Stuck for Ideas?
A new business is exciting, but daunting! Often we know that we want to work for ourselves at home, but aren't sure what business we could do. This is a walk-through list that was put together for one of our mothers when she gave up teaching, and decided that she wanted to work from home. She thought it was great- we hope it helps you.
Give me a Clue
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If you look at your week (over the 7 days, and the full 24 hours) what do you do? List everything- including sleeping!
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Then think about what you have really enjoyed doing. List the things you enjoyed the most- these may include giving advice to a friend, or the research you did to find out about a particular subject, or something that you cooked, or made in your shed! The list could be anything as we are all different.
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Next think about the things you are best at. Write your own list (and if you are like me it may well be a short list!). Then ask your friends, family and other people you know. What do they think you are good at? Write these things down as well.
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Looking at the lists you have, do any of them look like possible businesses you could start at home? If so, write these down, but don’t discard your other lists yet. Then have a look on the web. Using your lists, use the main search engines and type in some of the words on your lists. What type of businesses come up? Write them down and take a look at their websites (if they have them).
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You may well now be narrowing your ideas down. Write down your favourite business ideas. Go back to the web and do some more detailed research. How do the existing businesses sell to their customers? What are their prices? Do the tell you how successful they have been?
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Use this information to decide on no more than two ideas to investigate further.
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Look at your home space.
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What are your responsibilities at home? Do you need to be in the same room as children, or others you have caring responsibilities for? If so, how much space could you free up for your business?
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If you are free to move any where in the house, where would the best space be for your home business?
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Do these spaces fit with any of your possible at home business ideas?
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If not, is a garden office, loft space conversion, or the garage space a possibility?
