Have you lost a job or are in fear of being laid off or fired? Are you computer or internet savvy? Are you a social person who is “good with people” ? Did you go to work just to make a paycheck and the best part of your day is when you are starting up your car to go HOME? Are you a perfectionist? A internet based home business may be the right choice for you !
Now is the perfect time to “dust yourself off”, and change your state of mind from becoming a “consumer/employee”, to becoming a “producer/owner”. (Keep in mind that many of the largest companies that exist today, were created during a recession!)
Owning your own business is not an easy task, and you will definitely NOT enjoy a regular “9 to 5” schedule, as you will be spending the majority of your time working. You will have no one managing your job tasks but yourself, and you will need at LEAST 6 months of living expenses, OR a part time job to help you through the “start up” phase.
Since you are computer/internet savvy, currently (or nearly) unemployed and are good with people, what do you have to lose by starting your own business? You are correct......NOTHING !
Let’s explore three of the opportunities that you could consider, and research, in hopes of finding your “dream career”. (NOTE: This is part 1 of a 3 part series)
-------------------------------
1.) Web Designer
If you have a knack for graphic design & layout, and you have a working knowledge of coding (i.e. HTML, CSS); you may consider improving your skills, and becoming a freelance web designer. The most important “items” that you will need to start your venture into web design are: web editing software, graphics editing software, a computer (obviously!), internet connection, printer/copier/scanner, and a desire to succeed!
Once you have mastered the skills needed to become a web designer, you can then decide whether you want to freelance, or work for an already established company. One important thing to consider is, you will need to develop a portfolio of the websites that you have designed, to use when marketing your services to potential clients. Many people choose to offer designing websites for free initially, so they will have a variety of websites to use in their portfolios.
We won’t get into marketing in this particular article, but good “business sense”, and marketing your skills, will be the deciding factor in whether you making money as a designer, or design websites only as a hobby. If web design sounds like your “cup of tea”, start learning as much as you can about design, coding and marketing and put your plan into action. Do not expect “over-night” results, but work hard and do not be afraid of long hours in front of your computer, and your hard work WILL pay off !
-----------
2.) Virtual Assistant
The virtual assistant industry is becoming more popular for women that want to become entrepreneurs, but who are interested in maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. For this business, start-up costs are low, and the profit potential is VERY good. According to the "Virtual Business Alliance", the average virtual assistant working full time in the US, grossed more than $39,000.00 in income, in 2008.
Determine what services you will be able to offer, while being realistic about any limitations posed by your experience time dedication and skills. Decide how much time you will need, to dedicate to your venture and whether you will be working fulltime, or part time - to grow your business. It becomes extremely important, to research what companies have a need for your services, in your local area.
You will need to consider who your ideal clients are, where they are located, what their needs are, how to reach them, and lastly, how to SELL them on your services. Other things to factor into your goals are: a well-thought out business plan, your budget(how you will survive financially during start-up ?), your equipment (does your home office have all of the necessary machinery to service the clients efficiently ?), and marketing (how will you market your services and how much of your day can you spend on marketing?).
Hopefully these tips, along with your own research into becoming a virtual assistant, will land you, your “dream career” !
------------
3.) Reseller (with internet storefront)
Are you familiar with selling items on the internet? Are you familiar with creating web ads or thinking of creative ways to sell products? You may want to consider a business - running an online internet storefront! An internet storefront reseller, is a person(s) who has a website the allows e-commerce; and items ordered are processed and shipped to the customer, on behalf of the storefront owner. Becoming an internet storefront allows you to sell items from the privacy of your own home, and can be done on a part time, or full time basis! The first thing you’ll need to do, is research to see WHAT you will actually sell.
Next, research for companies that will provide your site for a nominal monthly fee (beginning at $20), including: hosting, credit card processing, and support. Try to narrow your options down to a company that works best for you, and if you have the ability, you can bypass a third party, and build your website yourself. Building your own website, can save you significant money and allowing you more flexibility, but please keep in mind that an amateur website builder, will often get "amateur results." Your website should look as professional as possible, while complimenting your business and industry.
As an internet reseller, you will definitely need to obtain the following: a unique domain name, unique business name registration (DBA, Corp, etc), tax ID number, reseller’s license (wholesaler’s license), accounts with wholesale distributors, and possibly a business license depending on your local laws.
In addition, a “fast” internet connection, copier/printer/fax and other “general office” equipment will be needed, to operate this home business. Since many of the wholesaler’s also function as “drop shippers”, you can sell goods without having physical inventory in your home! The customer places the order on your website and pays for the order; after which YOU place the order with your distributor, who in turn delivers the goods to your customer. Your customer receives the package and is convinced that the package(s) came directly from YOU !
If you are considering becoming an internet storefront reseller, there’s not a better chance than today. Just realize that as with any other business, it will be HARD WORK. Conduct the proper research, be honest with yourself, have realistic expectations, and a PLAN; and you will eventually find your business a SUCCESS !
-----
Please stay tuned for Part 2, as we explore three more opportunities that you can look into which are: Computer Repair Business, E-Bay Seller and Software Trainer.
We will help you take control of YOUR OWN financial future !
Happy Computing !
Jarvis Edwards – TekTime
How to keep your kids safe online - Internet Content Filtering!
Parents! We are in the technology age, and the internet continues to grow in usage daily. What's one of the fastest growing groups of people using the internet? KIDS! If you fear your child's safety on the internet, this article is a must.
Beware of “fake antivirus” programs that infect your computer!
Many of you reading this have been affected by fake antivirus software in a bad way. There are actually ways to prevent harmful-disguised software from ruining your day, and your computer. Read this article for more details, and for best results, follow our recommendations!
Lost your job in the recession? Start an internet business ! (Part 2)
Dues to the recession many people have lost jobs. Few people look to job loss as an opportunity to start a business and take control of their own financial futures. We will help those few people by showing them several opportunities for the entrepreneur minded person !
