Working from home is a dream for many, but when you have young children, it could be the answer to your prayers. Millions of moms have become entrepreneurs in the last decade. The internet has made it incredibly easy to start a home business from scratch. All you need is time, dedication, and a sprinkling of luck. Bloggers, writers, photographers, and SEO experts all had to start somewhere, so if you need to earn some extra money, but you do not want to work in a conventional office, starting a business from home could be the solution!
Home Office Space
You need office space, even if it is a small desk tucked away in a quiet room. No matter what type of business you start, it pays to be organized from the very beginning. It is possible to store much of the paperwork in digital format, but even so, you need a space to work in peace and quiet, preferably in a room where the kids will not be bugging you for drinks and snacks every five minutes.
Set up your home office in a spare room or buy a small desk for the bedroom. Invest in a comfortable office chair and a computer, and away you go!
Create A Website
All businesses need a website, irrespective of whether you are reaching out to an online audience or targeting people in the local community. We all look online these days if we want information about a business or someone to fix a problem. It does not cost much and there’s cheapest way to make a website. All you need is a domain name and a hosting package. WordPress is easy to use and 100% free, but if websites are a foreign language, ask someone else to build you a simple site. Most teenagers can do it in their sleep, so it should not be too difficult to find a family member willing to assist.
Networking
Do not underestimate the importance of networking. Without a network of contacts, it will be hard to drum up business. Networking is time-consuming, but social media makes it relatively easy. Reach out to potential contacts on social media and attend local networking events for entrepreneurs. Friends you make now could turn out to be useful allies in the future.
Local Advertising
Local advertising is useful if you are offering a service the local community might be interested in. Placing ads in community newspapers and magazines can be cost effective, but so is buying a yard sign to expand your reach and attract passing trade. For example, if you make celebration cakes, a yard sign printing service could be just what you need to find new customers and fill up your order book for the next year.
Childcare
In the early days, working before the kids wake up or after they have gone to bed might work, but as your business grows you will need to look at childcare. Either ask your partner or family to step up to the plate, or pay for professional childcare.
Do not expect overnight success, but if you work hard enough, your business will begin to grow and flourish. Have confidence in yourself — you can do it!
WP is the best, yes! Glad to see you recommend it, Andi 🙂