How Any Parent Can Start a Non-Commerce Home-Based Business
Having your own home-based business allows you to generate income and still have the time and energy to focus on your family. Digital technology makes it simple to run a business between play dates and soccer practice. If you're not interested in e-commerce opportunities but still dream of running a business from home, here are a few tips to help you launch a virtual company.
Assess Your Skills
Review your skill set to find the right business for you. If you currently work outside the home, study your performance reviews or talk to your boss about the areas where you shine. Also consider what tasks you've enjoyed doing in past jobs. Maybe you love creating budgets or analyzing financial information. Perhaps communication is your strong suit, and you enjoy writing or creating presentations.
What do you like to do in your spare time? One of your hobbies could turn into a business opportunity for you.
Decide on a Business Idea
Now that you've narrowed down your skillset and the type of work you enjoy doing, you can choose a home-based business. Here are several possible services you can offer:
• Writing
• Graphic design
• Marketing
• Web design
• Accounting
• Travel planning
• Tutoring
• Health coaching
Designate a Home Office Space
As a working parent, it is essential to separate your business from your home life, and the best way to do this is with a dedicated home office. First, turn that spare bedroom into your office and outfit it with a desk, ergonomic office chair, a task light, filing system and a few personal touches. Then, add the technology you need, such as a powerful laptop, internet access, phone and headset so you can talk to your clients in privacy.
If you don't have a spare room, look for available spaces in your home to set up your office. For example, the area under the stairs, a large closet, the pantry, a reading nook or the corner of a room can be transformed into office space.
Set Up Your Company
Write a business plan that details how you will start and manage your company. This serves as your guide during the launch of your business and your startup years. You’ll also need a business plan if you need to apply for a loan or need investors.
You also need to decide on the proper business structure for your new company. Most home-based businesses select either a sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation. Establishing a corporation is your best choice if you plan on accessing capital through investors, as shares are easier to transfer than LLC membership. In addition, most investors prefer the predictable and well-established corporation structure. Each state has its own rules for corporation formation, so check out the regulations in Florida before proceeding.
Market Your Business
Social media is a great way to tell potential customers about your new company. There is no charge to create a business page on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Make your page stand out by adding photos of yourself and listing all the details about your company and the products and services you offer. The key to social media marketing success is publishing consistent content that is interesting to your readers. You can hire EC Virtual Services to manage this process and promote your business on social media, so you have time to focus on growing your company.
The flexibility of a home-based business enables you to use your skills to make money while you take care of your family. Following these tips helps you launch one successfully.
Written by Virginia Cooper. Website: learnaliving.co