Small Business Opportunities | Start a Biz from Your Home

Starscapes home-based business opportunity

CHECK OUT ZONING RULES:
Communities have really relaxed their rules on residential and commercial zoning now that so many people are working from home. But if your home based business means that you'll have to have huge trucks delivering goods, then beware, your neighbors might not like it and might turn you in to the local authorities. You will not be able to set up a restaurant at home or a dry cleaning business or a commercial parking lot right on your front lawn. To find out about local zoning laws, call your town office and county clerk's office.

REGISTER YOUR COMPANY:
Take a trip down to your county clerk's office and register your name. You will receive a Business Index number and can then use that Business Index number to open a business checking account.

ESTABLISH A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE:
Most of your customers might never see your home office, so impress them with your professionalism and attention to detail by selecting a good looking stationery system consisting of high-grade letterhead and business cards. Get a separate phone line so no one answers the phone and just says, "Hello," which could turn off potential customers. Get a fax machine, an answering machine or voice mail and you are in business!.

CHECK OUT YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE:
Examine your insurance policy to see if you need to beef up your liability insurance or add on any other type of coverage. There are many add-ons to consider including: business interruption insurance, business property insurance, disability insurance, non-owned auto insurance, product liability and much more.

GENERATING BUSINESS:
Print up a flier, get involved in local clubs and other networking opportunities, send out a press kit to local newspapers, prepare a direct mail piece, try and place yourself as a guest --an expert--on local TV or cable, investigate advertising , become active in local civic groups and associations, offer to give a speech at a local club or gathering, send out discount coupons, send out holiday greeting cards, teach a class at adult education, attend trade shows as a guest or exhibitor. All of these methods will help you generate business and customers.

ACCOUNTING FOR SUCCESS:
Even though you might not plan to do your own taxes--and we do endorse the notion that you visit a professional accountant for tax assistance--it's a good idea to get a grip on basic accounting principles and bookkeeping skills. Look into a local adult education course, browse through bookstores and find a "how to" manual or enroll in a local community college, but get a little accounting help under your belt.

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