So you want to cut out the whole 9-5 scenario? The first question that you have to answer is: Is a home based business for me? Yes, it may sound very attractive being able to set your own hours, no commute time, no dress code, independence but, there other things to consider. Are you the self-motivated type? How will finances be handled? What about my health benefits, since I am now responsible for that? Keep in mind that since this is a home based business; you will have the task of separating your home, personal life from your business life. You are now the only person to make decisions, which can possibly lead to mistakes. Home based businesses take a lot of determination and self-discipline.



Once you determined whether a home based business is for you then, you should figure out what your niche is or what it is you really like to do. Remember, this is what your sole or main source of income will be so, it would only be reasonable to do something that you are good at and like doing. Also, is there a market for your line of work, is a weighty question to ask yourself.

Now you have decided what your home based business will be. You should now figure out what your anticipated costs are and, what your expenses and goals will be. You can do this by forming a well-written business plan. Your business plan should include things such as expenses, projected revenue, funding for your business and also short and long term goals. This is an integral part in the success of your business. Let’s say you take on a task and the cost is extremely higher than you anticipated. This could not only cost you large sums of money but, can also end to your business. Careful planning is a necessity!

To legally establish your business you must determine your business name. Once you have made that decision, you have to make sure the name is not already taken in your state. Some states allow you to do this online through your state agency, such as a prothonotary. It would be best to have a few names just in case your initial name is taken. Once you have registered a fictitious name for your business, next you acquire a business license, which many times have a pro-rated cost if you do not purchase it for the full year.

Now that you have established and registered a name for your new at home business, you must now market it. Nowadays, we have many more avenues of promotion and marketing than perhaps say 10-15 years ago. Word of mouth has always been a consistent form of advertising your business. You can also get yourself some professional looking business cards. Networking events that maybe held in your area gives you an outlet to not only develop business connections but also meet interesting people who have the same goals as you. In this day and age we also have the internet which can be an incredible way to research, promote and market your business. Having your own website has basically become a must have in the business community. In order to cut costs, one of the easiest and fastest ways to get your web site up and running is through the use of web templates. I strongly recommend them. I used a web template for my very first site that I developed. The internet is full of free advertising forums, site link exchanges, affiliate programs and article submission services.

Lastly, when you have done all of the previous steps to get your business up and going, you should have a structured plan to handle all of your book keeping needs and paperwork. This is the part many do not like to get into but, it is necessary. Who will handle your taxes? How will you accurately keep track of all purchases and income? Organizing paperwork and your scheduling can also present a challenge, if you let it. This should also be very well planned and laid out so that all will go smoothly.