NFIB

The Changing Attitudes Toward Home-Based Businesses
10/ 16/ 2002

by Mardy Fornes

Home-based businesses were once the Rodney Dangerfield of employment. No matter how hard you worked, you got no respect. But that's changed, says Beverly Williams, president and founder of American Association of Home-Based Businesses.

"Thanks to technology like computers, fax machines and the Internet, home-based businesses are gaining more acceptance, because they allow owners to run efficient and traditional businesses, but without the overhead," says Williams.

But the decision to become one of the estimated 42-million home-based business owners shouldn't be taken lightly.

"To be successful, you have to develop a plan of business," she says. Unlike traditional "business plans" that companies use to solicit outside financing, Williams says a home-based business owner must think about personal factors such as, "Why are you doing this? Is it for the money? The flexibility? The lifestyle? How are you going to find customers? How are you going to build a successful business?"

Home-based business owners must overcome a few issues to compete with traditional companies including deciding where to meet clients and hold meetings. Williams suggests renting satellite office space by the hour or meeting at a local restaurant. If you meet with clients at home, personal security (not to mention housekeeping) should be assessed.

Despite the obstacles, home-based business owners can build thriving businesses, while enjoying the flexibility working from home provides.

"If you think of it, we've come full circle. Before the industrial revolution, most people operated home businesses," Williams says.

She predicts with carefully targeted services and products, professional operation and reliability, home-based businesses will continue to flourish.

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This article originally appeared in the October/November 2002 issue of MyBusiness magazine.

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