subject: Freedom@Work, Work From Home [print this page] Prepare to work at home Prepare to work at home
Good for you! You have decided you are going to start working at home! Now that you're going to be your own boss, there are some things you should consider. Plan and prepare before you actually become self-employed, and then when you work successfully at home.
What will you do? You should already have an idea of what to do at home to earn money. You must intend to do something that fits your skills, training and work experience. You will also need the appropriate equipment (hardware and software).
You need to check if you can legally and logistically begin the task you want. For Example, before deciding to open a Doggy day care center, you should find out what permits or licenses required. Can you make a dog day care center in your backyard or garage, or do you have to rent a store? Do you live in a densely populated area, which is likely to have dog owners who work all day and have a nursery dog? Is there is a ready market for the services provided? Have you had time to investigate the need for your services? Do you know how to deal with potential customers?
How do I let others know?
You can have the most valuable service to offer, but if nobody knows you're offering the service, you will not get many customers. You have a limited budget to start advertising for your business. In fact, all you need is a computer and a printer to start! You should think about having pamphlets and a Business Fact Sheet that shows the services you offer, and other pertinent information about yourself and your background. You should also get your own website, and it is really cheaper than you think it could be. There are many free website providers out there on the internet.
You must also think about where to advertise, either cheap or better yet, free. Find a community notice boards when you can nail a business card or company brochure. Find the many internet bulletin boards that offer advertising services for free. These will help you jumpstart your advertising efforts.
Got Clients, Get Paid
Congratulations! This is exactly what you want to achieve! Work at home ... and get paid. Now you need to keep track of your business expenses, keep accurate records and preparing to file your income tax, if applicable. In general, anything you buy or pay for a strict application of business is an allowable business expense. You must keep your receipts, statements and other bills for these expenses.
It's not as easy as most people think, but it certainly is rewarding!
What's in trend?
In this technology age, besides internet marketing, an upcoming trend that sees huge potential is mobile marketing. No harm checking it out!
This mail group will give you all you need on the internet/marketing trends and tools that may help you on your way to really achieving Freedom@Work - to work from home. It's also free.
