Q: I want to work at home, but haven't a clue as to where to start.

A: If you are feeling much like the above statement, here is my advice to you. Read everything you possibly can on home businesses. The local librarian should become your new best friend. Read books such as Wishcraft and The Artist's Way. These guides can help you rediscover your likes and your talents so you have a better idea of what business would suit you best. If you can, talk with other bizy moms, either over the net or maybe someone in your town who will give you some tips and words of encouragement. Look to other successful people out there. They don't have to be bizy people either. Find out what has made them successful and incorporate their ideas and values into your life.
~ Start reading business ideas right here at Bizymoms.

Q: I have a computer, how can I use it to start a home business?

A: The first question you need to ask yourself is -- Do I love computer work? Because if you hate typing or anything to do with the computer, move on. Find a business that is more you. While computers are becoming more and more popular, and with the added bonus of a modem, you can do some pretty amazing things. But again, you don't have to have a computer to start a home business. For those of you who just love computer work, you have many different options. Let me name a few: Word processing, Graphic Design, Web Design, Writer, Compile Mailing Lists, Research Business, Computer Repair, Internet Consulting, Computer Tutor, Resume Writer and Information Broker are just some of the things you can do with that hunk of metal in front of you.
~ Get details on Computer-based businesses here.

Q: I don't know if I should start a business myself or buy into one of those dealerships or franchises I see advertised all the time.

A: Research, Research, Research. First of all, if you do decide to go with a dealership or another type of business, check out my scam site here. There are, however, some great business opportunities out there and then there are some really bad ones too. So do as much research as you possibly can. Call in a lawyer even. It's better to spend a little money now than to lose all your money down the road because you made a bad mistake.
~ Scam site here
~ Great business opportunities

Q: Okay, I have a great idea for a business, but I just don't know where to start.

A: Now what you need to do is write out a business plan. I know that may sound a bit much. I mean, you're just a mom with this little business you want to start. Well, a business plan doesn't have to be drawn up by a lawyer. It can be kept very simple, yet it will be a big help. Some questions you might want to put in your business plan are: in one or two sentences, what is my business exactly? If you can't say what it is in just a few words, it's time to refocus your idea. Who is your market? Are they young, old, middle-aged, parents, grandparents, kids? Now that you know who your market is, it's much easier to figure out who you're going to market your business to. You just need to figure out what your target market eats, reads, shops etc. List all the ways you can advertise your business without spending a whole lot of money. How much is this business going to cost? Write down ALL business expenses -- all the business equipment you need plus expenses in the future, such as extra electricity (since you're home more) and phone calls, etc. Another big cost you need to take into consideration is daycare. Do you plan to work around your child's schedule or are you going to need some extra care?
~ Bizy Guide To: Business Planning can get you off and running.

Q: Lynne from NY asks, "What I would like to see added to your site is on the legal side. If we create a home-based business -- say for instance, golf club cleaning -- what steps do we take to make this a legit business? Do we even need to register with the state?"

A: Basically all you need is that business license to make you legit. To get one of these you will need to contact the business license bureau in your city or county to find out what kind of business license you are going to need, if any. Failure to obtain all necessary licenses and permits in advance of opening day may result in fines or a possible business closure. If you use your name in your business name, you don't have to worry about being issued a Doing Business As (D.B.A.). For example, if your name is Jenny Smith and you name your business "Jenny Smith's Golf Club Cleaning Service", you do not have to worry about getting a D.B.A. But if you name your business "The Greatest Golf Club Cleaning Service Around", you are going to need one. To file a D.B.A., head to your local county clerk's office. If you will be selling goods to your clients, you will need a state sales tax certificate so you can submit sales tax payments to the state for every item you sell. If you will be buying your materials wholesale or selling wholesale to shops, etc., you are going to need a resale tax certificate so you won't be paying taxes twice. Be sure to check out the zoning laws in your area and to see if you are going to need to worry about this one or not. To find this out, go to your local city hall. My advice would be to take your business idea to the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE -- a group sponsored by the Small Business Administration). To find a local SCORE chapter, call 800-827-5722. There are also small business help groups at colleges/university campuses that often offer counseling (both services are free). They can take your idea and tell you pretty much what you need to get started. Each state and town has their own rules on what you can or can't do as far as your business goes. These people are the ones who can answer any questions you might have. Did I mention this is all free? :-)
~ Get more advice on Keeping your business legal here

Q: Are all envelope-stuffing offers scams? Is there any real envelope stuffing that you know of? The ads in the magazines say that, for $20.00, they can get you started stuffing and promise to pay 2 or 3 dollars for each one that you stuff. They also say you never have to buy any stamps or envelopes. What's the scam here?

A: All envelope-stuffing ads are scams. You won't ever be stuffing an envelope. What will happen is you will be told to place the very same ad in another publication, like the one you have just read. So then what happens is you turn into a scammer yourself.
~ Read more about home business scams

Q: I'm not looking for some outrageous amount of money for easy work. I know that if it sounds to good to be true, that it is. I'm looking for honest work-at-home opportunities, if there are any. I know that some companies do hire outside home workers sometimes, but they don't usually pay much.

A: I'm glad to hear you're not looking for a business that is going to make you big bucks overnight, because that isn't going to happen. When you start any type of business, it will take 1-5 years before that business starts to make any sort of great profit. Sad, but true. Yes, there are companies out there that hire home workers, but It first depends on what type of job you want to do. What type of skills do you have? If you enjoy editing or indexing, some publishing companies will hire you, but first you're going to need to show them you can do the work with no problem at all. My advice is to go with something you already know a lot about and enjoy doing. That would be the fastest and quickest way to start your business.
~ Read more about starting with what you know here

Q: I need your help!! I have started a small yard sign rental company. I rent yard signs to people. My signs are 3 x 5, they say "Happy Birthday", "Happy Anniversary", "Congratulations, It's a Boy" or "Congratulations, It's a Girl". I can personalize them with the person's name and age. My problem is that I'm having a hard time getting it up and going. I have run some ads in our local newspaper and have handed out flyers with not a lot of response. I'm the only one in our town that does anything like this and I think it will catch on if people find out about me. That's where I need your help. Do you have any suggestions for me on how I can get the word out?? I don't have a lot of money to advertise. This will be a great business for me -- I have 4 kids, ages 11-1, and I really need to be able to stay home with them!!

A: Starting a small business on your own always takes more time than we like. I know that feeling well. If I were you, I'd stay away from ads. However, if you have a separate business phone line. the yellow pages will give you a one-line ad for free. Your business seems to me as one that people might look for in the yellow pages. Another idea for you would be to hook up somehow with a party store -- maybe give them a small referral fee if they can bring you customers. And my last idea -- have you written up a press release for your business? I would take pictures of your signs in action. Then I would write up a press release and send it, along with that picture, to all the newspapers and TV News stations in your local area. Before you send them out, find out who the person is you need to be sending it to. Then after a week or so, call that person directly and see if they received the press release, if you can answer any questions they have, and then the biggie... will they be running it? I think you have a great business idea. Keep up the great work and don't give up.
~ Bizymoms offers much more advice on Marketing Offline here

Q: I wanted to ask your opinion on something. I see a lot of information on moms who are married starting their own business, with that second income (their husband's) helping them until their business begins making money. What do you think of a single mother starting her own business, though? I am a single mom, working part time as an RN, but find working full-time drains both me and my children. I want to get into resume writing (because I love the creativity involved), medical transcription (to keep a finger in the medical field), and eventually writing articles, etc., (because I love writing). I know I won't start out being able so solely support my family on this for possibly years, and I plan to keep my "day job" for quite a while anyway. I'm just not finding much out there about any single moms doing this, which can sometimes feel discouraging. Your opinion (and any insight) on this would be greatly appreciated.

A: Thanks for your letter. First off, it is harder to start a home business when you're a single mom. However, it is not impossible. I interview two moms in my book that are both single moms. One is a lawyer. She doesn't make the big bucks like she would if she worked for a firm. It has been hard for her. But she felt she needed to be there even more for her child since she was a single mom. The other mom I interviewed started off on welfare. She finally made enough money so she was able to get off the system. She has raised three kids all by herself. She is such an inspiration to me. I love talking with her. If I were you, I'd keep your part-time day job and start your home biz at the same time. Let that home biz grow until you don't think you need it anymore. Secondly, do something you are really, really going to enjoy. You mentioned resume writing ("because I love the creativity involved"). See, that would probably be a great biz for you. Just start telling your friends and family about your new business. Maybe they won't need your service, but they might know someone who will. And tell the people you work with about your resume-writing service. You also mentioned an interest in medical transcription ("to keep a finger in the medical field"). Start talking to doctors and ask them if you could start doing some of their transcription at home. Hey, you never know. You also mention maybe you'll eventually start writing articles ("because you love writing"). EVENTUALLY? Heck, start now!! What is stopping you? If you LOVE it, then do it. No, it might not make you a ton of money. But you write one article and you just never know where that might lead you. Being a single mom has got to be the toughest job out there. I don't know how you do it. But, if working for yourself is your dream, then live it. Other single moms have done it. It's hard! But it can be done.
~ Talk to other Single Parents about Home Business here

Q: I HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED A BOOK ON JOBS AT HOME WHICH INCLUDES ASSEMBLING JEWELRY, MAKING CRAFTS, STUFFING ENVELOPES AND GETTING PAID BY THE PIECE. IS THIS LEGIT OR IS IT A SCAM? OF COURSE, THEY ALSO ASK YOU FOR A SMALL FEE FOR THE MATERIALS. SHOULD I OR SHOULDN'T I?

A: Don't do it!!!! All the businesses you mentioned are big fat scams. Don't even waste your money on them. If working from home is something you really want to do, start it on your own. I bet you have some interests or skills you could use to start a business you really enjoy. That is the key -- find something so it doesn't even feel like work. :-) If this feels like a daunting task, don't even bother. I would highly recommend the book, The Artist's Way. It helps you uncover your true interests. Another thing to look into is what type of things do people ask you to do for them because they know you can do it better than anyone else. That can be anything from making crafts to doing someone's taxes. The sky's the limit here, have fun with this.
~ Click here for great eBook resources directly from Bizymoms

Q: I was wondering if you have ever heard of Interactive Home Shopping. We live in the Sun City area and our landscaper is trying to get us to listen to his presentation on this company. I told him it sounded like a multi-level marketing company. He said it was not multi-level. I want to start my own mail order business in bath/body and aromatherapy products. He was telling us he lost $7,000 in mail order. I feel like it is more to your advantage to start something for yourself then to make money where it has the pyramid effect. Can you give me any feedback on this?

A: You know what I think? I think the guy you are talking to is a jerk. He is plainly trying to sell you something. He doesn't care what you enjoy doing, he wants to sell you this biz op. BAD! No, I haven't heard of the company but if you think it sounds like an MLM, then it probably is. He probably just calls it something else. I would run from this guy if I were you. You are right on, by the way. Start the business you want to start because of the interest you already have in it. I know of two moms who started a business in bath/body and aromatherapy products. They sell a lot of their products through health food stores and bed and breakfasts. They love doing it and they are making money at it. It's slow, but they love what they are doing and because of it, they will stick with it.

~ Read about others who have started mail order businesses here