A few days ago, I promised one more post on work-from-home options and in this final part of the ‘trilogy’ I am going to look at a few suggestions for setting up your own home-based business.
The idea of exchanging ‘conventional’ employment for self-employment crosses many people’s minds, although it has to be said that few actually find the courage to make the switch. Those who do start their own home-based businesses, however, find that being their own boss offers a great many benefits, from having greater control over their earning capacity and lifestyle, to saving time and money on a long commute and being able to spend the day working in their PJs!
While buying a franchise could clearly involve variable levels of initial investment, setting up many types of home-based businesses can be done at very low start-up cost and run with very low overheads. Here are just a few suggestions:
· Resume Writing
High demand and minimal start-up costs. Check out home study courses such as those offered by American Writers and Artists Incorporated (AWAI).
· Consultancy
Especially if you come from a service-based background, why not set up your own specialist consultancy business in, for example, training, HR, engineering or accounting.
· Creative Freelancing
Including anything from Web design to photography, graphic design, translation services or writing.
· Home Tutoring
Music, dance, languages, or any academic subject can easily and cheaply be taught from home.
· Personal Fitness Training
If you are physically fit, have a knowledge of training equipment and techniques and have received CPR training, this could be the business for you. Services can be offered from home if you can afford to shell out for the equipment, or you can simply join a gym and offer your services from there.
· Life Coaching
Another opportunity which requires no previous experience. Organizations such as My Life Coach, The Coaching Academy of North America Inc or Life Coach College all offer relevant courses.
· Child Care
Good in-home child care always has a market but be sure to check out any relevant regulations and licensing. Local state departments are a good place to start looking for more details on what is required in your region.
· House/Office Cleaning
An easy one to run from home – and you do not have to do any of the cleaning yourself!
· Dog Walking/Pet Sitting
A great way to keep yourself active and make money. Take a look at showMomthemoney.com and dogzanny.com for useful advice.
· Turn a Hobby into a Business
Whether you are into pottery, building doll’s houses, knitting, needlework, dressmaking, jewelry making or baking, if there is a market in your area, there is a business opportunity. You can find lots of useful information on setting up from organizations such as the US Small Business Administration.
Before starting up any kind of home-based business, always do your research and test your market first to make sure that your idea is sound.
Do you run your own home-based business? Any tips or advice to offer?
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
48days.net has some very good groups that assist people to make the move to non-traditional jobs. Great posts on this site!
September 4th, 2009 at 4:02 am
This certainly looks like another great resource, Pete, and many thanks for sharing it. Having the support of others when you are thinking of starting a business can be so important in turning an idea into a going concern, and of course going it alone is a great way to make your living from something that you love. Thanks again!
March 4th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
You have such great pictures on your site. Its obvious that your such a big dog lover.
March 5th, 2010 at 1:28 am
As I’m sure you understand Peggy, they don’t call them ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing. Thanks for taking the time to comment. All the best!