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Starting Out as a Work at Home Mom

 

Who hasn’t dreamed of setting her own hours, spending time with family, and working in her pajamas!  Moms across the country are doing just that.  While working at home used to be limited to selling makeup or running a daycare, there are now a ton of choices for a mom looking to boost her family’s income.  The advent of telecommuting, wide-spread internet use, and women’s professional experience has opened up the opportunities for moms to work at home in many different fields.  But what is the best way to get started?  Here is our list of ten steps to follow for women who are beginning a work at home career.

 

1)      Assess your skills.  Take the time to inventory what skills you have to offer.  Things to consider include your educational background, work experience, hobbies, personal characteristics, assets and interests.

 

2)      Decide your preferences.  Do you want to work solely from home or are you interested in going to clients’ houses?  Do you prefer to work on the computer?  Do you like working with your hands?  Do you like working with people or solo?

 

3)      Make a budget.  If you are hoping to start a business, decide on your start-up costs.  You also need to consider the income you would like to achieve at home.  If you are working for someone else, what are your salary requirements?

 

4)      Plan your work hours.  When do you plan to work?  Can you work while your children are around or do you need daycare?  Can you work while your children are napping or after they are in bed?

 

5)      List your resources.  Do you know anyone in the field you are interested in?  Do you know other work at home moms?  What other connections do you have that will help you on your venture?

 

6)      Gather input.  Bounce your ideas off trusted friends and family.  But beware of “nay-sayers” who are likely to shoot down anything new or unusual.  Trust your heart but be open to what other people think.  If you can contact potential customers or clients, take their input the most seriously.

 

7)      Do your research.  What is the market for your product or service?  Take the time to research online, read books and follow all leads relating to your future venture.  You also need to learn about local and federal regulations related to your business and future income.

 

8)      Make a marketing plan.  How are your competitors reaching their customers?  How can you find new clients?  Do you have connections already in place or do you need to find them?

 

9)      Take the first step.  Sometimes the most difficult part of starting something new is that first step.  Decide what is the very first thing you need to do – make a phone call, fill out a form, etc.  Do it now and get the ball rolling!

 

10)  Keep going!  Starting a new job or business can be tough at first.  Don’t give up!  If you are continually working and learning, you will find a way to make it work.  You may need to change your game plan along the way, but if you persist, you will be able to make money from home – even in your pajamas!