Choosing theHome-Business That's Right For You
By Jill Hart
PositivelyFeminine.com
Starting down a new career path can be both exciting andterrifying.nbsp; There are a lot of tools on the market that can helpyou determine what type of career field you should enter. But what ifyour chosen "career path" is being an entrepreneur and running ahome-based business? Do the rules change? Below are five questions toask yourself to help you determine what type of business might be rightfor you.
1. What is your passion?
Answer this question with thefirst thing that comes to mind: If money were no object and you coulddo anything, what would you do? You might have answered "be awriter",nbsp; "speak at conferences," "bring my product idea to life"or any number of things. Whatever your answer, this most likely is yourpassion. I challenge you to take the time to ponder this and see ifthere is a way to bring your dream to fruition.
2. Whattypes of things did you like to do as a child?
Many times the toys and games weloved as children give us a glimpse into who we have become as adults.If you loved climbing trees, you may now be an "outdoorsy" type ofperson. Think about how this might be incorporated into your business.For instance, you might enjoy setting up outdoor birthday parties forchildren or selling herbs from your backyard garden.
3. Whattype of products would you be interested in representing?
If you're looking in the directionof direct sales, whether that be your own product or an establishedhome-based business option, you need to think through what types ofproducts you'd be comfortable presenting to your customers. Take thetime to do some research and find a product that truly excites you.Your customers will see your sincerity and that can sell a product justas easily as a fancy presentation.
4. Whatskills and experience do you bring to the table?
If you've left the corporate worldin favor of working at home, you've undoubtedly brought with you a setof skills. There may be a way to market those skills in a new way andturn them into a profitable business. For instance, if you were anexecutive assistant you may be able to type 80 words or more perminute. You could set up shop as a Virtual Assistant and help otherbusiness owners in processing orders, transcribing documents and muchmore.
5. Areyou thinking outside of the box?
Most of us have a fear of theunknown. We many times assume that if we haven't done something beforeit is simply out of reach. This carries over to the business world aswell. We take our products or services and market them in the same waythat we see other business owners using. However, it can be much moreeffective to find new and innovative ways to market. One home-basedbusiness owner I know sells stuffable toy kits. Instead of using theusual home parties and birthday party events, she works almostexclusively with children's hospitals doing fundraisers. She makes agreat living and helps not only the hospitals, but the children aswell. She is a great example of unique marketing and overcoming themundane marketing methods that so many business owners resignthemselves to.
Your home-based business should be unique to you. It should make youwant to get up each morning excited about the possibilities of the dayahead. Take the time to thoroughly think through the questions aboveand you'll be on your way to making a great, well thought out decisionthat has your name written all over it!
About the Author:
Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms,CWAHM.com. Jill is co-author of the upcoming book So You Want To Be aWork-at-Home Mom (Beacon Hill, Sept. 2009). Jill welcomes work-at-homequestions at
http://AskJill.cwahm.com
.Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.
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