Know That You’re Ready For It

One of the biggest allures to starting a business franchise is the opportunity to earn an income while working from home. While it is true that working from home provides many freedoms not found in traditional work settings, it is also a situation that is fraught with many unique pitfalls. There are usually more distractions, disruptions to family patterns and longer work hours. Working from home is still work and for any business to succeed it requires total dedication to even the smallest details. One of the things that many people think when starting a franchise is that they will not have to work as hard as they did before. In the real world usually the opposite is true. So before starting a home based franchise it is important to know you’re ready for it. Be sure you can work in a solitary environment, withstand the long work hours, have funds available for start-up costs and have the ability to avoid distractions.

Determine Your Financial Risks

The first advise in this area usually revolves around determining how much you can afford to spend on starting a new franchise. While this is an important consideration, the more important question you need to clarify is determining how much you can comfortably afford to lose. There are always financial risks associated with starting any business and starting a home based franchise is no different. No matter how much the promotional material from a franchise company may promise you a one way ticket to easy street, the bottom line is that any business investment requires hard work and a bit of luck to generate a reasonable return. Hopefully your franchise business will be a roaring success right from the start, but that will only be determined after you have paid out your initial investment fee. It is always wise to approach any business investment with enough financial resources to have something to fall back on in the case of unexpected setbacks.

Determine Your Brand

Once you have determined how much you can comfortably invest and afford to lose, it is important to determine which brand of franchise business will work best for you. As a franchisee, you can become an expert in a wide array of fields that includes everything from cleaning services to IT consulting. There are now numerous ways to narrow down your franchise options that include websites, newspapers and franchising magazines. Once you have researched your options, it is then vital to determine how much competition your will have in your area. It makes no financial sense to start a new pet care franchise if there are already twenty others pet services available to local customers. Be sure that your franchise brand will offer something unique, have limited competition right from the start and focus on something you know and love.

Be Comfortable With The Agreement

Before signing any franchise agreement, be sure you fully understand the terms and that the company can truthfully answer any questions you may have on any issue. The terms of an agreement can vary widely from state to state and are, generally, unalterable. Franchisors are required by the Federal Trade Commission to provide a franchise disclosure document to all potential franchise owners that fully discloses information about the franchise opportunity. This document must be provided at least 10 days prior to the signing of any agreement. If a company cannot present a franchise disclosure document, be very wary of doing business with them. Also be sure to clarify if the company can provide some essential support services like start-up tools, on-going training and methods for marketing to potential clients or customers.

Check Local Ordinances

Before investing in any franchise always check local ordinances that may impact your ability to operate a home based business. Many municipalities and homeowner associations severely limit the operations of businesses within neighborhoods. There may also be ordinances governing the need for obtaining a business license or limits on the types of advertising that can be displayed in residential areas. Not clarifying this information up-front can lead to costly legal problems after your business is opened.

Safety First

For daycare centers, the United States government regulates infectious disease prevention, daycare premises safety and appropriate childcare provider training. Each state imposes additional regulations in regards to child-teacher ratio, premises inspection and other childcare details.

Before opening for business, obtain First Aid and CPR certification. Update your certifications regularly.

Decide how many children your facility safely accommodates. Do you have space for the children to nap? Can you safely transport them in case of an emergency? Do you have resources to provide care for infants?

Decide how many children you can safely supervise during playtime, meal times, and bathroom breaks. To meet child-teacher ratios, hire a teen or adult helper. Ensure your helpers obtain the proper clearances and background checks.

Decide if you will pursue requirements to become a licensed facility. States more stringently inspect licensed facilities where you can watch more children and make more money from home.

Childcare Philosophy

Consider how you will meet the children’s social, emotional and physical needs. How much television will the children watch every day? Will you speak a second language or provide musical instruction? Will you participate in field trips? Will you offer homework help to after-school children? Ask yourself what you would want in a daycare center for your child then seek to provide that environment for your clients’ children. Parents will patronize a daycare center that prepares their child for school and life success.

What to Charge

In order to make money from home, you will need to determine a fair price for each age group. You make your money working at home by achieving a full daycare roster. Charge a flat weekly rate for full-time children whether they attend every day or not. Charge a higher rate for infant care. Offer a discount for siblings. Charge more per hour for part-time children.

Parental Contract

Write a contract listing your services, childcare philosophy, daily schedule, payment rates, holidays and other guidelines. Include parental expectations and obligations. Collect relevant details about each child such as emergency contact numbers, medical information and who may pick up the child. Contact a local attorney for assistance in preparing these forms.

Toys and Equipment

Ensure your daycare center contains a variety of educational games, manipulative toys and age-appropriate activities. Separate the toys to prevent infants and toddlers from choking on toys with small pieces.

Organize and sanitize any equipment you already own. You may purchase new items or buy used quality items. Inspect each item for safety straps or buckles and wear and tear. Check online for recalled items and insist on using only safety standardized equipment to prevent lead poisoning, strangulation, falls and other injuries. Typically, a daycare center needs the following equipment:

• Diaper changing table
• High chair
• Infant swing
• Crib and playpen
• Children’s chairs and tables
• Step stool
• Story time mats or chairs
• Toys, puzzles, books, crayons and blocks
• Multiple hooks, bins and shelves for shoes, jackets, daily hand washing cloths and toys
• Outdoor play equipment
• Cleaning products

Outdoor Play

Weather permitting, supervise outdoor play every day. Provide safe equipment for each child and organize group games and other team-building activities. Discover your state’s requirements regarding safety fencing, playground equipment and proper ground covering. Obtain a water safety certificate if the children will be swimming.

Meals and Snacks

Typically, the daycare provider purchases and prepares meals and snacks. Investigate programs in your area that offer reimbursement to daycare centers that serve balanced and nutritious snacks and meals.

Where to Advertise

After you have ensured safety, obtained any necessary paperwork and have prepared your facility, print business cards or flyers. Post them at local grocery stores, businesses or other community billboards. Advertise your profile online. Pay for a newspaper ad or ask friends for recommendations.

Other Childcare Jobs

If you want to care for children without opening a daycare center, work at home as a nanny. Care for children from one or two families rather than numerous children in order to make money working at home.

Open your home to children after school, on weekends and during holiday or summer camps. Offer classes in cooking, sewing, painting, pet care, woodworking, gardening, music and other practical skills.

If you love children, consider opening a daycare facility. Make money in your home while providing a safe, educational environment for children. Perform a job you love, meet a need in the community and make a difference in the life of a child.

Determine how Much Money you Need

The type of business you start determines how much money you will need. For example, buying a franchise costs more than selling wooden furniture you already build in your workshop. Record a comprehensive list of all your start-up costs and expenses. Factor in daily expenses such as utilities, insurance and vehicle maintenance. Additional expenses for a new or existing business include the following items:

• Computer and printer
• Additional telephone outlets
• Camera
• Office supplies
• Materials
• Tools
• Advertising
• Website design and maintenance
• Professional organization memberships
• Construction of a workshop

Use Your Own Money

Redeem savings bonds, stocks and other resources for cash. Withdraw money from your personal savings account, but be sure to maintain a balance of three to six months of living expenses in case of an emergency. You can also sell items for cash. Seek an appraisal for high quality antiques, jewelry or art to ensure you receive a fair price. Consider working a seasonal part-time job to finance your work at home business.

Borrow From the Bank

If your credit score support a loan, the bank may finance your work at home endeavor. Compare rates from both local and online banks. Apply for a personal loan or secure a home equity line of credit.

Withdraw Money From Your Retirement Accounts

Before withdrawing cash from a 401(k), consult a tax professional to determine the amount of the penalties and taxes you will be charged for early withdrawal. In most cases, borrowing retirement account funds proves to be costly. Consider the reality of your saving habits to determine if you can commit to repaying yourself for retirement.

Utilize a Credit Card

Charge initial business expenses on a personal credit card. After you establish your business, open a business credit card account. Credit cards charge high finance fees for balances and even higher fees for cash advances. If you miss one payment, your credit score can be affected which could hinder your ability to earn credit in the future.

Ask Friends or Family for Money

Many relationships have met demise due to lack of loan repayment. In writing, agree to interest charges and repayment terms. Your friends and family may accept free services in exchange for a loan of start-up cash.

Small Business Association

Throughout the U.S., the SBA supports small businesses with loans. Check out the SBA website or contact your local financial institution for more information.

State Grants

Occasionally, states offer loans to small business owners. Carefully research the paperwork and other requirements before submitting your application.

Research Peer-to-Peer Lending

Successful entrepreneurs make small loans to assist other small business owners in making money from home. Venture capitalists and investment angels supply funds to growing companies in exchange for stock options in the company.

Do not Borrow too Much Money

If you secure too many loans, you will find yourself unable to repay them. The extra stress will hinder your ability to make money while working from home. As with all loans, read all the fine print. Understand fees, repayments terms and interest rates.

Before you ask for Money

Prepare your paperwork and sales pitch before you approach anyone for money. You will need a thorough business plan to prove to lenders that you have taken time to think through details surrounding your business. In the business plan, detail the company’s formation date, business structure, business objectives and purpose, financial resources, marketing plan and growth plan.

Obtain copies of your personal credit reports and credit scores. Correct any false information. Collect financial documentation. You will need your most recent tax return, a list of assets, a list of loans and current credit obligations.

During financial solicitations interviews, dress professionally and be prepared to answer tough questions like how you will repay loans and how much profit you expect to make in the first year. Even if lenders refuse to offer you cash, thank them for their time and maintain a cordial relationship. In the future, these same sources may change their minds and support your ideas.

With your great business idea, find funding from multiple sources. To decrease financial stress, carefully plan your financial needs before starting a business. Approach every lender with courtesy and organize all paperwork in advance to increase your success in securing home based business funding.

• Determine whether you’ll use your current home, or if you’ll purchase a new home to run your business. Many people have some extra rooms in their home, and you may be able to run a bed and breakfast from your current home by simply utilizing the space in your spare rooms. However, you’ll only be successful if you have a property in an area that has tourist attractions. If you live in an area that people don’t frequently travel to, you’ll need to buy a property in a more popular area. The fact that the property will also be your own home means that this startup can be relatively low cost, as you won’t be taking on more than a mortgage you’d already be paying.
• Aim your bed and breakfast at providing comfort to your guests. If you can, be sure that each guest has their own, private bathroom. Leave individual toiletries in the bathroom for each guest. If you only have one group staying at your bed and breakfast, you may even want to get their input for breakfast so that you can cater what you make towards their personal preferences. You may want to schedule activities, but be sure that your guests want to participate and don’t push the activities if no one is interested. Sample activities include hiking on trails near or adjacent to your property or crafts.
• Set room rates by researching rates in your area. Ideally, you’ll want to research what other bed and breakfasts are charging. If there are no bed and breakfasts in the area, research traditional hotel rates. You’ll likely be charging a premium for the experience of staying in a bed and breakfast.
• Advertise by listing your property on popular travel websites. You will pay a commission to do so, but you will gain exposure. You may also consider working with a discount website to offer a one-time discount to website users. This will increase awareness of your property, and, if you make guests comfortable and they enjoy their stay, you can gain repeat customers.
• Making your guests comfortable and making their stay better than they expected is the best way to stay profitable. Bed and breakfasts often have repeat customers, especially if couples are coming to stay for an anniversary and will consider visiting every year. It’s also helpful to remember your guests so that they feel welcome in the future. Encourage guests to sign a book and write a bit about their stay upon checking out, as it will help you put a name to a face and know more about what they liked and what they expect in the future.

Many people dream of owning a bed and breakfast. If you do, consider making that dream a reality! Running a bed and breakfast from your home can be a fun and rewarding way to earn money from the comfort of your own home.

Know Your Market

People need the services of a professional window cleaner for many reasons. These could include factors such as age, a disability, fear of climbing ladders, a lack of time or the need for a business to project a clean image. In order to obtain and keep clients it is important that you know your market and have the ability to clearly explain how your service can not only meet, but exceed their expectations. Find out what other commercial window cleaning businesses in your area are charging and set your rates accordingly. Knowing your clients needs and setting your prices to be competitive will give you a distinct advantage.

Be Professional

To be taken seriously as a legitimate business it is vital to be professional in all areas. Little things like the way you dress, the way your vehicle looks and how clearly you communicate with clients can make a huge difference. Always show up on time. Doing so assures clients that you respect their schedules and that you can be counted on to complete the job promptly. Return phone calls as soon as you can so that you do not present an image of being too busy or not caring about your clients inquiries. Being less than professional in any area can quickly send a message to people that you do not take your work seriously.

Be Thorough

Operating any type of home based business can be a constant juggling act of tasks that always need to be completed. While you may be concerned about returning calls, paying your suppliers, completing paperwork and maintaining your vehicle all at the time your client is only concerned about having the cleanest windows possible. Focus on the task at hand when working on a job and leave all other thoughts until after the work is finished. Fully complete one task before moving on and stay organized. Clean to the best of your ability and always be sure your client is satisfied with the end results.

Stay Current On Industry Trends

While cleaning windows may seem like a straightforward task to many people, it can be a complex and difficult process on the professional level. Not all windows are made alike and each year brings new changes in the chemical compositions of window designs and the materials from which they are manufactured. To stay competitive it is important that you stay abreast of industry trends and the best methods for cleaning a wide variety of window panes. There are several professional window cleaning associations that can be accessed through the Internet where information on industry trends, cleaning techniques and peer support can be easily found.

Establish A Website

To be taken seriously as a professional it is important to promote your business in a professional manner. Today, there is no better way for getting yourself in front of potential clients than through a website. A website is global and relatively inexpensive to maintain. The majority of people seeking goods and services today now use search engines to find what they are looking for. Without a website, you will not be able to compete evenly with others offering the same services in your area. The website should be professional in design and highlight both the services you offer and how you are different from your competitors. If possible, add references and a few small articles related to the advantages of hiring a professional window cleaner.

Make Safety A Priority

There are many aspects of professional window cleaning that can be dangerous. Some jobs may require climbing ladders, operating mechanical lifts or working on slopped or unstable terrains. For these reasons, safety should always be a priority on any job. There is too much at risk both personally and professionally if you are distracted or hurried when working in precarious situations. Never rush a job and always be sure that all safety precautions are taken to safeguard both yourself and your client’s property. Accidents will happen, so also make it a priority to purchase good liability insurance to protect your business from lawsuits and damages.

1. Do you want to work for yourself or would you be willing to work for others in a non-traditional capacity?
2. Do you have skills or talents that would be sellable on the internet?
3. Do you have a computer, online access and some space or time to work from home?
4. Are you willing to spend some time on learning about how to make money from home?

If you answered, “yes”, to these questions then it is time to study the various options open to you and choose where you would like to start. The following are some of the most common ways to start earning money from home:

Writing, Editing and Artwork

There are many companies and businesses out there that need people who can write and edit copy or who can illustrate products and services for their websites and business papers. There are even websites that are set up to help businesses and writers find each other. It’s not uncommon to earn a living just by writing content for other people’s websites through the forms of articles or blogs. If you can create graphics or take photographs that can illustrate concepts, then this can only boost your earning potential.

Set Up Your Own Website

If you have interest in a subject or hobby, you can create a website that features information about it and that produces regular content that others will enjoy reading. You can earn money by selling advertising space and the more people you have visiting your website, the more advertising dollars you can make. You can even make money by having links that your visitors can click and link through to a business site, and if they buy a product or service, you’ll get a finder’s fee or a percentage of the sale.

Help Companies Learn More About Their Markets

By answering surveys or by becoming a mystery shopper, you can help companies learn about what the public thinks about their products and services and you can earn a fee for each survey or shopping trip.