Home-Based Business Kit

Launch a money-making venture from the comfort of your own home.

Starting a home-based business has special challenges. From preparing the right business plan to your first successful sale, The Home-Based Business Kit gives you the tools you need to succeed and make a profit. Experienced home-based business owners show you how to:

• Write Your Business Plan
• Analyze Market Data
• Prepare a Budget
• Manage Your Time
• Handle Family Distractions
• Set Up Your Home Workspace
• Negotiate with Vendors
• Hire Employees
• Find Customers
• Raise Start-Up Money

Additional features include:

• Case Studies
• Checklists
• Sample Business, Marketing and Financial Plans

Now is the time to turn your skills, hobby or big idea into real money.

Autorentext

Diana Brodman Summers received her JD from DePaul University College of Law in 1993 and passed the Bar Exam in Illinois. She has an undergraduate degree majoring in Business Administration and Computer Science from Roosevelt University. Currently, Ms. Summers maintains a law office concentrating on Employment Law for the employees in Lisle, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

Ms. Summers is an arbitrator for both the Cook and DuPage County mandatory arbitration programs. She is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, the DuPage Bar Association of Women Lawyers, and the Illinois State Bar Association. Ms. Summers has written articles and lectured on computerizing small law firms for the Illinois State Bar Association.

Ms. Summers can be reached at www.lawyer4employees.com

Inhalt

Introduction-

10 Steps to Making Your Home-Based Business a Success -

Section I: Evaluate Your Home for Business

CHAPTER 1: Why Start a Home-Based Business? -
The Desire for Financial Independence
The Dream of Working for Yourself
The Need to be Creative
Your Personal Reasons for Starting a Home-Based Business
Don't Quit Your Day Job

CHAPTER 2: Kinds of Home-Based Businesses -
Providing Services to Others
Professional Businesses
Craft Businesses
Child-Oriented Businesses
Foods and Edibles
eBay
Portable Businesses
Franchises
Getting Ideas for a Home Business

CHAPTER 3: Is Your Home the Right Place for a Business? -
Zoning and Other Local Laws
Business Address
Image
Home Office Furniture
Home Office Equipment
Phone Lines
Parking

CHAPTER 4: A Home-Based Business and Your Family -
Family Support and Distractions
Naysayers
Friends and Neighbors
Security

Section II: Start Getting Organized

CHAPTER 5: Prioritize Your Ideas -
Your Time is Valuable
Choose a Business You Can Grow to Love
Identify Your Goals
Create a Daily Activity List
Analyze Your Activity List
Focus Your Initiative
Identify Your Business Skills
Know Your Personal Limitations
Develop Balance in Your Life

CHAPTER 6: Use Your Time, Wisely -
Prioritize Your Tasks
Plan Your Time
Too Much Work and Not Enough Time
Control Your Interruptions
Project Scheduling Challenges
Inventory Scheduling Challenges

Section III: Develop Your Plans

CHAPTER 7: Make a Business Plan -
Start-Up Action Plan
The Importance of a Business Plan
Developing a Business Plan
Writing a Business Plan
Presenting Your Business Plan
Putting Your Business Plan to Work
Sample Business Plan

CHAPTER 8: Make a Marketing Plan -
Determine the Marketability
Learn About the Competition
Spot Trends
Think Outside the Box
Write a Marketing Plan
Home-Based Business Marketing Plan
Truth in Advertising
Implementing Your Marketing Plan
Networking
Set Your Pricing Policy
Discounts
Legal Issues for Pricing
Tracking Your Prices

CHAPTER 9: Make a Financial Plan -
Personal Savings
Inheritance or a Gift
Credit Cards
Debit Cards and ATM Cards
Equity in Your Home
Loan from Family or Friends
Promissory Note
Buying on Time
Renting or Leasing Equipment
Line of Credit
Retirement Funds
Banks and Credit Unions
The Small Business Administration
Assistance for Veterans
Budget

Section IV: Put Your Plan into Action

CHAPTER 10: Legal Considerations -
State Registration
Business Structure
Employer Identification Number
Licenses, Permits, and the Collection of Taxes
Zoning Regulations

CHAPTER 11: Basic Business Setup -
Naming Your Company
Bank Account
Credit Cards
Telephone Systems
Computer Hardware
Computer Software
Office Equipment
Tips on Acquiring Equipment and Furniture
Business Cards, Letterhead, and Envelopes

CHAPTER 12: Use Business Experts to Your Advantage -
The Attorney
The Accountant
The Insurance Agent
Business Records

Section V: Manage Your Business Relationships

CHAPTER 13: Working with Customers -
Developing Solid Customer Relations
Customer Service Principles
Customer Satisfaction Policy
Customer Payment Policies
Preparing Invoices
Extending Credit
Payment Problems
Refund Policies
Disputes
Conflict Management Policy
Contracts and Customer Relationships

CHAPTER 14: Working with Vendors -
Negotiation Guidelines
Negotiating Contracts with Vendors

CHAPTER 15: Working with Employees -
Choose the Correct Employment Category
Write a Job Description
Interview Process
Check References
The Decision Process
Employment Compensation
Employer Tax Responsibilities

CONCLUSION -

GLOSSARY

• APPENDIX: Secretary of State Contact Information-

INDEX -