Women and Home-Based Business
breakfast operator, music or art instructor for individuals or small classes, limousine service, home repair and decorating, and a variety of business services such as tax preparation or sales.
Home-based alternatives to starting your own business include buying a franchise or telecommuting for an employer. Home Business magazine offers listings for these types of opportunities. The internet is also a source of computer-oriented jobs for telecommuters, and recently posted listings in the areas of freelance writing, cartooning, graphic design, computer services sales, telemarketing and data entry, to name a few. You can find many more ideas at the local library and bookstores.
How do I set up my business?
Certain requirements apply to nearly all new businesses. To get started you will need to obtain local business licenses, check on local zoning ordinances or neighborhood covenants regarding land use restrictions, and determine whether your particular business requires a state license or federal permit to operate. Many other requirements could apply, and you can get excellent guidance through the Small Business Development Center. Another valuable resource is SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, which matches volunteers with small businesses that need expert advice.
How will I balance family and work?
Perhaps this is the most important issue
of all. Self-employed workers typically need to put in longer hours than their employed counterparts to make the business work. But we all have many important roles in life - worker, partner, parent, community member, individual - and each of these roles needs careful nurturing to bring wholeness and satisfaction to us and those we love.
The key is to do as much research as possible about your proposed business. Talk to others who have been there. Reflect truthfully about your own personality style, your goals and your priorities. Make use of the resources in your community which can show you how to maximize your success. With careful preparation, you can make your business idea work for you.
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