Start a Successful Business and Earn a Living from Home

If you think only those with a stash of money and a fancy degree to their name can start a business, think again! Starting and running a business successfully does require elbow grease, but it certainly isn’t rocket science! Whether you have that entrepreneurial streak in you, or just want to make a few extra bucks because you have time, or are a stay-at-home parent who’d like to contribute to the family income, or are just plain bored of the 9-5 routine and need to do something different, there are plenty of options available to start your own venture, earn a steady paycheck, and best of all, be your own boss!

Take a peek at these business ideas which don’t incur hefty start-up costs and can be successfully started with a certain sense of commitment, common sense, lot of patience, and yeah, a generous dollop of luck!

Virtual Assistant

If you’re blessed with strong organizational skills and have an eye for detail, this one’s for you. There are several super-busy professionals who would be glad to have someone do secretarial jobs for them, such as organizing emails, maintaining and updating their calendars, and making travel arrangements, although remotely. All you really need is a dedicated phone line, a computer, printer, scanner, and high speed Internet of course, and you’re good to go!

Blogging/Writing

This one is for folks who have a flair for the languages. Start by blogging about matters close to heart or find a topic you’re passionate about. Researching and presenting content in a fresh new way will earn you loyal followers. If your blogs are good, you’ll have readers visiting your page again for new content, increasing your reader base. Look up websites such as www.problogger.net to begin with. There’s also Elance and Odesk, which have several opportunities for writers who’re serious about taking up writing as a career.

Medical transcription

Have a knack for medical jargon? And a good typing speed? You could be a perfect candidate for medical transcription! An allied healthcare field that lets you be in touch with medicine without being directly involved with the messy, clinical aspect of it. Not sure where to get started? Several institutes such as CareerStep, offer online courses in medical transcription which equip you with the necessary skills needed to launch yourself as a medical transcriptionist. Working from home gives you the option of working as a contractor/freelancer, or having your very own business, just the way you want it!

Pet walking

I bet you didn’t think of this as a home-based business. But it is! There are lots of people who have pets but don’t have time to walk them. Of course, you need to be an animal lover to take up this kind of work! It’s a great concept if you wish to make money on the side – offer your services to busy pet owners who’re pressed for time, and hey, don’t just earn money, earn good health too. Pet walking is a wonderful exercise, so this is an ideal option if you have free time in the mornings and evenings! And who knows, you could expand/diversify into pet sitting and pet grooming, so if you have an innate love for four-legged creatures, this could be your calling!

Home-based bakery

Have you inherited your grandma’s genes of making some of the most delicious pies, tarts, cookies, and cakes? Or perhaps you were born with exquisite culinary talents? Why not put it all to good use and start a home-based business feeding those who can’t cook as well as you!? All you really need is to learn a few tricks like packaging and selling your goodies, and if you’re an expert at what you do, you’ll have people eating out of your hands, literally!

Knitting/Sewing

Skilled with a needle and a yarn of thread? If you have the creativity and make quilts, mats, sweaters, and a host of other knitted items, you can turn it into a profitable business. I, for one, would willingly buy a hand-crafted sweater or quilt over a machine-crafted garment, any time, and I know many others who’d do the same! Knit and sew in your spare time or take it up as a full-time job, and you’ll be flooded with customers wishing to buy your creations! Take a look at Etsy and Zazzle – they can prove to be the perfect outlets for your creativity!

Child care

This is perfect for those who have a large backyard or a big house, and of course love having kids around all the time, no matter how messy and cranky! A home-based day care is often sought after by parents, who prefer it to a commercial day care which could be crammed with kids. Of course you need to meet certain state and local regulations if you wish to open a home-based child care business, but it can be a money-spinning and long-lasting opportunity once your tiny clients are settled and happy!

Other similar ideas that can be successfully managed from home include travel agent, tutoring, wedding planner, yoga teacher, or maybe you have some new ideas you’d like to share!? Home-based businesses are the perfect way to turn your passions and hobbies into a cash cow – all you need is a bit of business acumen, strong networking skills, and yes, some free space in your home where you can set up a dedicated home office! You think you got it all? Get set to kick-start your very own business and earn a steady income without being bound by a set routine!