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1992-07-16
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HOW TO START A HOME BASED BUSINESS
Fifteen years ago, going to work meant traveling from home to a plant or
office. Today, many people do some or all of their work at home. A private
marketing research firm estimates that as many as 13 million people squeeze
extra hours into their workweek by taking work home from their full-time
jobs, and that 9 million people are independent home-workers who work
exclusively at home.
Many people find working at home is the "ideal work arrangement" and decide
to formally set up businesses in their homes. SBA estimates that more than 3
million of these home-based businesses are now operating throughout the
country.
Every day, people are striking out and achieving economic and creative
independence by turning their skills into dollars. Garages, basements and
attics are being transformed into the corporate headquarters of the newest
entrepreneurs -- the home-based business person. And with today's rising
demand for "service-oriented" businesses and recent technological advances,
the opportunities seem to be endless.
Getting Started
Before you dive headfirst into a home-based business, it's essential that you
know why you are doing it. To succeed, your business must be based on
something greater than a desire to be your own boss. You have to plan and
make improvements and adjustments along the road.
As you ask yourself the following questions, remember: there are no "best" or
"right" reasons for starting a home-based business. But it is important for
you to understand what this new venture involves.
Working under the same roof that your family lives under may not prove to be
as easy as it seems. It is important that you work in a professional
environment. One suggestion is to set up a separate office in your home to
create this professional environment. Ask yourself these questions:
∙ Can I switch from home responsibilities to business work?
∙ Do I have the self-discipline to maintain schedules?
∙ Can I deal with the isolation of working from home?
∙ Am I a self-starter?
Finding Your Niche
Choosing a home business is like choosing a spouse; your decision must be
approached with a great deal of care and concern for the future.
Before you invest your time, effort and money, take a few moments to answer
the following questions. They'll help separate sound ideas from those with a
high potential for failure.
∙ Does your home have the space for a business?
∙ Can you identify and describe the business you plan on establishing?
∙ Can you identify your business's product or service?
∙ Is there a demand for your product or service?
∙ What advantages do you have over your competitors?
∙ Do you have the talent and expertise needed to compete successfully?
∙ Can you successfully run the business from your home?
Legal Requirements
A home-based business is subject to many of the same laws and regulations
affecting other businesses. Here are some general areas to watch out for, but
be sure to consult an attorney and the state department of labor to find out
which laws and regulations will affect your business.
∙ Be aware of your city's zoning regulations. If your business operates in
violation of them, you could be fined or closed down.
∙ Certain products cannot be produced in the home. Most states outlaw the
home production of fireworks, drugs, poisons, explosives, sanitary or
medical products and toys. Some states also prohibit home-based
businesses from making food, drink or clothing.
In addition, there are registration and accounting requirements to consider.
Among them:
∙ You may need to obtain a work certificate or license from the state.
Your business's name may need to be registered with the state.
∙ Usually, a sales tax number must be obtained.
∙ A separate business telephone and bank account normally are required.
And if you have employees, you are responsible for:
∙ Withholding income and social security taxes.
∙ Complying with minimum wage and employee health and safety laws.
Once you've thought over the pros and cons of home-based businesses, it's
time to put together a business plan.
Developing A Business Plan
Putting together a business plan forces you to take an objective and critical
look at your business idea. Even more, the finished product is an operational
tool that will help move your business toward success.
A business plan should be neat, not fancy, and should include:
Cover Page: List the business name, address, mailing address, telephone
number and the name of the owner(s). Identify your primary goals and
objectives.
Business Description: Include an accurate and concise description of the
business.
A. What is the principal activity? Be specific. Give product or service
descriptions.
B. How will the business be started?
C. Why will it succeed? Promote your idea.
D. What experience do you bring to the business?
Marketing
Remember, marketing is the core of your business. Carefully think about these
questions:
A. Can you market your business from home?
B. Who and what is your market?
C. What pricing and sales terms are you planning?
D. How will you be competitive?
The Financial Plan
Money is what fuels all businesses. With a little planning you'll find that
you can avoid most financial difficulties.
When you're drawing up a financial plan, don't worry about using estimates.
The process of thinking through these questions helps develop your business
skills and leads to solid financial planning.
Start-up Costs: To estimate your start-up costs, include all initial expenses
such as fees, licenses, permits, telephone deposit, tools, office equipment
and promotional expenses. Business experts say you should not expect a profit
for the first eight to 10 months, so be sure to give yourself enough cushion.
Projecting Operating Expenses: Include salaries, utilities, office supplies,
loan payments, taxes, legal services and insurance premiums. Don't forget to
include your normal living expenses.
Projecting Income: It is essential you know how to estimate your sales on a
daily and monthly basis. From the sales estimates, you can develop projected
income statements, breakeven points and cash flow statements. Use your
marketing research to estimate initial sales volume.
Cash Flow: Cash pays your bills, not profits. Even though your assets may
look great on the balance sheet, if your cash is tied up in receivables or
equipment, your business is technically insolvent. Or to put it in layman's
terms, you're broke.
Make a list of all anticipated expenses and projected income for each week
and month. If you see a cash flow crisis developing, cut back on everything
but the necessities.
Remember, preparation is the foundation of success. Talk to home-based
business people, join a home-based professional association or "moonlight" at
a similar business. Learn how to use business resources to strengthen your
home-based business. Success doesn't just happen, you have to make it happen.
How To Get More
Information
Make it your business to know
what business information is available, where to get it and, most
importantly, how to use it. Sources of information include:
U.S. Small Business Administration
∙ SBA District Offices.
∙ Small Business Centers (SBDC).
∙ Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).
∙ Small Business Institutes (SBI).
Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for your local SBA
office or call the Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-8-ASK-SBA for
information on any of the above resources. In Washington, D.C., call 205-
7333.
Other Sources
∙ State economic development agencies.
∙ Chambers of commerce.
∙ Local colleges.
∙ The library
∙ Manufacturers and suppliers of small-business technologies and products.
All SBA programs are available to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.