Written by Eva Benoit | eva.benoit@evabenoit.com | evabenoit.com

With the gig economy booming, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to self-employment these days; now, it’s easier than ever to start your own business from home, either to earn extra cash or to become an entrepreneur with a brand-new career. Whether you need a flexible schedule so you can take care of young children or are just stuck in a rut at your current job, there are several ways you can get started with your own home-based business.

One of the keys to success when it comes to being a “mompreneur” is doing your research. Are there companies similar to the one you want to start in your area? What is their business model? Will you have the funds to sustain yourself for the first year, after paying for startup costs or materials? Coming up with a solid plan before you make any decisions will help prevent any nasty surprises down the road and will help you maintain success during the process.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to make your home-based business work.

Consider the best business model

There are many different types of home-based businesses you can choose from, but of course, you’ll want to start with one that you already have some experience in. If you’ve worked in accounting or consulting in the past, there are tons of options for you now. If you’d rather begin with a hobby that you enjoy doing and are familiar with as far as the cost of materials, it makes sense to turn that into a business.

Think about startup costs

There are almost always startup costs with any new business, although some are more than others. If you’re going to be selling a product, you need to think about not only the cost of materials, but also the cost to package and market it. Keep in mind that many small businesses don’t make a profit right away, so you’ll want to have some savings as a cushion for at least the first few months.

Know your strengths

Many moms are natural problem-solvers and have loads of self-motivation simply because they have to in order to get through the day. These are wonderful traits to have for starting your own business, and it’s important to know what your strengths are and how to play to them. This will help you realize your potential and push through even when things get difficult.

Strike a balance

Working from home may sound like a dream come true when you’re a busy mom, but it can actually be much harder than going into the office. This is because not only do you still have parental duties, you also have to figure out a way to strike a balance between your children and your job. One of the best ways to do this is to create a workspace that is distraction-free, away from the main traffic of the rest of the home, and set work hours that will allow you to get things done without having to multitask.

Starting your own business comes with a specific set of challenges for everyone, so keep in mind that there isn’t one proven formula for success that will work for every entrepreneur. Write out a business plan before you make any decisions and ask for help from friends and family when it comes to getting started. With a solid plan and thoughtful decisions, you can change your career and make it a success.

Article written by:"

Eva Benoit

eva.benoit@evabenoit.com

evabenoit.com