need a space dedicated to your “home
office.”
·
Are you self-motivated? Working at home, you’ll have no boss setting
your work schedule or telling you what to do.
Will you be able to create a work schedule and stick to it?
·
Have you discussed the idea of a
home business with your family? Without
your spouse and children supporting your efforts, you’ll be under greater
pressure to succeed quickly. That simply
may not happen.
·
Are you willing and able to make the
sacrifices that a home business requires?
You may have to work harder and more hours than you have ever worked on
any job.
Answer all
these questions honestly. If you try to
fool yourself, you will suffer the consequences. You will end up losing money
and time, and you will add stress to your life that will affect you and your
family. There is no shame in not being a good
candidate to work and operate a home business.
If the answers to these questions make you a good fit to be a home
business owner, be prepared for it to be the hardest job you have ever
loved. I wish you great success!
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