Articles by Tracey DornellesLet’s be honest, many online marketing home business opportunities fail before they’ve even started and for a while there many even had a bit of a bad reputation. You’d tell friends “Oh, I’m running my own home business” and they’d run a mile because they would think you are going to try and drag them to some lame meeting, try to sell them washing powder or have a make-up party at your house.
These days many home businesses have the added advantage of operating a large component of their business online. In fact many online home businesses operate without seeing any customers face to face at all. They take orders online, they talk to customers on the phone and do training via online seminars called webinars.
Latest statistics show there are about 1-million home businesses operating in Australia at the moment at that number is growing. More and more people are looking into how to get back that family life.
So what should you consider when starting a home based business?
1. Do you want to start-up a home business from scratch?
I personally love making baby things – blankets, singlets, presents you name it ….Many people have said to me “Wow they look great! You should sell them” But then I thought about the manual labour involved and the part I really like is when I’m making those presents I make them really personal.
2. Do you have the capital and resources to go out on your own?
I don’t know anything about sourcing fabrics, how to market to stores, plus I didn’t really have the time and space to have a sewing factory set up in my lounge room when I’m also a mum to a young family.
3. Have you considered a franchise?
I did consider perhaps a juice store because I love those freshly made smoothies, but then time, family, money commitments came into play.
4. How about eBay?
I tried this and didn’yt make very much money, plus I would prefer to keep this for shoe shopping.
5. Would you be better supported by an existing company looking for people to operate as associates from the comfort of your own home?
This is what I eventually chose, but I’m not here to spruik my company because I think it’s important to find a company that you really resonate with.
6. What kind of products does the company market and are you passionate about them too?
A long time ago I joined a company with the hopes of getting rich quick only to find I wasn’t able to push the products they sold because I wasn’t even passionate about them. Think about what you’re REALLY into and find someone who markets that. I’m really into personal development.
7. Is there support and training?
Many companies say they have support and training, but to test them out ask them to show their back office. Ask them if they are really going to answer the phone or emails if you have any questions and how quickly.
8. What’s their approach to sales and marketing?
Do they cold call? Because if they do …. Then guess what? You will have to aswell! I loathe cold calling and I also hate any company who tells me I should ask all my friends and family to join me. If they ask you to do this and the idea of that makes you uncomfortable then run a mile!
9. Do they have a money back guarantee
Simple question ….. and there’s only one correct answer – YES! If they don’t run 2 miles!
10. Does the company give back?
Is the company charitable? How much of their earnings go to charity and which ones? Do you ever get a say as to which charities they support? Any good business knows the fastest path to success is to help others first, so don’t discount this point, it’s important!
All in all it is possible to run a successful online business from home if you have the desire and the right attitude. Couple that with the right choice in a business and you will achieve a harmonious work life balance.