What You Need To Be Successful With A Home Business
If you're thinking about getting into business for yourself, then it is virtually guaranteed that you have come across at least one sales letter online that has told you $10k per month is as easy as turning your computer on. Those numbers are very possible, and can be attained a lot faster than many people think. Honestly though, simple does not equal EASY in this situation. There are some fundamental things that you're going to need to have working in your favor to be able to get your business off the ground. Here are a few of the most important.
An Idea
This is the one big thing that no one seems to think about before deciding that they are going to start an online business: just what the heck is your business going to be about? The common advice from "gurus" and the wannabes that parrot them is that you just need to follow your passion. That kind of advice is vague and misleading.
Yes, you should work in your field of passion if at all possible, but you need to be realistic about things. Does your passion provide a need or a want? Does that need or a want create an opportunity for a product or service? Would that product or service either a) be innovative or b)outperform the competition? These are questions that you need to answer, as going into this without a sense of direction is a recipe for failure.
A Strong "BS" Meter
By going into business for yourself you are going to open yourself to an awesome group of people. There is perhaps no subset of society out there that is more interesting and helpful than the entrepreneurial community. You'll learn a lot from these men and women, and they'll help get you off the ground.
Unfortunately, this subset also attracts some hangers-on that are less than desirable. These will be the people that promise you the stars and the space in between them if you just give them your money to make something happen. Be extremely wary. Always ask for verifiable proof. There is no worse setback then realizing you have been had, so avoid it if at all possible.
A Good Work/Life Balance
As mentioned above, this is going to be a real grind. Nothing about starting a business is easy, otherwise everyone would do it. Your first instinct is going to be to throw yourself into your work and do nothing else until it works. This is admirable, but should not be done for a prolonged period of time. You're still a human being with wants and needs, and probably have family and friends that want to see you. Don't neglect them for your business, you will regret it down the line.
Once you have absorbed and understand the above, you're ready to begin getting serious with running your business. You're going to have a lot of fun, so get pumped up. Very few people are in the unique position that you are in now!
