subject: Legitimate Home Based Business: Is There Really Such A Thing?
[print this page] You already know these are tough economic times don't you? You've probably already toyed with the idea of starting a business at home to provide some extra cash and a little security in case your full time job goes away. But you've also probably seen all the get rich quick obvious scams which leave you wondering if there actually is a legitimate home based business that you could get involved in.
Well the short answer is yes there is. Nearly 50 million North Americans are running home based businesses either part time to provide a little extra money each month or full time. When you think home based business you almost automatically think internet, and that's not a bad place to start, but there are other avenues that may be better suited to you as well. The business that has the best chance of success for you depends greatly on what you expect from the business and what you can afford in terms of time and money to invest in it.
Think about that for a moment. Why do you want the business? Is it just a stop gap measure to get through a tough time or do you want to start and build a regular income stream? If you're working today, how much time will you be able to devote to the business when you get home from your day job. Do you have any background in running a business? Do you have a particular skill that you think is valuable? Every legitimate home based business has costs. What's your budget for this venture?
The answers to these questions will determine what kind of home based business that is best suited for you. Let's take a look at two of these opportunities.
1. Internet Marketing
Without question this is the most popular route that many people take. The idea that you can make money simply using your computer is very attractive. It is also the favorite target of scammers who have taken the old scams of stuffing envelopes and assembling parts at home and given them a new spin. The message is the same however. No skill involved, lots of money, and work from home. Avoid these like the plague.
Internet marketing has an extremely low financial threshold. You can get into it for nothing or next to nothing. However, in the beginning you should also expect nothing to next to nothing in revenue. There is a learning curve in internet marketing and that's where most people make mistakes, spend a bunch of money, and simply quit too soon.
On the flip side, for those who persevere there can be really huge financial rewards.
2. Freelancing
If you have a skill that people will pay money for, then there is probably a demand as a freelancer. If you have a technical skill, writing skills or administrative skills there are sites that are dedicated to matching up freelancers with companies looking to hire. This is another viable legitimate home business that can bring in some extra money with your spare time.
The competition is stiff and you have to learn how to market yourself with compelling proposals, but if you can land a recurring deal you'll have a nice steady source of income. Freelancing is great for people who are uncomfortable with all the complexities of being an entrepreneur. The downside is it is common for freelance jobs to be paid less than what you might think is the going rate.
There are several other legitimate home based business opportunities but this should give you an idea of what to look for. Just know this; every business requires some skill level and actual time on the job. Successful home based businesses are the result of solid, smart work.
by: Zornitza Pavlova-MacKinnon
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