According to a recent Harris poll, 72% of American households are thinking about starting a small business, and working from home.

For all of those who face the daily commuting ordeal be it by train, bus or car the prospect of working from home must seem like bliss.

It does not suit every one. Fortunately it suits me fine. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder I lost interest in the politics and having to toe the corporate line. I also knew that these factors stifle free thought and entrepreneurism.

Because of my General Management and Troubleshooting background I knew when I decided to start consulting I could bring added value to business owners and managers. Not every one is that fortunate.

Will all of these budding entrepreneurs have what it takes? There are some key questions that need to be answered and it is essential that the motivation is positive.

Which business is right for you? Do you have a real idea of what you want your business to be or are you just seeking a business working from home as an escape from employment?

A vital question which needs a positive response.

Are you going to try something you like or know?

Capitalise on your natural talents! You are going to use your talents and experience so wherever possible you stay with what you know. You will know more than you think!

How about these business ideas?

Working from home on contract with you previous employer(s). Go on to cultivate new clients using your skills. Acquire additional skills and market them to existing and new clients. Bingo you've got your small business and you are working from home.

Decide clearly and without emotion what it is you want to do and do it, focus on it and provided there is a market use innovative methods to bring your goods/services to the market.

If there isn't a market do not become a missionary. It won't work - no matter how much you would like it to and no matter how hard you try.

That part is only the start!

You will have issues;

Setting Up Your Home Based Small Business, have you got room?

You are becoming a member of the SOHO (small office, home office) business community. How about SOGO - small office, garden office. Apparently there is strong growing demand for garden offices as more people are realising their ambition for working from home.

This is a good example of another innovative market opening up; it's all around us. The knack is to see it.

What's in a NAME?

Don't try to flatter yourself by using your name. Your business name should clearly describe what you/your business does. Your potential clients need to know without asking.

You only use your name if you have a particular reputation well known in your market. It's best to be as descriptive as you can.

Creating a budget you can live with.

Unless you are very fortunate you won't start earning immediately so you will need reserves and a Business Plan to project the cash demand on your business. This is a big issue and a vital topic.

Carving your NICHE.

Your Business Plan must cover your sales and marketing plan to ensure a steady stream of customers/clients. When you are busy operationally you will be in danger of not marketing and selling. This is the real dilemma for all small business owners, so really work out where your regular stream of income will come from and make it a priority.

No clients/customers no business.

Running Your Business.

Administration/accounts can deflect you from developing the business. If you can get reliable help - spouse? Do it. You work on developing your business. Note the expression 'work on'.

A key objective is to stop being employed by yourself working from home 'in' the business. To working 'on' developing the business. Try to have this in mind at all times.

Creating prosperous relationships.

Your contacts are vital particularly when you are working from home, as you will not necessarily be seen around as much as when you were employed. Nurture contacts, grow them and never ever ignore them or take them for granted.

Share your knowledge with others.

You are unique; you and only you know what you know. Recognise it, cultivate it and share it with others. This is your USP (unique selling point). Give it serious thought; you will find it!

Marketing when you are not working.

Never stop thinking, doing marketing. As you become more experienced working from home in your small business your entrepreneurial instincts will become very sharp. You will start to recognise opportunities that you would previously not have seen. When you do act on them. Action is the key. Promoting Your Business.

It's a continuous process. Find a process that works with the minimum of effort and cost and keep it going, going, going! Register with all the bodies relating to your activities so that you are in directories etc.

WOW them with quality service.

No matter what, over deliver. You will be amazed and delighted when you and your business get recognised and you start getting repeat business and referrals. Try to know where your new clients come from.

Build trust.

Integrity is all. Never be tempted to compromise on the quality of what you do, stick to your principles and you will stand out from the crowd. Be quiet about it. Some of the most brilliantly successful business people are very un-assuming. But they really know what works.

Publish your way to sales.

A recent visit to an established 35 years old business providing very innovative manufacturing solutions was revealing. The business is going through a lean time but does little to no marketing relying on it's 'reputation' for repeat business.

A simple technique of writing up each successful project seeking publication in the relevant journals and contacting businesses which are potential customers for the product or service developed by solving the problem would be a cost effective marketing discipline.

If you are seriously seeking a way to start working from home I hope these points will help you. If you have an established business I hope there is something here which has triggered your imagination so that can and will apply it to your business.

You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do! You can build a business, a successful business if you want it. It takes hard work, persistence and stamina; but it's well worth it.

It all adds up to the exciting prospect of going forward to a more rewarding life where you are in control as you establish your exciting new life - working from home.

Every big success is a result of an intense interest. It happens when you work from home

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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