People throughout the USA, people are seeking work at home. There are some “jobs” available where the employee can work at home. It is difficult to find legitimate jobs, however, and there are limited positions available. So, a large percentage of the people who want to work from home are choosing to start their own home businesses. There are a variety of reasons for the increase in home businesses.
o Many want to supplement their income. They work an outside j-o-b, but they’re simply not earning enough to pay their bills in today’s economy.
o Stay-at-home moms and dads often want to contribute to the family income while they actually “parent” their children. More and more parent in the generation currently raising young children place a higher priority than their parents did on staying at home with their children, rather than having caregivers raise them. But they must sacrifice some of the “extras,” because a single-income family often does not earn enough money – particularly in the present economy. A good compromise for these parents is a home business.
o Many retirees either want to stay busy after a lifetime of working; and many others cannot get by on Social Security and whatever savings or pension they may have. Rather than getting a job where once again they must punch a time clock and fight traffic, for retirees, a home business is a great option.
o Those with disabilities may not be able to afford to live on disability income (SSDI) alone; and many do not qualify for it, although they are unable to hold a job.
Finding reputable companies with whom to work can be time consuming and challenging. There are hundreds, if not thousands of ads on the Internet that are scams, compared to the relatively few that are respectable companies with real products. Just spending an hour or two on the Internet seeking home businesses will result in discovering many that have no products and/or services. They are in existence simply to recruit others into their “business.” They often promise huge incomes, while in reality, only a very few will truly earn any income at all. And, of course, there are the companies that tell you that your computer will do all the work while you sleep! Unfortunately, there are people who will believe this and invest money into these businesses, only to learn they were “ripped off.”
Most home businesses are network or multi-level marketing. Many well-known financial “gurus” recommend network marketing. Unlike the “pyramids” of the past, with network marketing and a good product or service, nearly anyone who works hard can be successful. With multi-level marketing companies, at some point, if not at the very beginning, business owners can earn additional income from the sales of those who they bring into the business, their “downline.” With some network marketing companies, you will earn from only those who you personally enrolled, while others pay for two, three or unlimited levels in your downline.
So, how do you determine which home businesses are reputable and which one is a good fit for you? There are many excellent companies, but no one business is right for everyone looking for work at home.
Research is extremely important when starting your own home business. If you have heard of the company and used their product or service, it will simplify your decision. Through the Internet, it is not difficult to thoroughly check out a company before investing any money.
o How many and what kinds of complaints are listed on the Better Business Bureau website regarding the company you are researching? How did the company handle the complaints? Were problems resolved satisfactorily? Many excellent companies have complaints filed against them for various reasons. A former home business owner who was not successful may blame the company for their failure, when they simply did not work their business or did not take advantage of the training available through their company.
o Is the company a member in good standing of any well-known associations or organizations?
o Work-at-home forums often reveal information about various home businesses. You have to be careful here though, because again, a disgruntled former business owner may not tell the entire truth.
o Ask many questions. Determine the true cost of working the home business you are researching. Is there a start-up cost? Is there a monthly fee? If there is a monthly fee, do you receive benefits in exchange? Is there adequate training and support? What is the cost of the training, and how is it provided? There are companies that tell you there is no start-up cost, but then they charge hundreds of dollars for the training – and you may have to travel great distances for training. The better companies will offer unlimited training by phone, Internet and email.
o Learn about the product or service being offered. Would you buy it? What is the cost of the product? No matter how great the product, if it is expensive, you may not be able to sell it, particularly in today’s economy. If there are similar products available at stores – even if it is not as good a product – at a lower price, it likely will be difficult to market.
o Does the company provide leads, or do you have to acquire them yourself? If you have to acquire them, how and where does the company recommend you do so?
o Ask about advertising policies. Can you advertise on the Internet, in newspapers, in the phone book, radio or TV? Will the recruiter teach you how and where to advertise?
o Determine whether the company pays a one-time commission or residual income. With residual commission, you will earn money from each customer/client as long as they keep paying. This generally applies to businesses that sell memberships or services, not products. For instance, the client pays a monthly membership fee, and you earn a percentage of that fee each month.
Once you have researched the company itself, it is a good idea to get to know the person that is recruiting you. In most situations, that is the person who will be training you. Are you comfortable speaking with the recruiter? Is he/she easy to understand (accent, slurred words, talks too fast)? Do you feel as though they are pressuring you to sign with them? Do they sound desperate or as though they are rushing you to make a decision? Are they flattering you too much, sounding as though it’s what they tell every prospect? Have they trained others, or will you be their first? Do you feel as though they are providing honest answers to your questions, or do they hesitate too long before answering? Ask them about their availability for support and training.
Once you feel comfortable with the recruiter, the product and the company, it’s time to take a good look at yourself. Will you, and can you, apply yourself to your home business? Are you able to work the required minimum hours necessary to succeed? If you plan to work the business part-time, ten hours a week is the minimum number of hours you need to actually work. If you want to earn a full-time income, expect to work at least 25 hours a week.
Are you comfortable talking – either in person or by phone – to strangers? Although you may begin your business talking with your own network of friends, family or neighbors, but eventually you’ll have to approach strangers. Will you take it personally if a prospect says “no?” It takes many “no’s” to get just one “yes,” so you must be prepared to be told “no” many times without your feelings being hurt.
Are you going to just give the business “a try?” If so, you will likely fail. If, after you’ve completed your research, you do not truly believe you can be successful, you probably will not. If you do not really believe in the product or service you will be marketing, you will have a difficult time doing so.
Do you expect to be earning a living with your business in six months? It is highly unlikely. All real businesses take time to build. If you are unwilling to commit to at least one year working and building your business, you are wasting your time and money starting a home business. If you consider other businesses outside the home, rarely are they successful immediately. Think of an independent restaurant (not a chain with a built-in reputation), a hair salon or a privately-owned retail store. They all take time to build their clientele or customer base, and business advisors often tell new business owners to expect to make no profit for the first year! Most home businesses can be earning a profit sooner, but don’t expect it to happen within your first few weeks. Although it happens occasionally, for most it does not.
Finally, are you “coachable?” Can you and will you follow the instructions of your recruiter, or are you a person who likes to find a “new way” to do everything, trying to “reinvent the wheel?” In most established home businesses, there is a “system” in place that has proven to be successful. If you cannot duplicate that system into your own business, you may have a difficult time growing your own business.
The best way to become a successful business owner is by being patient, with your research of the prospective company and your business once you start it, and by constantly learning from people within your own company and the many motivational speakers and authors who teach how to succeed. If you truly commit yourself to your business after you have thoroughly researched it, you will succeed as long as you don’t quit at the first hurdle.
This article was submitted by Julie Klein who has worked in network marketing for over two years. She owns her AmeriPlan® home business, and she has recruited many people, always suggesting that prospective business owners follow the procedures detailed in this article.
Please visit http://www.2YourHealth2.biz for further information about owning an AmeriPlan® home business and their discount health and dental care plans. You may also contact Ms. Klein through the website.
