Are you at stay-at-home mom looking to bring in some extra cash or just looking for some self-purpose...other than being the number one mom, house-cleaner, cook, and chauffeur of the household?
Starting a home-based business is a great way to achieve your personal and financial goals.
Believe it or not, 52 percent of all US businesses are operated primarily from someone's home. And 69% of US entrepreneurs started their businesses at home. Big names like Burt's Bees, Mattel, Apple, and Wrigley to name a few. But what types of businesses can grow and thrive in a home-based environment?
Here are 8 home-based businesses that you can start with very little investment. But keep in mind, like anything worth while, starting a business takes motivation and a willingness to work hard.
1. Massage Therapist, Esthetician or Makeup Artist. You can set up shop in the basement, spare room, or small dwelling off the house. If that doesn't work with your home situation then bring the spa experience to your clients as a traveling therapist or make-up artist. This alleviates expensive start up cost or rental overhead.
2. Child Daycare. This could be a very lucrative and long-lasting business opportunity for the mom who loves kids. Because a home environment is often appealing to parents, it’s likely you’ll have their business until they no longer require care.However, this is a regulated business that will require you to comply with state and local regulations that govern issues such as space requirements, caregiver to child ratios, and food provisions.
3. Virtual Assistant. Virtual assistants aka “VA’s” provide a wide array of administrative, marketing and technical support “virtually” to other business owners. For example, I’m currently working 10-15 hours a week for a Financial planner who’s out of state. I’m responsible for setting appointments, scheduling his monthly event, and documenting my work into his customer management program and spreadsheets. If you're organized and have any administrative background, this might be a perfect fit for you. Local and online networking or contacting a VA association can help you land your first client.
4. Freelance writing. If you love to write, freelancing could be a fun avenue for you. Freelance writers can write on any topic, from healthy pet food to designer shoes. The goal would be to find subjects that you're already an expert in. Business are usually looking for writers to create articles, social media posts, website copy, or other marketing materials. You would need to create a website showcasing your skills and start networking locally and in the online space.
5. Multiple Level Marketing (MLM) or Direct Sells. They’re essentially the same thing, just two different terms. You find a product you love, or in many cases someone you know introduces you to a product or business opportunity. The old school layout is to contact everyone you know, tell them about the product/opportunity or invite them to your product party. However, there are many other ways to successfully market yourself and products without utilizing your personal contacts. A few examples of big name MLM’s are Avon, Mary Kay, Rodan + Fields, Beachbody, doTERRA, Stella & Dot, and Color Street. You have the opportunity to make some serious cash, but in many cases it takes hard work and time. If you're highly motivated, savvy in the online space, and enjoy sales, team work, and fancy incentives; then this could be a great opportunity for you.
6. Coach. Anyone can become a coach. Examples are; life coach, business coach, health coach, relationship or dating coach. The possibilities are endless. If you're good at motivating people and giving sound advice, you could be a life coach. If you've started and ran your own successful business you could be a business coach. I think you see where I'm going with this. Coaches usually market themselves in local networking groups and online and typically offer one-to-one coaching packages that can be run via phone or ZOOM calls.
7. Online Marketplace Store. If you have a passion for DIY projects then this could be for you. A few examples are sewing, making soaps and lotions, creating unique home decor pieces, stationery, custom engraving, etc. If you're good at it, make the products then start your own online store on Ebay, Etsy, or Amazon.This could also be an opportunity to partner with products or companies you like and become an affiliate. For example, I just signed up to become an Amazon affiliate. This means I can make a small commission from products I use and love if you buy the same products using my affiliate links. This doesn't change the price of the product, it simply means I'm getting a "referral" commission off your purchase.
8. Consultation Services. This concept is somewhat similar to the Coach or an Online Marketplace, where you take a true talent of yours and turn it into a business. For instance, if you went to school, took a course or are self taught and amazing in any field, you can create a business out of it. Some professionally trained or self-taught skill sets include; interior design, graphic design, event planning, piano or singing lessons, dog training, tutoring or bookkeeping.