| When I first started my adventure with a home | | | | the financial freedom of my family. I basically |
| based internet business I thought: "Ok this is easy, | | | | followed the concept of defining SMART goals; |
| just click and get your online business started". | | | | that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic |
| However, after a week, I learned that there is so | | | | and Timely. Take a look online for more |
| much more that needs to get done. Many of the | | | | information of setting SMART goals |
| work from home offers promise big money with | | | | 4. Overcome The Contradiction. Find Childcare. |
| minimal effort. This is not how it works. Working | | | | This is the greatest contradiction of all time. Every |
| from home requires planning and organization. I | | | | article I have read has indicated that it is |
| found a great resource online called SCORE. | | | | important to find Childcare. WHAT? I thought the |
| SCORE provides business counseling and insight in | | | | whole point of this Home Based Business was to |
| to next steps for a new business. They also offer | | | | be with the kids. Right? Well, here is what I know. |
| "How-To" guides for newbies like myself. | | | | I have a 2.5 year old that will tear down the walls |
| After endless research and several hundred | | | | and escape down the street at a moment's |
| resources later, I came up with 5 basic steps that | | | | notice if someone is not watching her. So here is |
| will help a new home business owner get started. | | | | the deal. With little ones you have a couple of |
| Here is what I have learned on my journey to | | | | options. Focus your efforts when they are out of |
| become my own boss: | | | | commission in the wee hours of the morning, |
| | | | noon or night. If not, find a play date for a few |
| 1. Define a business that works for you and try | | | | hours a day. It will be good for the kids and for |
| to fill a need. Every article and quick tip I have | | | | your business. You can trade play dates or sitting |
| researched has discussed the importance of | | | | "services" with other SAHMs. Also, check out the |
| finding a business that works for you and that will | | | | local community services offered. There are |
| serve potential clients. It is not only about your | | | | some great kids programs that will keep the little |
| work experience but also about what you enjoy. | | | | ones busy and the prices are reasonable if not |
| It is important to do some homework up front | | | | free. |
| and find out what service you can provide; what | | | | 5. Work It. Once you have completed these |
| need there is for the service; and what you will | | | | preliminary steps. It is time to get to work. Get |
| enjoy doing. Some ideas that come to mind | | | | connected with others to help promote your |
| based on my interactions with friends and family | | | | business. Network. Blog. Write Articles. Engage |
| are: Party Planning, Crafts, Personal/Virtual | | | | Friends, Family, or leverage your volunteer work |
| Assistants, and Children's Cab Service (I know I | | | | to promote the business. Check out your local |
| need someone to drive my kids around while I | | | | publications to place free or low cost ads. Utilize |
| am at work!). | | | | online connections. There are online networks that |
| 2. Get Legal. Go to your local city hall and | | | | can provide great tools and resources to connect |
| determine if you need a local license or permit. | | | | you to clients, advertisers, or other home |
| For example, in my area I only have to apply for | | | | business opportunities. I visit these sites on a daily |
| a city business license. There is a small fee but it | | | | basis because the resources are very useful and |
| pays to be legit! There are also many online | | | | connect me to other opportunities to promote |
| resources that are available. Also, you may want | | | | my business. The bottom line is that you have to |
| to check into your homeowner's insurance policy | | | | get your business out there for people to |
| to see what is covered. | | | | recognize that your business amongst thousands |
| 3. Get Organized. Write down your business plan! I | | | | of others is the one they should choose. At the |
| wrote down my expectation for work hours and | | | | end of the day, you will recognize that the more |
| earnings as well as maximum investment dollars. | | | | work you put in; the more people will recognize |
| My investment plans included supplies, my own | | | | your value. So Work It! |
| pay rate and initial setup. I also wrote down my | | | | ©2007, Gina Blanco, Author. WANT TO USE |
| objective for this business to measure my | | | | THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? |
| success. One of my objectives is to become a | | | | Yes, you can, provided you make all links live and |
| Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) without jeopardizing | | | | include this copyright and by-line below. |