As a successful work-at-home entrepreneur, I have discovered some basic tips of what to avoid and what to do, in order to make your business a success. It might be helpful to know also, that there are different levels of work-at-home situations. Some are independent contractors, working for a large company from their home office, others are what are called today “micro-entrepreneurs,” working as a small business within a larger one, but still being in business for themselves. Then there are true entrepreneurs who choose to work their business from home and have found a niche area they are focused on, like in the real business world. Whichever you are thinking about doing, here are some tips to help you along:
1) Find something you do well. The less you have to learn, the easier it will be to fall into the requirements of the work-at-home job. Companies are sending work to the virtual office more and more everyday, so you are sure to find something you are an expert at. Stick to what you know and the money will follow.
2) Avoid scams. Some people have fallen victim to online scams about work-at-home to the point that they believe ALL work-at-home situations are scams. This is simply not true. Just like in the real word, you just have to focus on what is legitimate, and what is not. Do a thorough search about a company, once you decide you might want to work for them. Search on Google, as well as forums and other outlets. If they are not legitimate, you will know it. However keep in mind, many work-at-home workers get into an opportunity and just decide they do not want to do what is required. So learn to know the difference between legitimate complaints and failure on the part of the individual to meet the requirements.
3) Consider starting your own business. While there are hundreds of opportunities to work at home, such as call centers, virtual assistant jobs, and countless others, consider starting a new business instead. Your business can perhaps center around fixing things, freelance writing, or even a catering service. These are but a few examples though and the possibilities are endless. I know of a very successful freelance writer, writing for multiple businesses and sites and building a reputation over time. You can do this too, in whatever area you decide to focus on, if you are determined and motivated to succeed.
4) Remember there is no “get rich quick.” This is where a lot of people give up. They read about all the potential of an opportunity they want to do, but when they don’t make thousands of dollars immediately, they give up. Stick with it! This is the only way to make anything work. It is not the immediate fix of something, but the gradual grinding away of repetitive action that breeds success. I learned this while building my own online business. And you can too! Find something that works and stay with it, until you find a way to make it successful. You need to be sure people see, know, and are involved in your business.
5) Focus on pay, but not exclusively. Find something that pays well enough to justify your time. Don’t choose something that pays only a few dollars per hour. If you want to make it work, you have to spend a lot of time with it, but you have to make enough money to justify your efforts. So look for opportunities that pay well enough to sustain you. Decide if you are going to do it full-time or just part-time, to supplement your current income. Keep in the mind that the most successful freelance workers and entrepreneurs give it 100% and focus on that primarily!
Finally, decide and commit right now on whether or not if you want to do this or not! Attitude is the single most important factor in your success! Then find a need and fill it! Do it everyday, working hard to achieve your goals. Little by little, you will find your rhythm, and break away from the traditional work roles, into the amazing world of a freelance work-at-home lifestyle. I did, and I’ve never looked back!
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6 comments
I have seen some real successful work from hom moms. I think I just lacked to self confidence
great advice. One of the traps I fell into when I first started working from home was spending way too much time working for way to little money. My time was worth more than $2 or $3.
I really enjoyed this article. It was pretty thorough and very insightful.
Thanks for the advice. I work from home and love it, but it took me quit awhile to find the right opportunities.
I have been working at home for several years and some family members STILL think it’s a scam! I’ve been working on finding ;private clients currently. It’s been a bit daunting of a task, but I am not giving up.
Hey Johnson, glad to hear that you are not giving up. However, it sometimes takes more than just determination to succeed. You will also need a well thought out customer acquisition plan. Depending on what your niche is, the internet can be a great source of leads. Good luck.