My current job will be drastically changing in the next 4-6 months and I am not sure how stable my position will be. I am currently able to telecommute and being at home is important as my mom lives with me and is not really able to be alone all day. The proposed job would be providing a kind of referral service to people who have no idea what is available to them, helping them with overwhelming paperwork, elderly who don't understand Medicare, etc. My question is how do I tackle the start up? I have no idea what starting a new business really entails - some say just get a buiness license and business cards and network but I can't believe it can really be that easy. Any help/advice/assistance would be so greatly appreciated.
Go to your local SBA center. They will help you start a business plan and give you much needed advice.
I understand your fear. I myself just started my own business three years ago. It was difficult to believe that just getting your name out could really help build yor business, but it did. If you get your name out there someone is bound to see the benefit you have to offer and use your services. This is where the important part comes in because off that first client comes "the word of mouth". If this is bad it is not going to do your business any good. They say in business that bad news travels faster than honest, good, hard work. I know that if I do a good job for someone they send me another person to work with. Even if you do a good job it may go without notice so ask your clients if they have friends or family that you could help out as well. You may be surprised that a lot of people don't think to send people they know to you unless the subject is brought up. Just always do what you're doing because you love what you're doing, you love to help, and do it with 100% honesty.
You need to figure out what kind of business you are going to be: profit, non-profit, sole proprietorship, limited liability, etc. If, for example, you want to be a for-profit corporation you need to file Articles of Incorporation through the Washington Secretary of State. (The forms and fee schedule are listed online.) Once you are incorporated, you are officially recognized as a business. Even though you plan to be a home based business, I STRONGLY recommend that you open a business post office box or private mail box for your business correspondence. (It's a very good idea to keep personal and professional as separate as possible. Plus, you are less likely to have salespeople show up at the door of your home if your "official" business address is a P.O. Box.) You should open a business bank account because you need to keep your personal finances separate from your professional finances. (Before you can open a business account, you'll need to file and you'll need a tax ID number.) A website is a good idea to have. (I found a great person who did my entire website for me for a really reasonable price and it was WELL worth it. I really think that a good website gives you credibility.) Business cards are really easy - you can order them from online companies like VistaPrints. Letterhead is also pretty easy.
Remember to keep your business and your personal finances separate. Your business expenses will be tax deductible and, if you are ever audited by the IRS, the separate records will be a tremendous asset.
But, the first step is to go to the Secretary of State website and get the paperwork started. (It doesn't take long.) And I would recommend the website, too!)
Good luck with your new business!
Hi D.,
Did you ever figure out how to make a go with starting a business? Any success?
R.
Hi D., my name is W.. Read your message. How is your job going? If you are interested in something eles that has high pay out and working from home, my company just rolled out a new economic stimulus plan that I could share with you. Let me know - W.
Were you able to get some good ideas on the whole home business thing then? I have a couple home businesses that I do but you may have found somehting in the meantime as it has been a couple months - here is a website if you want to take a peek at what I do... =) V. http://www.montanamom5.com
Having a home based business is so rewarding. The most important thing to finding success is finding the right fit, wether you find a need and fill it or if you look for a company that is already established and you can jump on their experience/product or whatever to gain your independence.
I am a stay at home mom and a work from home mom. The relationship marketing industry allows me to be home with my kids and I finally found a good fit for my family. There is a lot out there and I am sure you will find what is right for you.
Hi D.,
I just saw you request this am. I am in my 50's and I work from home. I help people create a 2nd income stream. The best way to work is to of course work smart. I rep for Melaleuca and I have made over $306,000 in the last 7 years working part time. It's fabulous. No inventory, headache, or sales. Hope you're open to take a look. I'd love to share with you. I live in Redmond.
N. B
____@____.com
###-###-####
email me or call me and we can meet each other and I'll share what I do.
Thank you,
N. B
