Are you thinking about starting a home business? It’s a great way to be your own boss and control your own destiny. The best part? There really isn’t anything major that’s going to prevent you from getting a start.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with this quick start guide. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to starting a successful home business.
1. Choose your business model.
The first step is to decide what type of home business you want to start. There are many different types of businesses you can operate from home, so it’s important to choose one that fits your skills and interests.
Two directions we often recommend are:
- Start with what you know (skills)
- Start with something you enjoy (hobbies)
Perhaps you can venture on your own by offering your skills. People have already shown they’ll pay for those skills by way of your job. So, why not be the boss and offer those skills directly!
Another opportunity is with hobbies you enjoy. Your knowledge of a hobby can become a great foundation for the business. You also generally know the products & services others want, and where to find people interested in it.
2. Create a business plan.
Once you’ve decided on your business model, it’s time to start putting together a business plan. This will help you map out the steps you need to take to get your business up and running.
Your business plan doesn’t need to be overly complex. But, you should try to get in as many details as you can so you can reflect & lean on it when you need support.
Your business plan is also helpful for drawing up interest (ie. business funding) from those who also think you have a great idea.
3. Get the necessary licenses and permits.
Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to get some licenses and permits from the government. This is typically handled by your local business licensing office.
Paperwork is probably the last thing you want to deal with.
For this reason, we recommend using helpful legal tools and platforms like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. Otherwise, connect with a professional in your area that can handle all the paperwork. It’ll save you a ton of hassle – especially if you’re not confident with it all.
4. Find the right location.
Yes, it sounds silly thinking about it but…
Location, location, location.
If you’re going to be running a home-based business, you’ll need to find the right location for your office or workspace. This should be a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on work.
Some people can work just fine at the kitchen table.
Others need dead quiet to get things done.
Pick a space in your home that lets you focus and flourish. It could be a room you renovate into a home office or maybe it’s a total garage conversion if you need more space for warehousing and a team. Whatever it is, find the right location in and around your home that lets you scale.
5. Set up your office space.
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your home office, it’s time to start setting it up. This includes furniture, equipment, and any other supplies you’ll need to get started.
Don’t go overboard though.
You can often get started with the bare essentials:
- A business website
- A computer and business software
- A phone (cell and/or landline)
- A printer (invoicing and whatnot)
See what you can make with the free tools that are out there. Google’s suite of tools is a great start, honestly. Then, as you grow, you can evaluate the tools you’re using and upgrade where it’s necessary.
6. Launch and start promoting your business.
The final step is to launch and then start promoting your home business. This can be done through online marketing, social media, and traditional advertising methods.
It’s hard to say exactly what will happen on Day 1.
You should probably start off by tapping into your existing network:
- Contact old friends, family, and colleagues
- Pitch past employers and business associates
See what you can drum up from who you already know. Get on the phone, send a message on LinkedIn, or drop into a location. It’s time to hustle!
Then, start applying some of the things you jot down in your marketing plan. This will likely be a mix of online marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, ads, and such.
Keep evolving this as you go and you’ll soon see the money come in.
Explore your home-based business ideas today!
By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful home business. Just remember to take things one step at a time and you’ll be sure to find success.
For more tips and resources on starting a home business, be sure to check out some of our other guides and resources. We have a wealth of information on everything from business planning and marketing to business franchising and more.