With rising costs of childcare, having both parents work is not always feasible, but not having a second income is almost impossible. Home based businesses are becoming a household norm.

Finding a business that is right is often the hardest part, and there are a few things to consider:

The Management of the Company:

•  How long has the company been in business?

•  Is the company registered with the Better Business Bureau?

•  Does the business provide free training?

•  Can you believe in the company’s mission statement?

•  What is my initial investment?

•  Does the company have a product that people need and want?

In order to get started, sit down and make a plan of action. If you want success, you need to treat this like a business and not like a hobby.

Here are a few things to take into consideration:

1. Long-Term Goals

Think about something you or your family would like; maybe, it is a new car; maybe, it is a trip to Disneyland. You can get your family involved with this by creating a dream board. When a family effort is needed, the dream board will help you and your family stay focused.

2. Short-Term Goals

How much money do you want to make each month? Goals should be set at the end of each month for the upcoming month. This will help you determine your office hours.

3. Use a Planner

A planner is a must. You need a planner for setting your business hours. And remember, scheduling is the key to balance! Start by putting in your family’s set activities, and then you will be able to determine your business hours. Once you have determined your hours, type them up and stick to them.

4. Find a Mentor

A mentor is someone who can help you establish and nurture your business. You do not have to be alone in this venture.

5. Have the right tools

Use a good computer. (Keep in mind that a laptop will give you more flexibility in where you work.) You will also need a phone with a good long distance package as well as a fax machine.

Now that you have a plan, it is time to put your plan into action. Here are a couple of suggestions for implementing a successful action plan.

1. Determine Your Customers

Determine who needs the product you are providing and how to get them to come to ‘my store.’

2. Your Marketing Tools

Create a professional image by becoming a walking, talking billboard for your business. I would also suggest creating business cards, posters, and a web site. Better yet, find a company who can put these in place for you to modify so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

You now have a plan in place, you have determined your store hours, and you have established your customers.

Part 2 will address how to implement your plan.

Candice is with Work At Home United, for more information you can contact her by phone at 246-2933 or email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit her website at workathomeunited.com/Candice.