Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Every day tens of thousands of people start their own home business. If you`re considering starting your own home business, following are some tips that will increase your chances for success:

1. Research, Research, Research: So many people rush into starting a home business, before they`re properly prepared, which leads to certain failure.

Starting a new home business is exciting, but you`d be prudent to slow things down, take your time and thoroughly research your subject of interest. Why?

Well, first of all, you`ll be much better prepared when you do actually start your home business, which will only increase your chances of success.

Second, the more knowledgeable you are about your subject of interest, the better you`ll be able to serve your customers and the more money you`ll make.

Knowledge properly acted upon equals money. The two go hand in hand. Slow down, take your time and do the research.

2. Make It A Labor Of Love: While there are certainly no guarantees in life, if you start a home business based on something you`re passionate about, as opposed to monetary potential, the odds are you`ll be much more successful.

Here`s why: If you start a home business based on something you truly love doing, you`ll have much more incentive and determination to "hang in there" when things get rough, which they invariably will.

Always remember this old saying, "Do what you love and the money will follow!" Truer words have never been spoken.

3. Be legal: The vast majority of Internet businesses don`t need to worry about this. But depending on where you live, what you`re selling and how you`re selling it, your home business may require a license or a permit. Especially if you`re selling food, doing massage therapy, or something of that nature.

Also, if you`re planning on putting up a sign, or if you have customers coming to your home, there may be zoning issues to consider. If this applies to you, be sure to check with your local townhall or courthouse to find out what the requirements are for where you live.

In addition, check with your states Department of Revenue to see if you need to collect sales tax. The last thing you want to do is get into trouble with the government.

4. Get Started: The three aforementioned tips won`t matter much if you never even get started with your home business. So many people say they want to start a home business...think about starting a home business. But that`s as far as they ever get. Don`t wait until you have enough money. Be creative and find a way to get the money.

Don`t let procrastination rob you of a better life for you and your family. If you never even try to start a home business, you`ll never know what could have been.

So, in the words of Nike, just do it!

Dale King

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The more I hang out on SuN, the more I`d add a Step 5: "Listen to yourself speak, read what you write, and come to terms with your presentation to people."

This would get into the entire concept of communication, sales, writing, public speaking, and so forth. When you look at how people present themselves as they start a new business, it`s unbelievable the number of folks who apparently can`t speak.

Communication is  a whole other different topic entirely.

Dale King

 

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If you`re tired of all the money-making
hype, lies and scams...read this!
Click here for more details!

Great tips. I have a number 6:

Expect to work hard.  I have come across many people who envision working 3 hours and day and then sitting back and watching the money roll in.  Talk about failing before you even begin!

Starting a real business anywhere, whether it is at home or otherwise, requires a lot of work. Be realistic and expect to work at least 40 hours per week (and often considerably more), especially while you are getting your business off the ground.

The good news:

This dedication and initiative will pay off ten-fold down the road.

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Rosanna Tussey
Owner
New Mexico Candle Co.
http://www.nmcandleco.com

I would have to add: be organized, set a routine. There are many obstacles to running a business out of your home. Clients want to meet with you, you may get the "look"...you work out of your home???" . It happens. Be professional, get ready everyday...look presentable, you may make a call and the prospect may say...can you be here in 10 minutes...always be ready. You will also feel more inclined to get more done, feeling fresh and dresssed. You must be dedicated, set daily goals and check in with where you are in your business on a regular basis. Networking with the local business community is key....let folks know, you are in business. Find a quiet space, don`t be on the phone with children in backround, dogs barking etc... You have to put out an image to compete with larger companies.

One that I have the most difficulty with, is shutting down for the day. Set an end time to your business day. Otherwise family members may feel second to your business. I am still working on this. It isn`t easy when you have so much to complete with a small crew of people, or just yourself. But in order to feel motivated to do better and grow your business, you have to take relax time with yourself, friends, family to remind you of why you want to do well....so you can do better for your life, your family and afford a lifestyle that is comfortable. Relaxation time, is also a time to reflct, open your mind to options that you may not always be thinking of with the one track focused business mind.

Keep in mind the outcome that you want for yourself, develop a system to take you through the steps, you created to get there.

Erin

 

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Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

No, this isn`t about communication. It`s about the grunt work of spelling, grammar, and capitalization. It`s about the most basic element of using the lanuage in written form to contact clients, not communicate with them.

Hello dking i`m new to the forum, and i would like some advice on how  to start an import/export business.

please share some knowledge  

True words of wisdom there, Erin.  Not only will your life be more balanced, but you will be more effective during the workday.  It is difficult, though, isn`t it?

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Rosanna Tussey
Owner
New Mexico Candle Co.
http://www.nmcandleco.com