Hello! Here’s a post from a fellow blogger that really caught my eye because I’m all about home businesses.
I’ve been working from home since November 2007. I needed to escape office politics for my mental and physical well-being and wanted more flexibility to match my husband’s unpredictable work schedule.
Back then, it was a lonely and scary journey. I didn’t know anyone working virtually, and many people assumed I was involved in some scammy MLM scheme. But today, things are different! Even in my rural area, I know several people freelancing on their own terms.
Starting a home business can still be intimidating. You might think you need a lot of capital, special training, or a marketing budget to succeed. The truth is, you don’t. There are plenty of home businesses you can start right now with minimal investment, time, and education.
Selling on eBay
Most people know how to use eBay, but if you don’t, it’s easy to learn. Listing items is inexpensive. The key is figuring out what products people want to buy, listing many of them, and providing excellent customer service. Start with what you have around the house and grow from there. Commitment is crucial; it might take time for items to sell. Be prompt with shipping, have a good return policy, answer customer questions, and be honest about shipping costs and times.
Virtual Assisting
I found my work-at-home freedom as a virtual assistant. My first job came through a referral. I also spent a lot of time networking on sites like VANetworking.com and Facebook Groups. There’s a big demand for social marketing and blogging assistants. These skills can be learned online, especially if you find someone willing to mentor you. Forums are great places to find potential clients. Answer questions and showcase your expertise without spamming. Sites like HireMyMom and VANetworking.com’s VAInsider also offer opportunities, though they come with an annual fee that can quickly pay off.
Tutoring
If you have an advanced degree or specialized knowledge, consider tutoring. It offers a lot of flexibility. You can advertise your services locally or online through sites like InstaEDU, Tutor.com, and ISUS. Tutoring can pay well, sometimes over $100 an hour if you have specialized knowledge.
Writing
You don’t need a special degree to start freelance writing. If you enjoy writing, are good at checking facts, and have basic grammar and spelling skills, you’re already on your way. Look for gigs on job boards like Problogger and JournalismJobs. Start building a portfolio, which is crucial for a writer. Specializing in a niche like parenting or health can help you earn more. Eventually, you can expand to writing press releases, doing copywriting, or technical writing.
Errand Runner/Odd Jobs Person
Many people are too busy to run daily errands. You can offer to handle tasks like food shopping, pet sitting, or picking up items from the post office. You can advertise locally or use online services like TaskRabbit, Rover.com, or DoorDash. Starting as a part-time personal assistant for someone can also help you get started.
While these are all great business ideas, remember that they might not bring instant success. Businesses often take time to grow, and you need to keep working on them to increase your income. Work on your new business at night or on weekends until you’re confident enough to quit your day job. Only consider quitting when you’re making close to what you earn at your current job.
Angie Nelson has been a virtual assistant and serial blogger since 2007. She found a way to escape the corporate cubicle and now balances several successful online ventures, sharing her passion for making and saving money on her blog, The Work at Home Wife.
Are you interested in starting a home business? Why or why not?