Full Description

Launch a money-making venture from the comfort of your own home.

Starting a home-based business has special challenges. From preparing the right business plan to your first successful sale, The Home-Based Business Kit gives you the tools you need to succeed and make a profit. Experienced home-based business owners show you how to:
- Write Your Business Plan
- Analyze Market Data
- Prepare a Budget
- Manage Your Time
- Handle Family Distractions
- Set Up Your Home Workspace
- Negotiate with Vendors
- Hire Employees
- Find Customers
- Raise Start-Up Money

Additional features include:
- Case Studies
- Checklists
- Sample Business, Marketing and Financial Plans

Now is the time to turn your skills, hobby or big idea into real money.

Table of Contents

Introduction-

10 Steps to Making Your Home-Based Business a Success -

Section I: Evaluate Your Home for Business

CHAPTER 1: Why Start a Home-Based Business? -
• The Desire for Financial Independence
• The Dream of Working for Yourself
• The Need to be Creative
• Your Personal Reasons for Starting a Home-Based Business
• Don’t Quit Your Day Job

CHAPTER 2: Kinds of Home-Based Businesses -
• Providing Services to Others
• Professional Businesses
• Craft Businesses
• Child-Oriented Businesses
• Foods and Edibles
• eBay
• Portable Businesses
• Franchises
• Getting Ideas for a Home Business

CHAPTER 3: Is Your Home the Right Place for a Business? -
• Zoning and Other Local Laws
• Business Address
• Image
• Home Office Furniture
• Home Office Equipment
• Phone Lines
• Parking

CHAPTER 4: A Home-Based Business and Your Family -
• Family Support and Distractions
• Naysayers
• Friends and Neighbors
• Security

Section II: Start Getting Organized

CHAPTER 5: Prioritize Your Ideas -
• Your Time is Valuable
• Choose a Business You Can Grow to Love
• Identify Your Goals
• Create a Daily Activity List
• Analyze Your Activity List
• Focus Your Initiative
• Identify Your Business Skills
• Know Your Personal Limitations
• Develop Balance in Your Life

CHAPTER 6: Use Your Time, Wisely -
• Prioritize Your Tasks
• Plan Your Time
• Too Much Work and Not Enough Time
• Control Your Interruptions
• Project Scheduling Challenges
• Inventory Scheduling Challenges

Section III: Develop Your Plans

CHAPTER 7: Make a Business Plan -
• Start-Up Action Plan
• The Importance of a Business Plan
• Developing a Business Plan
• Writing a Business Plan
• Presenting Your Business Plan
• Putting Your Business Plan to Work
• Sample Business Plan

CHAPTER 8: Make a Marketing Plan -
• Determine the Marketability
• Learn About the Competition
• Spot Trends
• Think Outside the Box
• Write a Marketing Plan
• Home-Based Business Marketing Plan
• Truth in Advertising
• Implementing Your Marketing Plan
• Networking
• Set Your Pricing Policy
• Discounts
• Legal Issues for Pricing
• Tracking Your Prices

CHAPTER 9: Make a Financial Plan -
• Personal Savings
• Inheritance or a Gift
• Credit Cards
• Debit Cards and ATM Cards
• Equity in Your Home
• Loan from Family or Friends
• Promissory Note
• Buying on Time
• Renting or Leasing Equipment
• Line of Credit
• Retirement Funds
• Banks and Credit Unions
• The Small Business Administration
• Assistance for Veterans
• Budget

Section IV: Put Your Plan into Action

CHAPTER 10: Legal Considerations -
• State Registration
• Business Structure
• Employer Identification Number
• Licenses, Permits, and the Collection of Taxes
• Zoning Regulations

CHAPTER 11: Basic Business Setup -
• Naming Your Company
• Bank Account
• Credit Cards
• Telephone Systems
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Office Equipment
• Tips on Acquiring Equipment and Furniture
• Business Cards, Letterhead, and Envelopes

CHAPTER 12: Use Business Experts to Your Advantage -
• The Attorney
• The Accountant
• The Insurance Agent
• Business Records

Section V: Manage Your Business Relationships

CHAPTER 13: Working with Customers -
• Developing Solid Customer Relations
• Customer Service Principles
• Customer Satisfaction Policy
• Customer Payment Policies
• Preparing Invoices
• Extending Credit
• Payment Problems
• Refund Policies
• Disputes
• Conflict Management Policy
• Contracts and Customer Relationships

CHAPTER 14: Working with Vendors -
• Negotiation Guidelines
• Negotiating Contracts with Vendors

CHAPTER 15: Working with Employees -
• Choose the Correct Employment Category
• Write a Job Description
• Interview Process
• Check References
• The Decision Process
• Employment Compensation
• Employer Tax Responsibilities

CONCLUSION -

GLOSSARY
-
APPENDIX: Secretary of State Contact Information-

INDEX -

Excerpt

Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews: