Choosing a Home Business

Many people today are looking for a home business - a way to generate extra income because of the declining economy. It's definitely a smart choice to develop a second steam of income, just in case anything happens to your primary source. The problem is, there are SO MANY options out there - how do you find the right business?

I can speak from experience here since I have had a home business for the past 6 years. Although I never thought of myself as a business person, I kind of "fell into" a business opportunity. You see, I went to a party and found myself loving the products. I wanted to buy it all, but couldn't afford to. So, like many others, I became a consultant so that I could get the discount. Later I decided to actually build it as a business so that I could earn enough money to stay home, at least part time. I worked hard and advanced my business, but soon after that I lost my status and was not earning what I had hoped. I began to doubt whether I could succeed and definitely knew that staying home was not an option.

So when I was presented with another business opportunity, I was determined to be more thoughtful and deliberate about whether to even get involved. I was skeptical and thought it was probably a scam - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? Well, I listened to the full information, researched it a bit, and determined that I wanted to at least give it a try. 2 years later, I am so glad that I did. I am now earning a consistent, reliable income which allows me to work part time instead of full-time. I have an excellent support team and am part of an amazing, debt-free company that continues to grow in the midst of this economy. So what are some of the keys to choosing (or finding) the right business for you?

• Get the facts. It's important to take a listen to the full information of whatever company you are considering teaming up with. And it shouldn't be just a 5 minute description - you will need to hear about the company's products, track record of success, business plan, compensation, etc. And be sure to ask questions! Ask to see the company's growth chart and average income earnings, if those aren't provided in the overview.
• Determine what kind of business you want. Do you want to do a party plan business where you need to go to other's houses and do parties, carry inventory, etc? Or do you want to be able to work entirely from home, using the phone and internet? Find out what the method of marketing is and find out if there is flexibility as well.
• Find out what kind of target audience you have. If you are selling jewelry or makeup, you will be cutting out about half of the population. If you are selling tools, you may be cutting out the other half. Will you be marketing products that everyone needs and uses, or just a certain group of people? If it's a certain group of people, how well do those products sell during difficult economic times? These are all things you will want to consider.
• Figure out how much income you want, and find out how you can achieve that with the companies you are considering. How long does it typically take someone to get to that income level? How much of your business is tax-deductible? Do you have to re-invest your earnings into product, training, or overhead? Or is your profit pure profit?

Although this is not an extensive list of questions, it should get you headed in the right direction. I am so thankful that I have found the right business for myself, and I hope you do too!

Positive Attitude & Finding Who To Work With

I've come to a decision: I only want to work with positive people. When working in a business from home, you get to choose who to work with. But for some reason, many of us choose anyone who will join us, rather than focusing on finding people who we WANT to work with. And from now on, I am choosing to work with positive people. When prospecting for people in the community, online, or wherever, I recommend focusing on those who have a positive personality, who attract other people, and who are hard working. These are all attributes that are essential to being successful in a home business. Here's why I think they are helpful:

1. Positive Personality/Outlook: There will always be bad days and we can't always be on top of the world. However, someone who can look on the bright side and get over the inevitable obstacles will be able to succeed. It's also important to have a positive attitude as a leader in your business. Your team will follow your lead, so if you are focusing on the negative things or whining and complaining, this will trickle down to your team.
2. Attract Other People: This really goes hand-in-hand with the first point. Positive people naturally attract others. But there are other qualities that attract other people, such as being someone who is honest and full of integrity. Someone who can attract other people will be able to get his or her business started quickly because they already have a group of people who trust them and will follow them.
3. Hard Working: I don't know any home business that is "easy." Some are simple, but none are easy. Therefore being someone who is hard working is absolutely essential to your success. I have teamed up with several people in my business, however, only those who have been persistent and consistent have been successful. I find that some people quit as soon as things get a little challenging, despite the fact that they really need the money. This is the hardest thing for me to understand - if you are in dire circumstances, and have a very doable and clear way to get out of those circumstances by working hard, then why would you not do it?!? So far, the best answer I have come up with is that some people are just comfortable where they are and are not willing to sacrifice to change their circumstances.

So, as you build your home business (or consider who to team up), be sure to look for people with these 3 qualities. You will be much happier and more successful. Don't let yourself get into the trap of teaming up with someone who does not have these qualities just because you are desperate to advance your business.

Getting Back to Work

After a month off from my business, I have been getting back to work in December. Balancing life with a newborn and having a home business is a new venture for me! I am certainly learning the value of sleep! Sometimes I have to choose between sleeping, showering, eating, cleaning, or working my business. And honestly it just depends on the day as to which one I choose. I have been learning to take 20 minutes to make phone calls when I know Kirsten is sleeping (and will stay asleep). I've also been learning how to do a presentation phone call while nursing her, changing her, or carrying her around to keep her happy. This is all a new adventure that is fun and challenging at the same time!

I am so thankful for all that God has given me. But this year, I am especially thankful for my beautiful daughter who has brought us so much joy and love. I am also thankful for the fact that my business is so flexible and allows me to truly work from home. I'm also thankful that I'll still be getting my paycheck in December even though I took the entire month of November off! Talk about a blessing during these difficult economic times! Residual income is a wonderful thing, and I am glad that I had the sense to say "yes" when my friend shared this incredible business with me.

Now, I'm off to take care of my baby girl who's waking up, do some holiday baking, and maybe, just maybe, make some phone calls too!