Looking for a Home Biz? Great -- Change Your Name!

Stand-up comedian Jimmie Walker (known as "J.J." to "Good Times" fans) once told a joke that went something like this:

I met a man outside that told me "I only have three dollars to my name!" So I told him "Well youd better change your name!"

We all have a set of circumstances that make up our lives. What you choose to do with yours is completely up to you. You really can "change your name" -- if you choose. Are you looking for a better life for yourself and your family? Is a home-based business in your future?

If so, whats stopping you from getting started now? I know, you have a laundry list of excuses: no time, no money, no support, no good ideas, etc. No matter what is "stopping" you, if you really want to make a change in your life -- a change for the better -- you CAN do it. No more excuses: Start that business and start creating the life you desire for yourself and your family.

You may ask: "Okay then, but how?"

Here are a few steps to get you started on your path:

* Find the right home-based business for you.

This one may take some time, if you havent already started thinking about it. There are many aspects that you have to take into account when deciding on a home-based business. For instance:

- Will you start a business "from scratch"? If so, youll want to try to find something that is related to things you really enjoy doing. When youre passionate about your business, it can help sustain you through the rough times. Yes, there will be rough times, but they are worth it -- its those days when you feel like giving up that typically propel you to the place you want to be.

- Will you join a "Business Opportunity"? If you will decide to get involved in a business opportunity, ask a lot of questions and get all the background information you can. How, exactly, will you work this business? For instance, will you have to do "in-home parties" or "Internet Marketing" and if so, are you up to the task? (Or learning how to master the necessary techniques?) We all go through a learning curve when we start a business, but to be sure youll enjoy what you do, think about what it is you actually have to do in order to be successful. If it sounds like fun, youre on the right track.

Also ask: is the parent company a member of the Chamber of Commerce? What is their standing with the BBB? How long have they been around? What are the owners like? How are commissions paid out? And one of the most important questions to ask yourself: "Would myself and my friends buy these products or services if I werent making money from it?" In other words, is there a market for the business? Or is it going to be a "hard sell"?

* Find out what types of licenses you will need.

Local laws will vary, but in most areas you may need one or more of the following:

- A Fictitious Business Name, also known as a "Doing Business As" or DBA -- Youll need this if you plan to run your business under any name other than your own. You usually get this from your County Clerks Office.

- A business license -- some cities or states require this. Check with your local business department.

- Be sure your area is zoned for a home business. If not, you may need to get something as difficult as a variance, or something as simple as a PO Box. When in doubt, find out!

- You may need a sales tax license, depending on the nature of your business and what state you live in. Check with the local taxation department.

- Set up a Business Bank Account -- youll probably need a copy of your Business License, and if you get a DBA, youll need a copy of that, too. You want to keep personal and business monies separate.

This list may not be all-inclusive -- check with your local officials to be sure your home office is set up legally. You can also ask the SBA for answers if you need help.

* Write a Business Plan, or, if you joined a home-based business opportunity, ask the person who brought you into the business for help in coming up with a plan.

Writing a business plan is not as scary as it seems. In most cases, this will just be a plan of action for you -- not to get funding for your business.

Ask yourself questions like:

- Who is your target market, and how you will build your business?
- What are your financial goals? Long term goals for the business?
- What is your businesses mission statement?
- How much can you invest into your business, and how will that money be spent?
- What additional office supplies, tools, etc. will you need to get started, and into the future, if any?
- Where do you want your business to be in one year? Three? Five?

Again, this list may not be all-inclusive, but there are lots of books and web sites that can help you with a detailed plan. Try doing a search at your favorite library or search engine. Once its complete, you can use it as your "success guidepost" and youll know whether or not youre on track.

It took me so many years before I finally decided to take the plunge and start a home-based business... Six to be exact. I only wish I had done it sooner!

After owning my own home-based business for the last 5+ years, I have to say its the best choice I ever made for myself and my family. I decided to "change my name," so to speak. Really I changed my circumstances! And now I cannot imagine living any other way. If youre thinking of taking the plunge, I say "Go For It!"

The steps you take towards reaching your goals today, will put you that much closer to reaching them tomorrow.

Julie Frost © 2001

About the Author

Julie Frost is the owner of YourHomeBiz.com -- where she has been helping entrepreneurs and would-be home-based business owners find, start, grow and succeed in their own business since 1997. Julie recently discovered the most powerful business-building tool shes ever seen on the Internet at: http://www.wtpowers.com/yourhomebiz

julie@yourhomebiz.com
http://www.yourHomeBiz.com