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If you are tired of your present job, laid off, want to spend more time with family, and want to be your own boss, it is possible to work at home. Home jobs can include finance relates jobs such as bookkeeping, writing jobs such as copywriting, computer related jobs such as graphic artist, customer service related jobs such as sales, and professional related jobs such as architecture.

In trying to decide what kind of home business to start, you should do research to see if the business can be successful. Look at competing businesses and see what they charge. Read books, and search on the Internet. Also if you live with people, make sure you have their support for your home business. Have a spouse help with the kids. Explain to the kids how they can help make the business a success. Make sure you have enough money saved before you start to work at home. If you were a regular contributor to the household income, have at least six months' salary saved.

A mission statement can help define the purpose of you work at home business. A mission statement consists of your goals for the business. Define your business and write where you hope to be in six months, a year, and so on.

You can also write what income you hope to make. A mission statement can be changed as your business grows. Try to set a regular schedule for your business. You will feel more professional if you have certain times devoted to your work. Set aside a place to work. Try to make a home office and have the necessary office supplies. Don't be shy about setting prices. You shouldn't overcharge, but you shouldn't under price your work either.

When you work at home, it's important to keep up with your bookkeeping. Send out invoices as soon as possible. Record your expenses such as phone and Internet bills. Network with other people in your field.

Besides online communication, attend meetings, conferences, and trade shows. Choose a good business name, but don't choose the same name as another business. Determine what business structure you want, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

If you need financing, look at loans, lines of credit, and grants. See if you need insurance coverage for your business. Determine if you need to set up a business account at the bank in addition to your personal account. Figure out how much you need to spend on advertising with online and print ads, products( pens, paper, clocks, calendars) with your business name on them, sales kits, and other promotional ideas.

The biggest part of starting your home business is to have persistence and patience. There will be failures and setbacks, but as long as you do the proper research and listen to your customers, you can have a profitable home business.