Start a business from scratch

The current trend is geared towards more home-based businesses. They require lower overhead and startup money- making them easier for entrepreneurs with limited funds to start up. If you are thinking about starting a home-based service business, here are a few tips for getting started on the right foot.


What is a service business?
Service businesses are those that provide help to others. This can be anything from mowing the lawn to managing business accounts. The basis of a successful service business is one that supplies a need. In your area, it may take some research to discover the top service needs and then figure out which one you can provide. Use those around you and try to fill a need. Around here we need a fast food delivery place, a drive thru desert place (who also delivers), an entertainment zone for the teens to spend time at. These are just a few examples of service businesses that are needed in my area. My mother owns a business offering residential and business cleaning services. What is the need in your community and how can you fill it?


Benefits of a home-based service business
There are several benefits to running a home-based service business. First of all, you can run the business from your home. Since you already pay a mortgage, utilities and car payments, the only thing you need spend money on now is the equipment for your business. And, if you are running a service that began as a hobby that means you probably already own most of the needed equipment.

Secondly, a home-based service business requires low overhead and startup costs. We alluded to the startup costs above and the low overhead means no employees but you. The key to keeping the overhead low is taking on only as many projects as you can safely and efficiently handle by yourself. Start small and then grow and invest your business. Every business I've ran, I've started small with one client, one service or one product.

Home-based service business options
As we mentioned, you can usually run these service businesses out of your home. Establishing a website for selling your services lowers the overhead even more and maximizes your profit. With the Internet as your potential customer base, the opportunities are endless for marketing and finding clients. Here are some home-based service options.

There are considerations before beginning any type of business even a home-based one.
1. Check out the local laws for registering and zoning a home business. Most home businesses require no zoning issues unless you will be meeting clients in your home and posting signs in the yard.

2. Small business tax laws. Now that you are a business, you are subject to different tax exemptions, deductions and payments. Sites like www.irs.gov can give you the information you need.

3. Set up a separate work space at home. This could be as simple as using a spare bedroom or den with a door to keep your work separate. If you rely on the telephone a separate phone line can be added. When a workshop is needed, consider using a garage or purchasing a large outbuilding.

4. Use on and offline marketing methods to find clients. This includes: viral marketing, newspaper and Yellow Pages ads, flyers, scratch off coupons, direct mailings, email marketing, and article marketing
5. Create a schedule to divide time between work and family. Balancing both is hard. Scheduling time and sticking to it means more gets done and no one is slighted. This is how it's supposed to be, in real life you will have interruptions and feel like you can't get it all done. Hang in there and get your schedule set and teach your friends and family that although you are working from home, you are not availalbe to chat, visit, or run their errands-unless you are running an errand service.

A home-based service business is an alternative for people who want to experience entrepreneurship without spending a lot of money in upfront costs. If you have a talent and can meet a need, consider a home-based business.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terra Williams is a work-at-home entrepreneur who balances a home, career, husband, and four kids . She enjoys helping others market their business using scratch off stickers .