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jalane

posts: 5

Oct 26, 2007 1:49 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi! I`m interested in starting a home based business, and need some helpful tips from aspiring home based entrepreneurs, or already successful ones. Thank you!

nhgnikole

posts: 2660

Oct 26, 2007 2:31 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I LOVE working from home. I`m in my pjs right now!

CampSteve

posts: 1216

Oct 26, 2007 3:50 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Me too, it`s almost 2:00 and I haven`t gotten dressed yet. :)

Jalane, one question you might ask yourself is not WHERE you want to have a business (which you desire to be at home), but WHAT business that should be.

What are you passionate about? What do you like doing? What are your strengths?

SmallBusinessPRExpert

posts: 149

Oct 26, 2007 4:43 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Jalane,

Discipline, discipline, discipline. This is the key to getting yourself into the mode of working from home. Then you don`t have to think about it so much. You just do it.

I also recommend figuring out a balance of life and work. When I first started I had to get rid of cable movie channels, and then eventually cable TV b/c it was distracting me. Now, I`m very disciplined and don`t worry about it anymore. My point is to be aware of the things that will try to draw your attention away from working. Having a home-based business also means that I can run errands whenever I want, but I have to continually balance it between my obligations to clients.

Good luck and hope you become a successful owner of a home-based business!

Best,

Jennifer

stonesledge

posts: 1093

Oct 26, 2007 6:41 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Jalane,

Before starting home business, it is important to take the time to review the factors and considerations about yourself and the business you plan to enter.

Be honest with yourself. Know what you`re getting into. In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business - but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business.

Ask yourself these questions:

-Are you a self-starter?

-How well do you get along with different personalities? Business owners need to develop working relationships with a variety of people including customers, vendors, staff, bankers, and professionals such as lawyers, accountants or consultants.

-Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business? A home business can be exciting, but it`s also a lot of work. Can you face six or seven 12-hour work days every week?

-How well do you plan and organize?

-Is your drive strong enough? Running a business can wear you down emotionally. Some business owners burn out quickly from having to carry all the responsibility for the success of their business on their own shoulders. Strong motivation will help you survive slowdowns and periods of burnout.

If you can accomplish the above then you can be on your way to a successful home business. What type of home business would you like to run? What are you good at? What do you love to do? What do others say you do well? You have to love what you do.

There are many pros to having a home based business....yes you can work in your PJ`s...i did until this afternoon..didn`t have time to get dressed, was on the phone too long. You can have a more flexible schedule and make time for your family.

I would have to say that the most difficult obstacle to running a business out of your home is to when to shut down "business" for the day..... It can call you at all hours..but just set a limit and leave it until the next day. I struggle with this. You should be ready at a moments notice to run out the door to meet a prospective client, that has an urgent need you may want to jump right on. So being able to get ready fast is a good thing. You have to always rellok your plans, stay on target and try never to procrastinate because you are answering to only yourself. Set daily goals and check off as you go.

I wish you much Success!

Erin

-How will the business affect your family? The first few years of business start-up can be hard on family life. It can be VERY hard! It`s important for family members to know what to expect and for you to be able to trust that they will support you during this time. There also may be financial difficulties until the business becomes profitable, which could take months or years. You may have to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets at risk in the short-term.

-------------------------

Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

cartess3

posts: 257

Oct 27, 2007 2:39 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Me too, it`s almost 2:00 and I haven`t gotten dressed yet. :)

I haven`t shaved in almost 9 weeks and I look horrible... that`s why I like working from home :-)

Nuevolution

posts: 1223

Oct 27, 2007 4:02 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Me too, it`s almost 2:00 and I haven`t gotten dressed yet. :)

I haven`t shaved in almost 9 weeks and I look horrible... that`s why I like working from home :-)

Me three... I don`t know about not shaving in 9 weeks but... I`m still in my sweats... I didn`t go anywhere today so it was a relaxing afternoon... Besides you can`t go anywhere, the wild fires are near my house now, and it`s been raining ashes all day long.

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

jalane

posts: 5

Oct 27, 2007 11:18 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks guys! Your inputs were awesome!

Jaun22

posts: 31

Oct 30, 2007 10:26 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I think you have to have that balance of work and home. Even if you have that work at home you still need to get out and interact with the industry.

-------------------------

Credit Card Counseling / Small Business Owner

candlelady2

posts: 8

Oct 31, 2007 6:00 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi jalane,

Well I am one of the PJ`s/sweatpants group. I guess, just because I can. Lately I`ve been working on disciplining myself as far as making candles in "work clothes" which is usually Levi`s and denim shirt. However, I also have to go out to promote my products to shops etc. I love working from home for the most part. My only drawback has been my family, who I guess think that unless I leave the house everyday at a certain time, then it`s not a real job???? One of my son`s always needs a babysitter for the 15 mo. old. The mother in law can`t do it ,because she has to work!!! Hello? I make my products, label them,deliver them and market them!

I guess what I`m saying is just make sure everyone knows you are "working" when you are working. Some people especially family members need to take it seriously too!

Best wishes to you! Go for it!

Gail Haywood,

Autumn Mist Candle Creations

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