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Christian InTech Articles - Home Business
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5 Rules for Home Based Business Success
Many people get into a home based business because they want to do what they love. Yet, there are a number of things in having a home based business that makes it more of a business than a pleasure. Yet there are some simple rules to follow that can...
Bad Credit Home Loan - How To Get A Good One?
Getting a home loan with a bad credit has never been easier. Here are some of the tips recommended by experts to improve your chances of getting a home loan: Find a good deal on your home: If you can snap up a home as cheaper rates compared to the...
Home Based Businesses Have Their Share Of Frustrations
The source of frustration addressed in his article may be all too familiar if you happen to work at an Internet-based home business which relies on personal relationships and/or teamwork. I am often contacted by members of my business team with...
What is the Best Work From Home Business and Why?
There is a virtual gold mine out in the marketplace for 'Work From Home' opportunities that is being virtually ignored by most people.
Working from home has stormed the globe as many people are looking to drop out of the rat race and create an...
Your Perfect Home Business May Be Right In Front of You!
Every week I receive email from would-be entrepreneurs, asking, 'What kind of home business should I start?' This is a question that only *you* can answer. Although it seems like business opportunities are everywhere you look, there's no reason...
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10 Money-Saving Tips for Home Businesses
One of the most common obstacles many home-based working moms
face is trying to start or run a new business on a limited
budget. The first few years of a business are usually the
hardest financially. Some moms leave full-time careers and
substantial salaries to start a new business. Others start a
home business as stay-at-home moms wanting additional income to
support their family as well as a professional outlet to balance
their diaper-changing days.
In either case, starting and running a home-based business takes
money. How much money will depend partly on you and the type of
business you choose to run.
Below are our top 10 tips to save you and your home business
money:
1. Do your own market research by talking to potential clients
or customers. Many new home business owners skip this step only
to come back to it later (or wish they had). Those who start
businesses without doing any type of research, risk the
possibility of their target market not needing or wanting their
particular product or service. The competition may be too
fierce, or there may not be enough potential customers to
support the business. Or perhaps, the product isn't priced
correctly. It is just as important not to price your product too
low as it is not to price it too high. Talk to others in similar
businesses as yours to see how much they charge and what they
offer for that price.
2. Team up with other non-competitive businesses that target the
same market to do some co-marketing. For example, desktop
publishers and print shops can do a direct mail campaign
together advertising both of their services or buy an ad in a
local publication and split the costs. Neither is in competition
with the other. They also can hand out business cards or flyers
for one another as well as give word-of-mouth referrals. It's a
great way to double one's marketing efforts while splitting any
advertising costs.
3. When you have a satisfied customer, don't be afraid to ask
for referrals. People like to help others especially new
businesses trying to succeed. Show pride in your work and people
are sure to notice, and when they do, ask if they know any
others you can send a brochure or sample to. Another great way
to encourage referrals is to offer a discount or special offer
for any customers who are referred to you.
4. Barter or trade your services for other products or services
you need. Associations and organizations are not only great
places to network; they are also great for finding businesses
that offer services and products you need. Look for businesses
you could help with your product or service and offer to barter
or trade for theirs. (Be sure to
check with your tax
professional for tax issues involving bartering and trading.)
5. Find another home-based working mom to swap babysitting with.
All home-based working moms need some dedicated time to work on
their business tasks. By swapping with another mom, each can
work on their businesses without adding to their childcare costs.
6. When buying new office equipment, go to a place that offers a
low-price guarantee. You can save time and money by shopping at
places that will refund any difference in price if you find the
product cheaper elsewhere.
7. If you are looking for computer equipment, consider buying
used equipment. Look in the classifieds and talk to others that
may know someone looking to upgrade. Ask for warranty
information and make sure the machine is in good working
condition. Also take a look at the computer companies offering
refurbished machines. Some are priced accordingly and usually
come with some type of warranty.
8. Send postcards for direct mail solicitation. They are cheaper
to print and less expensive to mail. Another advantage is that
they are more likely to be read since they take no effort to
open.
9. If you hire sales help, pay by commission only so you only
spend money if you make money. A salesperson can increase your
sales without adding any up-front fees or salaries.
10. Use pre-printed design papers for letterhead, brochures and
business cards if you only need a small amount. The papers can
be found at most large office supply stores, and they are great
for new businesses trying to get started on a small budget.
Lesley Spencer, the founder of Home-Based Working moms has
helped thousands of moms start their businesses in the 10 years
that she has been in business. Their group provides networking,
support, media opportunities, and more. By actively being
involved in such a group you also increase your chances of
success because of the power and support that she offers and the
opportunity to network with other professionals. Getting
connected with positive "winners" in the entrepreneurial world
is just another way to succeed.
These money-saving ideas should help with your budget but new
business owners also need plenty of drive and determination to
succeed. It takes time to develop and grow a business. So be
patient and give it all you've got!
About the author:
Diana Ennen, author, publicist, book marketer and mentor. She
has written numerous books on operating a home-based business
including Virtual Assistant: the Series and is president of
Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and
http://www.Publicity-VA.com.
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