Take a look at yourself: how would you describe yourself? Are you creative and arty? Perhaps you are into numbers and figures. You might enjoy writing or drawing. Perhaps you just enjoy meeting people and working with them. Then consider what skills you have that will enhance your ability to do a job and make a success of a business. You might be organised, enjoy talking on the phone, be unafraid to meet new people or be able to touch type. Your skill set is unique to you and should be able to help you choose what to do. Other considerations may include whether you have any money to set yourself up and whether you need new items such as a computer and printer.
Using Your Hobbies as a Business
Many people go on to use their hobbies as a business. They take their skills lovingly learned and use them as the basis of their job. This can be an excellent way to start out, but bear in mind that something that you once really enjoyed doing must remain an enjoyable activity or it becomes just another job. Do retain your enjoyment by doing your own projects as well as work for other people. You may find that your hobby goes off in another direction once you are doing it as work.
Use Your Former Job as a Job
It makes sense: you already have the skill set, but you will need to learn to market yourself and find your own customers. You need to be careful because some companies require you to sign a non-compete form when leaving which means that you cannot work in the same field for x number of years. Jobs that translate well to setting up your own business include PR work, Event Management, Accountant or Book Keeping, Web Designer, Copywriting and Teaching which can become tutoring with small groups or one-to-one.
Party Plan Businesses
You will need to have willing friends and choose to sell something that people will want to buy. Party plans can include books, chocolate, cards, make-up and skin care, candles and kitchen ware. There is usually an initial outlay for brochures and display items. You pay for what you need and it is usually offered to you at a discount. You will need dedication and will power not to spend all you earn on the lovely stuff you sell, but there are people who are very successful at this kind of selling and who thrive on it. You are usually given an area manager whom you can go to with issues, and staying with the company long enough can give you the opportunity to run your own sales team.
Franchises
You buy the right to operate a franchise in a particular area. The outlay is more than you would pay for a party plan, but you are offered a business plan that works and help from an experienced manager who knows the business inside out. Franchises can be one of the most successful businesses because they are so well supported. There are exhibitions devoted to franchises and it is a good idea to go to one of these because of the vast array to choose from. It is a big commitment to run a franchise and it is very hard work when you first set up.
Tutoring
Have you got a skill that people would like to learn? Can you speak a foreign language, or can you teach English and Maths? Tutors are always in demand. You can join forums to advertise your skills, or even put a card in a local shop window. You need to be careful when tutoring children - it is best to go to their home and insist on a parent being close by. Write out a simple contract to start off with four lessons and see how it goes. Most children just need extra practice and confidence in their subject rather than detailed back to basics teaching. You can work with an agency if you prefer and they will put you in touch with clients in your area in return for part of the fee each week. This can make it easier to get work and the clients know that you have already been checked over by someone. Initial outlay is cheap, although you may need to invest in some up-to-date text books to work from.
There are lots of opportunities to work from home: it is a matter of research and deciding which one will suit you. A good way to start is to decide on the number of hours that you will realistically be able to devote to your business and the money that you have available to invest and basing your choice on these two factors. Take as much advice as you can and go for it!
If you enjoyed this article then you might like to check out others on the same subject: Five Reasons to be a Home-Based Worker and Five Qualities of a Successful Home-Based Worker .
Sarah Charmley - I have a degree in education and have worked in primary schools as a full-time and a relief teacher. Currently I am pursuing a career in ...
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