What is a Home Business?
by Craig Ritsema
Published on this site: June 13th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
First, let me clarify what kind of Home Business I'm discussing.
There are many different kinds including just about anything that
you could do from your home. I'm specifically talking about the
kind of home business you do from your computer on the internet.
It could be either a part time or full time opportunity.
Most online home businesses are involved with promoting another
companies goods and services. The kind of goods and services
varies greatly. This is the simplest and least costly way
to start a home business as most people do not have products
of their own to sell.
So why should I sell another companies products? The simple
reason is because they pay you a commission on what you sell.
Here again, how this is done varies considerably from one
company to the next. Generally they have created what is called
an affiliate program which you can join either for
free or for a fee. You then become an affiliate of that company,
kind of like a salesperson, but you are not an employee of
the company.
Now this is starting to sound like a REAL business! That
is exactly my point and that is what you should expect if
you are interested in starting your own. Just because it is
done on the internet with visibility to the world, don't expect
it to happen overnight even though that is what most of us
would like.
A home business can be a success if our expectations are right
and we pursue it like any other legitimate business opportunity!
Several things to consider if you are considering your own business:
- DECIDE WHETHER TO JOIN A COMPANY'S AFFILIATE PROGRAM OR PURSUE
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES.
There are many different ways to start a home business. My suggestion
would be to start with only one opportunity and learn it so that
you are not overwhelmed with information and training. If you
are just starting out, there is a lot to learn but it is not difficult
just takes a little time. Support from an affiliate program can
assist you with the learning curve.
- DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SELECT A COMPANY
FOR WHOM YOU WILL WORK WITH.
No one wants to spend time, effort and money building a business
only to end up with promoting a business product which is no longer
available, or is not available globally. How and when they pay
their commissions should also be considered. Is the company a
member of the Better Business Bureau? Are the products something
you would buy? Do they have products? How long have they been
in business?
- FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU CAN SPEND EACH MONTH ON YOUR
BUSINESS.
With an online business, it does not take much but you need
some method to promote with. Setting up your own website
is probably the most common way and can be done with a minimal
investment. If lack of money is an issue, there are free
ways to promote but more time involvement is required.
- MAKE SURE THE COMPANY YOU WORK WITH PROVIDES TRAINING AND
SUPPORT.
This can be a huge benefit if you are just starting out.
Once you learn, you can find your own niche or specialty
and perhaps become the next home business guru.
Starting your own home business can be very exiting and rewarding!
It can also be a solid source of income for years to come.
Don't expect it to just happen, but it will with perseverance
and determination. There are not very many other business
opportunities like this which you can start so easily from
your home. Take advantage of it!
Craig Ritsema operates a successful part time home
business and resides in Michigan, USA. For more details visit
his site at:
http://www.part-time-work-at-home-opportunities.com
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