Table of Contents

HOMEMADE MONEY:
Starting Smart!

by Barbara Brabec

Preface

1. Overview of the Work-at-Home Industry

What Will You Call Yourself?
Entrepreneurial Moms and Dads
Home Businesses Then and Now
The Importance of Trends
The Restructuring of the Workforce
Who's Working at Home and Why

2. Homework Myths, Scams, and Unprofitable Ideas

Work-at-Home Misconceptions
Mail Order "Get Rich" Schemes
Work-at-Home/Home-Business "Opportunities"
Scams Against Business Owners
Ten Moneymaking Ideas That Violate Copyright Law
The Celebrity Rights Act

3. Assessing Your Personal Situation

Are You a Good Home-Business Candidate?
Your Opportunities for Learning
Identifying Special Skills and Talents
Why People Avoid "Business"
Why People Fear Success
Is Something Holding You Back?
Home-Business Pros and Cons
 "Self-Employed Individuals" vs. "Entrepreneurs"
 Taking a Chance on Yourself
Why Businesses May Fail
Overcoming Your Fear of the Unknown

4. Selecting the Right Type of Business for You

Two Basic Kinds of Business
Product-Oriented Businesses
Service-Oriented "At-Home" Businesses
Service-Oriented "From-Home" Businesses
Arts and Crafts Businesses
Mail Order Businesses
Direct Sales Businesses
MLM/Network Marketing
Home-Business Franchises
Summary

5. Brainstorming the Perfect Home-Business Idea

Read, Listen, and Observe
Keeping Technology in Mind
Find a Need and Fill It
Do What You Love
Build on What You Know and Do Best
Making Money in the Country
Country Businesses Idea Checklist
Starting a Business on the World Wide Web
Change Is Part of the Picture

6. Profiting from Your Special Expertise and Know-How

Writing for Money and Recognition
Profits from Publishing
Money in Your Mouth
Teaching Others What You Know
Offering Your Knowledge Through Consulting

7. Positioning Yourself for Success

To Be Legal or Not--That Is the Question
Checking Out Local, State, and Federal Laws
Zoning Laws
Selecting a Business Name
Projecting a Professional Image
Developing a Mindset for Success

Chapter 8 Planning Your Moves

Writing a Business Plan
Your Financial Plan
The Many Hats of Business
Doing Market Research
Outline for a Simple Marketing Plan
Home-Business Start-Up Checklist

Chapter 9 Developing Necessary Printed Materials

Designing Your Own Printed Materials
Business Card Design and Copy Tips
Brochure Design Considerations
A Crash Course in Working with Printers

10. Pricing Guidelines for Business Beginners

The Value of Your Time
Buying Materials Wholesale
Bringing Overhead into the Picture
How to Quote a Job
Pricing Formulas for Product Sellers
Industry Pricing Guidelines

Chapter 11. Learning to Use the Latest Computer Technology

The Computer's Role in Your Business
Learning Later in Life
Your Computer Learning Options
Analyzing Your Current Computer System
Software Considerations
The Personal Benefits of Computer Ownership

12. Maintaining Control

Blending Business into Your Personal Lifestyle
Working Around--and With--Your Children
Time Management Tips
Organizational and Stress Management Strategies
Talking to Yourself
Sources of Help and Encouragement

Epilogue

Section II

A-to-Z "Crash Course" in Home Business Basics

Other Resources

Books

Home-Business/Small Business Organizations

Support Networks on the Web

Selected Web Sites with Good Content

Book Contributors

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