ideas for a home based business

So, you have decided you want to give it a go at working from home? It's a big decision in itself, but only the first step in many to becoming self-employed.

We all want it for varying reasons. Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom or dad and want to make some money, or keep yourself busy during down times. Maybe you work outside of the home, either part or full time and are too independent to work for someone else. We all get to this point one way or another.

The number of people becoming self-employed is steadily growing each year. There are great benefits for working for yourself. You can create your own schedule, wear what you want, work wherever you feel like, etc.

However, it is hard work and takes perseverance, dedication, determination, careful planning, and a bit of luck. Running your own business means you are the employer and the employee. You have to handle all departments: accounting, sales, marketing, not including the work itself. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just stating the facts of being self-employed.

Remember . . . there are pros and cons.

If you live with a spouse and/or have children, you should have a talk with them about your plans and see what they think of it. They will probably have some questions and concerns, and may even get you thinking about some things that you didn't before. Your family should be fully aware of your plans, because it will effect them as well.

Now that all of that is out of the way, what will you do? How do you decide what trade to take up on your own?

Here's some help to get you started:

If you currently work outside the home and love your job, you could talk to your boss about doing your work from home. Suggest that you could start once a week, and eventually work your way up to your current hours over time. While this isn't starting your own business or being self-employed, you would be working from home and possibly even be able to keep all of your benefits.

If you don't love your job, or are currently unemployed, you'll be starting from scratch. Here are some questions to help you brainstorm some ideas for a home based business (Really think about these questions, and jot down anything that comes to mind):

* What do you love to do?

* What are your hobbies?

* What do you do to relax?

* What did you love to do as a little kid?

* What did you want to be when you were little?

* What skills do you currently have that you could use? Can you type 80 word per minute? Write stories that awe anyone who reads them? Do you love children and work well with them? Do you make homemade gifts that everyone enjoys to receive on occasions?

* What do people compliment you on?

* What do they say that you do well?

Write down everything no matter how silly it might seem. Put your notes away for a day, and go back to them tomorrow. What could you do as a business? Start crossing out ones that don't really appeal to you, and narrow down your list. Once you have it narrowed down to a few, start researching what it would take to start this type of business. Talk to others who already have and ask for their advice. Soon, you will be doing it yourself!

You are already on your way!

Whether you are a successful writer, or just interested in getting started there are some ways to make cash as a writer that you may not know about.

Building your portfolio and creating new business contacts is always a good thing for beginners and veterans alike. Get started building those credits with these 15 creative ways to make money writing:

1. Newsletters

There are many more places to look for that need newsletter written for them. Check with magazines, websites and other business online. Also seek worj as a newsletter writer in your local area. Check out restaurants, lawyer's offices, doctor's offices and other local businesses. Nonprofits also need newsletters written, such as churches and schools.

2. Brochures

Many online and offline businesses use brochures as a marketing tool. Many also know that hiring someone to write the marketing material for the brochures is much more effective than simply writing it themselves.

3. Greeting Cards

Someone needs to write slogans for greeting cards! This can be a quick and easy way to earn some extra money of you are good at it.

4. Resumes

More and more jobseekers are realizing the advantage of hiring a writer to write their resume for them. Some writers get into it by earning a certification in resume writing. You could also write cover letters and CVs.

5. Letters to the Editor

Nearly every newspaper has a "letters to the editor" section where readers send in their thoughts on a current event. Some pay, and some do not. Either way it can be a great way to earn those first clips.

6. E-books/E-booklets

Many publishers and businesses use e-books and e-booklets as marketing material for their businesses, or to sell copies from their website.

7. Class Lessons

Online classes have given writers a new way to write lessons, and you usually need not be as successful when applying at a university. Don't stop at adult class lessons, though. Many schools are also looking for freelancers to write lessons for their grade schools as well.

8. Scripts

Comic book scripts need to be written in conjunction with the artist. Some video game developers accept submissions from freelancers.

9. Promotional Materials

Write press releases, and other promotions through public relations agencies.

10. Bios

Musicians, artists, and corporations need bios written for them.

11. Obituaries/Eulogy/Tributes

Some people are hiring writers to write their loved one's obituaries, eulogies and other memorial materials for them.

12. Business Plans

When writing a business plan for a client you can opt out of writing the financials, but if you have experience with this, go for it.

13. Business Proposals

Start up businesses need proposals in order to receive a loan, and hiring a writer to do it for them is in their best interest.

14. Reviews

Many publications hire writers to write reviews on music, movies, books and other products.

15. Speeches

The best man, politicians, award recipients and many others need well-written speeches.

So you should have plenty of food for thought now. Get writing!