Start a Home Business! 10 Questions Answered

In this article:
Where do I start?
Am I a good businesswoman?
Can I work alone?
How much money will I have to make?
What about health insurance?
Who is going to watch the kids?
Where will I set up shop?
What office equipment will I need?
What about the housework?
Can I leave work when I'm done?

Working at home can be convenient and flexible, especially for young families. But it also presents unique problems and challenges. If you're wondering if building a home-based business is right for you, here are some questions to consider.

While working from home can be a good option for those wanting to make some income and still spend more time with family, it's a major decision requiring serious thought and a lot of upfront planning. Working at home can be convenient and flexible, but it also presents unique problems and can be very challenging.

Where do I start?

A good place to start is at your local Small Business Association (www.sba.gov). The SBA specializes in training people to start their own businesses and are experts on state requirements.

In addition, Elizabeth Wilcox, author of The Mom Economy: The Mother's Guide to Getting Family-Friendly Work, suggests first listing your skills (assess your strengths and weaknesses as you make this list) and then asking yourself two important questions:

Is there a way I can apply my skills that would allow me to work from home in some capacity?

Do I have a good idea that meets a market need?

Am I a good businesswoman?

"Someone running their own business needs to be good at and comfortable dealing with multiple aspects of business, including financial, legal and tax issues," says Shelley MacDermid, a professor and director of the Center for Families at Purdue University. "You really need to be a jack of all trades with regards to both management and administration."