Now is the perfect time to “dust yourself off”, and change your state of mind from becoming a “consumer/employee”, to becoming a “producer/owner”. Keep in mind that many of the largest companies that exist today, were created during a recession !

Owning your own business is not an easy task, and you will definitely not enjoy a regular “9 to 5” schedule as you will be spending the majority of your time working. You will also have no one managing your job tasks but yourself, and you will either need at LEAST 6  months of living expenses, or a part time job to help you through the “start up” phase.

Since you are computer/internet savvy, currently unemployed and are good with people, what do you have to lose by starting your own business? 

 Exactly…NOTHING ! 

Let’s explore three of the opportunities that you could consider and research,   in hopes of finding your “dream career.”  (NOTE: This article 1 of a 3 part series)

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 1.) Web Designer

  If you have a knack for graphic design & layout, and you have a working knowledge of coding (i.e. HTML, CSS, Javascript );  you may consider improving your skills, and becoming a freelance web designer.

The most important “items” that you will need to start your venture into web design are:  web editing software, graphics editing software,  a computer (obviously!),  internet connection, printer/copier/scanner, and a desire to succeed!  Once you have mastered the skills needed to become a web designer, you can then decide whether you want to freelance, or work for a company.

One important thing to consider, is that you will need to develop a portfolio of the websites that you have designed, to use when marketing your services to potential clients. Many people choose to offer designing websites for free initially, so they will have a variety of websites, to show when prospecting for business.

 Though we won’t get into marketing in this particular article, good “business sense”, and marketing your skills will be the deciding factor in you making money as a designer, or doing it only as a hobby.

So if web design sounds like your “cup of tea”, start learning as much as you can about design, coding and marketing and put your plan into action.  Do not expect “over-night” results, but work hard and do not be afraid of long hours in front of your computer, and your hard work WILL pay off !

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2.) Virtual Assistant

  The virtual assistant industry is becoming more popular these days, for women that want to become entrepreneurs, while keeping a healthy balance between work and personal life.

For this business, startup costs are low and the profit potential is very good.  According to the Virtual Business Alliance, the average virtual assistant working full time in the US, grossed more than $39,000.00 in income, in 2008. 

  Determine what services you will be able to offer, while being realistic about any limitations posed by your experience and skills. Decide how much time you will need to dedicate to your venture and whether you will be working fulltime, or part time -  to grow your business.  An important factor to consider, is the need for the services that you offer, in your local area.

You will need to consider who your ideal client is, where they are located, what their needs are, how to reach them, and lastly how to SELL them on your services. 

Other things to consider that we won’t discuss in this article are: a well-thought out business plan, your budget (will you survive financially during startup?),   your equipment  (does your home office have all of the necessary machinery to service the clients’ needs efficiently?), and marketing (how will you market your services and how much of your day can you spend on marketing?) 

   Hopefully these tips, along with your own research into becoming a virtual assistant, will land you, your “dream career” ! 

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3.) Reseller (with internet storefront)

  Are you familiar with selling items on the internet?  Are you familiar with creating web ads or thinking of creative ways to sell products? You may want to consider a business running an online internet storefront!  An internet storefront reseller, is a person(s) who has a website the allows e-commerce; and items ordered are processed and shipped to the customer, on behalf of the storefront owner.

Becoming an internet storefront allows you to sell items from the privacy of your own home, and can be done on a  part time, or full time basis.  The first thing you’ll need to do, is research to see WHAT thing(s) you will actually sell.

Next, research for companies that will provide your website for a nominal monthly fee (at least $20), that includes: hosting,  credit card processing, and support; and try to narrow your options down to a company that works best for you.  If you have the ability, you can bypass a third party, and build your website yourself, thus saving significant money and allowing you more flexibility. Please keep in mind, that many times an amateur website has an amateur "look", and your ultimate aim is professionalism.   

As an internet reseller, you will definitely need to obtain the following: a unique domain name, a unique business name registration (DBA, Corp, etc), a tax ID number, reseller’s license (wholesaler’s license), account(s) with a wholesale distributor(s), and possibly a business license - depending on your local laws. 

   In addition, a “fast” internet connection,  copier/printer/fax and other “general office” equipment will be needed, to operate this home business.  Since many of the wholesaler’s also function as “drop shippers”, you can sell goods without having physical inventory in your home!

The customer places the order on your website, pays for the order, and you coordinate with your distributor.  The distributor delivers the goods to your customer ("Drop Ship"), and your customer would never know that the products didn't come directly from YOU !

If you are considering becoming an internet storefront reseller, there’s not a better chance than today. Just realize that – like any other business, it will be HARD WORK.  Conduct the proper research, be honest with yourself, have realistic expectations, and you will eventually find your business a SUCCESS !

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Please stay tuned for Part 2, as we explore three more opportunities that you can look into which are: Computer Repair Business, E-Bay Seller and  Software Trainer.