In our last article, we discussed
several opportunities for people interested in owning a
business, that can be run from home. We detailed
starting a business in: web design, internet storefront
reselling, and virtual assistance.
In the current economic
climate, it is increasingly important to think along the
lines of entrepreneurship, even if as a “last resort.”
Even if you are currently employed, it is always a good
idea to keep your options open to building a business;
even if as a part-time venture. Today we will explore
three more opportunities for owning a home based
business, and explain how to get started as early as
TODAY! Keep reading.. (NOTE: This is part 2 of a 3
part series)
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1.) Computer Repair
Business
Are you good at
diagnosing/troubleshooting computer problems and
repairing computers? Do you have a true love for
computers and technology and spend much of your free
time on things “tech related” ? You may find that
becoming an independent computer repair technician is
the right opportunity for you!
First of all, let’s
discuss what you will need to begin: technical
expertise (computers), a computer, DBA (fictitious
business name filing), business license (depending on
your local laws), a workspace (a workbench is
preferred), business cards, and internet
connection. Many people will also suggest that you
secure: an accountant, a lawyer, business insurance
(Errors and Omissions), various tools and spare parts,
printer/fax/copier, phone, business website and various
tools/spare parts.
* I recommend reading
“Start Your Own Computer Business”, by Morris Rosenthal
*
I won’t get too much into detail
explaining the procedures to get setup as that will take
days! The first thing that you should do is decide a
“niche”, or in other words what aspect of computer
repair would you get involved in? There are:
laptop technicians, desktop technicians, MAC
technicians, etc; and there are both residential
customers and business customers. Which group will
YOU target?
Next, you will need to research
your local technicians & shops, to see what they are
charging for their services. When you have an idea of
what you would WANT to charge and what computers you
will repair, you can then proceed to legitimize your
business as mentioned above, and start to market your
services (small hint: don’t
charge as much as GeekSquad) !
A good way to market is through
family and friends, and visiting technical forums where
you can provide free advice, thus establishing yourself
as an
“expert.”
Now it’s time to think of what will be your business
model and procedures. Will you market yourself as a
“mobile repair company”? Will you have a shop or
will you work from home? Will you specialize in on-site
repair, or will your customers drop their computers off
to you; or both? What kind of warranties will you
provide customers on the computers that you service?
What vendor will supply your repair parts?
(Newegg is an excellent choice for a vendor)
You will need to learn
constantly, and the current state of the market is
tough, but through experience, a good PLAN,
diversification, strong technical skills, and good
social skills, you will have what is needed to start a
fruitful venture into the computer repair business !
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2.) Virtual
Trainer
This is a rather broad business
title, due to the fact that you can become a “virtual
trainer”, in nearly any job that doesn’t require direct
“person to person” interaction. Do you think that
you can make a great teacher? Are you confident,
knowledgeable, patient and articulate? Are you
disciplined and good at managing your time? If you
answered “yes” to most of those questions, you should
consider becoming a virtual trainer - if that interests
you.
First, you will need to decide
what you are GOOD at. REALLY good….good enough to teach
someone. (For instance, if you are physically fit, and
love showing people workout routines, facts and
dispelling “workout myths”, you could become a “Virtual
Physical Trainer.”)
Next, you will need several
items to begin (note: some of these are ecommendations
that vary depending on what you choose to teach as a
trainer): computer, internet connection, web-cam and
microphone, software that allows web conferencing with
audio, business cards, CRM software (Client Resource
Management Software) to organize contacts, appointment
dates, to do list, etc; phone, fax, copier, scanner and
a website. Since a virtual trainer can
service virtually endless industries, you will
definitely need to perform diligent research to ensure
that your experience could equate to a viable
business.
In order for any business
to make a profit, MARKETING is at the top of the list as
far as priorities are concerned. No marketing = no
money. PERIOD.
How will
you market your business? Will you choose Internet
marketing? Street marketing? Word of mouth marketing?
Free advertising? Paid advertising?
I advise that once you decide
what you want to pursue, and you have the needed”
equipment” in place, you should get your first client
and hit the ground running. Then, get your
second client, then your third...your fourth...and keep
growing while asking each client for a referral and
testimony to garner future business.
You will need to have excellent
communication skills, the desire to try new things while
re-arranging your plan as needed, and being highly
organized and disciplined. It also helps that you are
consistent, and work on your business DAILY, in some
fashion. Now it’s time to pick your passion, research
the viability, get your tools together, and grab that
FIRST CUSTOMER !
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3.) E-Bay
Seller
Were you aware that eBay has
more than $45 billion in yearly gross merchandise
sales?! According to finance “experts,” 600,000+
eBay sellers run either a full-time business, or
efficient part time business. These sellers are known as
Power Sellers and sell between $1,000 to
$150,000 monthly on the website! Would YOU like a
piece of that action?
The first thing that you must do
is: create an account, and familiarize yourself with
buying/selling on eBay. If you haven’t done so at this
point start by by choosing an item(s) in your home that
you no longer need, but that may be of value to someone
else ("one mans trash is another man's treasure"). It is
more important to learn how to buy, more than it is to
sell – when starting. You can then learn the best and
worst practices through first-hand experience, that will
prove to be beneficial to your business.
When you have learned the
site, the rules, procedures and limitations, you can
begin to “up the ante.” Next, it is important to sell as
many items as you possibly can, at the same time; to
increase your ranking as well as your income. Could you
see yourself selling at LEAST 50 items at the same time?
Next, writing good headlines for
your ads is a necessity, otherwise your “click through
rate” will be low. (in other words low income). Being a
good ad writer and using good pictures, will definitely
help your eBay business grow; otherwise..it won’t!
To become an eBay seller you’ll
need: a computer, internet connection, camera and
possibly a scanner/printer/copier. You will learn
through trial and error so don't expect to get it "all
right" starting out. You will do well as long as you are
able to learn from the sellers who are experienced and
successful. If this possibility interests you, start
researching this lucrative opportunity; put together a
plan tailored for YOU..and get to going. Sky’s the
limit!
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Please stay tuned for Part 3, as
we explore three more opportunities that you can look
into which are yet to be announced. As promised, we use
our expertise to put YOU in the driver's seat of your
own financial future!
