Thursday, July 30, 2009

Work-at-Home Ideas For Your Business

By Jaipi Sixbear

There is a growing interest today in work-at-home situations. Whether you are self employed or otherwise, there are many options to consider. Working at home saves gas and commute stress. It allows people with small children an alternative to day care. Flexibility in scheduling activities and other interests is another consideration. Whatever your situation, I am confident there is an opportunity to suit your needs.

Here are some ideas for people like you and I who prefer to work at home. Most of them do not require any special skill or formal education and many can be started for very little or no cost. All you need is ambition and a little drive to succeed and you will be well on your way.

Newsletter - Pick a pet subject, hobby or interest as a guideline for the type of stories you would like in your paper. Make up a mock paper or first issue to show potential advertisers.

Make sure your advertisers fit the profile of the newsletter. You don't want ads for a hunting shop in a vegetarian newsletter. The advertising pays for the paper and if you are lucky a little profit goes in your pocket as well.

Memory albums - These are a growing trend and not everyone has the time or talent to put them together. Show sample pages to potential clients. You charge for supplies and labor, the labor being your cut.

Party planner- Your clients can choose a pre-packaged [party in a box or you can offer full service from start to finish. Once again you charge for supplies and labor.

Junk removal or garage cleaning- If you own a truck or trailer this can be quite lucrative. One mans' trash is another mans' treasure and some of that trash you haul may be recyclable for cash.

Event photography- If you are handy with a camera you can take photos or videos of special events. Start with friends and family and as word of mouth passes your business grows.

Plant maintenance- Many people love plants but don't have the time or expertise to take care of them. If you have a green thumb this could be your niche.

Aquarium maintenance- If it turns your stomach to see algae overtaking your neighbor's fish tank this is the job for you. Check with doctor's offices etc. to expand your list of clients.

Mail order- find a product to market and send through the mail. If you don't have space to store products there are companies who do the storage and mailing for you. This is called drop shipping.

Seamstress/Alterations - If you are handy with a needle and thread consider this one. Dry cleaners charge a fortune for this service. Could you use a piece of that fortune?

Pond or water fountain construction- This is a fast growing need as more and more people desire the peaceful soothing sounds of a water feature on their property. Many home and garden stores offer free classes on building these to promote the use of their products.

These are just a few ideas for starting a business working from home. Many more are out there waiting for you. If you don't have a lot of money, start small and expand as you go. Good luck to you!

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