Is a Home-Based Business What You Want?

Stepping into year two of a home-based business has my thoughtsturned to the revamping of my business website and business ingeneral. My first thought was where to start? I haven't writtenan article in some time and maybe this is a good start to getthe ball rolling. Perhaps you have read," Look Before You Leap... Is a Home-Based Business REALLY For You?, by Elena Fawkner.Elena Fawkner is editor of A Home-Based Business Online...practical home business ideas for the work- from-homeentrepreneur. http://www.ahbbo.comElena has made some very good points in her article about homebusiness. As an entrepreneur of home business, I too share herthoughts. I wrote an article,"Home Biz Tips", some time ago,that merely skimmed the surface of the home business. Now goinginto my second year of business, I found some new experiences toadd to my list and Elena's. Elena places home business realitiesinto three categories: financial, personal and situational. Iwill add my comments for each below:Personal Realities:>Commitment: That's exactly so, either you're into it or you'renot.Your business must be top priority over anything. You mustdedicate yourself to succeed.>Risk Taker: If you are not ready for a downfall, don't try ahome business. It will fail many ways before it succeeds. Secureand stable,it is not for some time to come.>Self-Motivation: You are the number one "Boss". You must do it,like it or not, even the stuff you hate to do.There is no oneelse there to do it.>Self-Discipline: Distractions? You bet and lots of them! Icannot name the number of them within a span of one hour. Beprepared to stay focused.>Patience: It is a virtue! Believe it. You are not going to makemoney right away, kudos to Elena! Absolute truth.>Reasons: Want to work from home? Yes....and help with theincome? Yes...Buy for your home, children, and spouse?Yes..Remember your reasons.>Flexibility and Adaptability: Jack of All Trades,"That's You!"Just like those many household chores you do without thinking.You will learn to do things you never realized, that wereassociated with working at home.>Willingness to Sacrifice: Long hours on the computer are amust.Can you sacrifice time and can your family live with it?>Work Ethic: Does the need to work exist in you?>Stress Management: It's alot of weight on your shoulders! Yourbusiness relies on you as to whether it will succeed or not.Many thoughts will be on your mind and you must carry thesethoughts with you day and night, everywhere you go, ineverything you do...always in the back of your mind. Can youdeal with it?Financial Realities:>Cash Reserves: I have little cash reserves and manage to stayafloat.There are times when I have it and times I do not. I needto keep my telephone, Internet Service Provider, and websitepaid to date.They are my top priorities and advertising is amust.>Retirement Planning: Definitely a must, IRA's work and so do401k plans and savings accounts. Examine the possibilities.>Health Insurance: You definitely need to find some coverage. Iam covered under my husband's plan for now.>Vacation: No Pay...Yep, that's right! Be prepared before youschedule a vacation. It's Christmas Day and I am writing anarticle at 3 am.!Situation Realities:>Hard Work-Long Hours: It must be nice to work at home!..howmany times have I heard that? Too Many! I am sick of home! Istill spend on average, eight hours a day on my computer ascompared to twelve-fifteen in the beginning. A kind word ofwarning, take breaks often..it's tough to move after a few hoursat the computer. Health problems will develop if you sit toolong. Also remember to get enough sleep, a must!>Interruptions: Plenty of them. Not only from the kids andspouse, but the dogs and cat and phone and door and everythingin between.This requires concentration above all...stay focusedon whatever it is you are doing.>Distractions: Alot like interruptions..but last longer usually.I learned to do those household tasks along side the businesstasks. This may not work for you. I find it serves as a break inmonotony and refreshes your mind. In fact, I do several tasksthroughout the day and keep my computer booted.>Isolation and Loneliness: In addition to Elena's ideas, often atrip to a friend's house or a walk may cure the blues. Anothertip is to play music in the background as you work.Make 2002 the year for your home business startup or not...I will move forward in my business even though my first year wasa bit scary at times. I have overcome the scary part and learnedto deal with ups and downs, good times and bad, and unsuspectedwrong turns. But overall my business has proved to be successfulthrough the first year and "Yes", I did make money. Enough topay some of my bills, but it was an improvement and that's why Icontinue to work at home.