Do You Have What it Takes for a Home-Based Business? Three things to look for...

So you're thinking about it. A home-based business. You're tired of the whole J.O.B. thing, the commute, the low pay...you name it. You certainly didn't dream of overtime and overdue house payments and orthodontics for your kids. You know there's lots out there...you heard about the mechanic who went from broke to gazillionaire in a matter of months. Can't be that hard...

Or can it?

You know you want it, but what does it really take to succeed in a home-based business?

I'm going to suggest a few quick and general things...

First, take a long, hard look at you. Yes, you. Do you whine and complain about your station in life? None of it's your fault...things just worked out the way they did. If that's you, you'll first need to change your mindset before you take on a business. No matter how easy it seemed for Joe Mechanic, his success, I guarantee, came when he determined to take responsibility for his life...and his success. There's lots to do to change...but you need to start with an honest self-assessment. Ask your spouse, your co-workers, or your friends what they see as your strengths...and your weaknesses. Be ready for their answers...

Okay, you've done some thinking here, and accepted who you are. Now you're ready for the next reality check.

Second, to work for yourself from your home, you need to be focused and disciplined. Before you quit your job, you may have to give up those hours of television in the evening and the idea that weekends are free. Later, when things are rolling and you no longer need the W-2, it's okay to decide that your work hours are before the kids get home from school and after they're in bed, but you do have to set aside regular work hours. And, you'll probably have to take some crash courses in putting together your business plan, from filing papers with the IRS and your State Business Office to accounting to marketing. It may seem easy to make lots of money at home, and it may come quick, but it takes work...that's the part that often gets overlooked.

You've got it scheduled...great.

Third, what is it that you really want to do? Whether you're working for someone else or yourself, you won't truly be happy unless you're doing something you love. Something that makes you excited to get started each morning. Take a look at your life now. Are there hobbies you spend all of your time either working on or dreaming about? My youngest son has a small construction company, plays the saxophone in club bands, and makes custom frames. But what he really loves is bar tending, because he loves being a host.

That's a short list. But it's a start.

Remember what a home-based business can do for you...no more forced overtime, your house paid off, and the best orthodontists for the kids.

But it takes a certain mindset, discipline and focus, and work that you're passionate about.

You have it in you; now go for it!

Blessings,
Judy

Three Reasons Why You Need a Home-Based Business Today

So, you have your life dream drawn in technicolor. The house, the car, the travel, time with your family, and the financial freedom to do and be whatever you can hold in your thoughts.

Now, is your current job your ticket to your dream?

No? Thought not.

But, wait, there's hope...A HOME-BASED BUSINESS!

Here are three reasons you need a home-based business today...

1. the economy
   
2. taxes
3. flexibility

THE ECONOMY
Do I need say more? Our economy is in turmoil. Big companies...Starbucks, Circuit City, Rite Aid, to name just a few who've been in the headlines recently...are either closing their doors or are close to it. Where are all of those employees going to find jobs?

But it's not just the closings...it's the layoffs and down-sizing, the lower wages and the disappearance of benefits.

All at a time when gas prices and food prices eat huge holes in family budgets.

How secure are you?

I was a teacher for 14 years. I voluntarily left to pursue a greater dream. But thousands in my Florida county no longer have teaching positions even though our student population is growing.

TAXES
There are 300 or so tax deductions available for small business owners...including small home-based businesses.

One of our dreams was to travel. And we have. Every trip we've made this past year...from a cruise in the Mexican Riviera to Universal Orlando and Blue Man Group...were tax deductible business expenses. All according to the IRS code.

And that's just a small part of what the government has available for small business owners.

You can't afford not to have a home-based business.

FLEXIBILITY
Your home-based business gives you the flexibility to arrange your business activities around your family.

If you have small children, keep them home with you. Save on day care and travel expenses. Give them parenting you know they need...you.

If you have school-aged children, be home for them when the bus drops them off. Help them with homework (if you get that new-fangled way of teaching algebra!), play that game of Monopoly, read that book together.

My husband still holds his W-2 job. Until the end of this year. Then we'll have the flexibility to travel where we want, when we want. Our home business is portable. All we need is our lap top and wireless Internet access...

Hey, I remind you. We're not there yet. Not at financial freedom. But we have a plan. And we've already worked through lots of mistakes to get where we are. I'll tell you about those, so you may not have to repeat them.

But we still have our dream.

So, dream your technicolor dream. A home-based business can be the way you step into financial freedom.

Go for it!

Blessings,
Judy