Forbes magazine is one of the world's leading online resources for the latest business and financial news, and according to Forbes; in the next 3 - 5 years alone, 40 million people throughout the world will be looking for a home based business - This fact is hardly surprising in view of today's frightening and faltering economy!
But actually starting a home based business is a very big decision and not one that most people can afford to take lightly, especially with the knowledge that most new businesses fail within their first five years.
So let's begin by considering some major pros and cons! - at first there may seem to be just as many obstacles as there are rewards, but in my case I felt the pros far outweighed the cons so I've listed a few that related to me and my personal circumstances as a single mum:
Pros:
1. (and the most important one to me) to be able to be there for my children, no more 'childminders' and after school clubs, no more getting up at the crack of dawn to rush the children off to a breakfast club. In fact just to be able to sit and have breakfast and tea with the children!
2. No more uncomfortable commute, either that long drive, stuck in traffic or those long cold waits on a station platform. (I've done them both).
3. No more office politics and trying your best (possibly without success) to please your boss! No more thinking 'only four hours to go until I can get a cup of tea!'
4. Your possibilities and income are limited only by yourself, providing a chance to earn what you're actually worth for a change. (And a biggie: the chance to dream again!)
5. Lastly and most importantly; you learn new skills, you learn how to apply them and by doing so, tremendously increase your value to society.
Cons:
1. There is no guaranteed income and there are obviously risks involved.
2. There are the inevitable 'start up' costs and some form of investment capital required.
3. It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and ultimately you are responsible for your own success or failure.
4. You have to be totally focused, self disciplined, and motivated.
5. It can be very isolating without your usual circle of friends and colleagues.
Well that's a few pros and cons for you to consider, you'll probably come up with more of your own, but whatever, it is extremely important to do your due diligence when evaluating all the opportunities available to you. Unfortunately it is all too easy to become involved with something that either isn't legitimate or doesn't offer any real training or support. This last point is important, because for many people, having a personal mentor and being part of a network of supportive 'like minded' people was paramount to their success.
Obviously owning a home based business isn't for everyone, but for many it is the complete solution to their problems. Certainly in my experience joining the world's top home based business was the answer to my prayers and the best decision I've ever made. But is a home-based business right for you? Only you can make that decision. I do encourage you however to at least consider the possibility!