Is a Home-Based Business What You Want?

Stepping into year two of a home-based business has
my thoughts turned to the revamping of my business
website and business in general. My first thought was
where to start? I haven't written an article in some time
and maybe this is a good start to get the ball rolling.
Perhaps you have read," Look Before You Leap ... Is
a Home-Based Business REALLY For You?, by
Elena Fawkner.
Elena Fawkner is editor of A Home-Based Business
Online ...practical home business ideas for the work-
from-home entrepreneur. http://www.ahbbo.com

Elena has made some very good points in her article
about home business.
As an entrepreneur of home business, I too share her
thoughts. I wrote an article,"Home Biz Tips", some
time ago, that merely skimmed the surface of the home
business. Now going into my second year of business,
I found some new experiences to add to my list and
Elena's.
Elena places home business realities into three
categories: financial, personal and situational. I will add
my comments for each below:

Personal Realities:

>Commitment: That's exactly so, either you're into it or
you're not.Your business must be top priority over
anything. You must dedicate yourself to succeed.

>Risk Taker: If you are not ready for a downfall, don't
try a home business. It will fail many ways before it
succeeds. Secure and stable,it is not for some time to
come.

>Self-Motivation: You are the number one "Boss".
You must do it, like it or not, even the stuff you hate to
do.There is no one else there to do it.

>Self-Discipline: Distractions? You bet and lots of
them! I cannot name the number of them within a span
of one hour. Be prepared to stay focused.

>Patience: It is a virtue! Believe it. You are not going
to make money right away, kudos to Elena! Absolute
truth.

>Reasons: Want to work from home? Yes....and help
with the income? Yes...Buy for your home, children,
and spouse? Yes..Remember your reasons.

>Flexibility and Adaptability: Jack of All
Trades,"That's You!" Just like those many household
chores you do without thinking. You will learn to do
things you never realized, that were associated with
working at home.

>Willingness to Sacrifice: Long hours on the computer
are a must.Can you sacrifice time and can your family
live with it?

>Work Ethic: Does the need to work exist in you?

>Stress Management: It's alot of weight on your
shoulders! Your business relies on you as to whether it
will succeed or not. Many thoughts will be on your
mind and you must carry these thoughts with you day
and night, everywhere you go, in everything you
do...always in the back of your mind. Can you deal
with it?

Financial Realities:

>Cash Reserves: I have little cash reserves and
manage to stay afloat.There are times when I have it
and times I do not. I need to keep my telephone,
Internet Service Provider, and website paid to
date.They are my top priorities and advertising is a
must.

>Retirement Planning: Definitely a must, IRA's work
and so do 401k plans and savings accounts. Examine
the possibilities.

>Health Insurance: You definitely need to find some
coverage. I am covered under my husband's plan for
now.

>Vacation: No Pay...Yep, that's right! Be prepared
before you schedule a vacation. It's Christmas Day
and I am writing an article at 3 am.!

Situation Realities:

>Hard Work-Long Hours: It must be nice to work at
home!..how many times have I heard that? Too Many!
I am sick of home! I still spend on average, eight hours
a day on my computer as compared to twelve-fifteen
in the beginning. A kind word of warning, take breaks
often..it's tough to move after a few hours at the
computer. Health problems will develop if you sit too
long. Also remember to get enough sleep, a must!

>Interruptions: Plenty of them. Not only from the kids
and spouse, but the dogs and cat and phone and door
and everything in between.This requires concentration
above all...stay focused on whatever it is you are
doing.

>Distractions: Alot like interruptions..but last longer
usually. I learned to do those household tasks along
side the business tasks. This may not work for you. I
find it serves as a break in monotony and refreshes
your mind. In fact, I do several tasks throughout the
day 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 the
blues. Another tip is to play music in the background
as you work.

Make 2002 the year for your home business startup or
not...

I will move forward in my business even though my
first year was a bit scary at times. I have overcome the
scary 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 successful
through the first year and "Yes", I did make money.
Enough to pay some of my bills, but it was an
improvement and that's why I continue to work at
home.