Stepping into year two of a home-based business hasmy thoughts turned to the revamping of my businesswebsite and business in general. My first thought waswhere to start? I haven't written an article in some timeand maybe this is a good start to get the ball rolling.Perhaps you have read," Look Before You Leap ... Isa Home-Based Business REALLY For You?, byElena Fawkner.Elena Fawkner is editor of A Home-Based BusinessOnline ...practical home business ideas for the work-from-home entrepreneur. http://www.ahbbo.comElena has made some very good points in her articleabout home business.As an entrepreneur of home business, I too share herthoughts. I wrote an article,"Home Biz Tips", sometime ago, that merely skimmed the surface of the homebusiness. Now going into my second year of business,I found some new experiences to add to my list andElena's.Elena places home business realities into threecategories: financial, personal and situational. I will addmy comments for each below:Personal Realities:>Commitment: That's exactly so, either you're into it oryou're not.Your business must be top priority overanything. You must dedicate yourself to succeed.>Risk Taker: If you are not ready for a downfall, don'ttry a home business. It will fail many ways before itsucceeds. Secure and stable,it is not for some time tocome.>Self-Motivation: You are the number one "Boss".You must do it, like it or not, even the stuff you hate todo.There is no one else there to do it.>Self-Discipline: Distractions? You bet and lots ofthem! I cannot name the number of them within a spanof one hour. Be prepared to stay focused.>Patience: It is a virtue! Believe it. You are not goingto make money right away, kudos to Elena! Absolutetruth.>Reasons: Want to work from home? Yes....and helpwith the income? Yes...Buy for your home, children,and spouse? Yes..Remember your reasons.>Flexibility and Adaptability: Jack of AllTrades,"That's You!" Just like those many householdchores you do without thinking. You will learn to dothings you never realized, that were associated withworking at home.>Willingness to Sacrifice: Long hours on the computerare a must.Can you sacrifice time and can your familylive with it?>Work Ethic: Does the need to work exist in you?>Stress Management: It's alot of weight on yourshoulders! Your business relies on you as to whether itwill succeed or not. Many thoughts will be on yourmind and you must carry these thoughts with you dayand night, everywhere you
go, in everything youdo...always in the back of your mind. Can you dealwith it?Financial Realities:>Cash Reserves: I have little cash reserves andmanage to stay afloat.There are times when I have itand times I do not. I need to keep my telephone,Internet Service Provider, and website paid todate.They are my top priorities and advertising is amust.>Retirement Planning: Definitely a must, IRA's workand so do 401k plans and savings accounts. Examinethe possibilities.>Health Insurance: You definitely need to find somecoverage. I am covered under my husband's plan fornow.>Vacation: No Pay...Yep, that's right! Be preparedbefore you schedule a vacation. It's Christmas Dayand I am writing an article at 3 am.!Situation Realities:>Hard Work-Long Hours: It must be nice to work athome!..how many times have I heard that? Too Many!I am sick of home! I still spend on average, eight hoursa day on my computer as compared to twelve-fifteenin the beginning. A kind word of warning, take breaksoften..it's tough to move after a few hours at thecomputer. Health problems will develop if you sit toolong. Also remember to get enough sleep, a must!>Interruptions: Plenty of them. Not only from the kidsand spouse, but the dogs and cat and phone and doorand everything in between.This requires concentrationabove all...stay focused on whatever it is you aredoing.>Distractions: Alot like interruptions..but last longerusually. I learned to do those household tasks alongside the business tasks. This may not work for you. Ifind it serves as a break in monotony and refreshesyour mind. In fact, I do several tasks throughout theday and keep my computer booted.>Isolation and Loneliness: In addition to Elena's ideas,often a trip to a friend's house or a walk may cure theblues. Another tip is to play music in the backgroundas you work.Make 2002 the year for your home business startup ornot...I will move forward in my business even though myfirst year was a bit scary at times. I have overcome thescary part and learned to deal with ups and downs,good times and bad, and unsuspected wrong turns.But overall my business has proved to be successfulthrough the first year and "Yes", I did make money.Enough to pay some of my bills, but it was animprovement and that's why I continue to work athome.
About the Author
Donna SweatPublisher/EditorDee's Helpful Info.NewsletterEndless Mts Home Businesshttp://www.homebizandmore.homestead.commailto:donna@sosbbs.com
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