Three Myths about Running a Successful Home Business

A Home Business Article Contributed by Jenni Mckinney

Running a Successful Home Business: Myth #1 -- Child Care

Many people interested in starting a successful home business today have popular misconceptions about details behind running the business. The first of these misconceptions, or myths, involves child care.

A lot of mothers believe that the answer to their child care needs is to work from home: being at home will enable them to reduce the cost of child care, will enable them to be the primary care givers, and will allow them to help their struggling children complete home work assignments and school projects. Unfortunately, this is rarely a realistic expectation if one also expects her home business to be successful.

Most women working from home actually do have child care arrangements for their children, whether it involves supervision by the spouse, dropping the kids off at a day care for at least a few hours a day, or hiring a nanny for their children. The reason for this is that if your business involves customers coming to your home or even calling you on the phone, you cannot project an image of professionalism with a three-year-old wailing in the background!

Running a Successful Home Business: Myth #2 -- Research

Many people interested in starting a successful home business today may believe that their great idea can be translated into money tomorrow. These folks tend to rush ahead without considering all the evidence, and are disappointed and confused when things don't turn out the way they thought. If you are considering starting a home business, there are a few areas of research you should delve into. First, translate your idea into day-to-day living.

For example, if you think it would be great to make cakes for special events as a business, then spend a week of your vacation baking 100 cakes and decide if that is something you would be happy doing 52 weeks a year! Second, research the market in your area to determine if there is a need or desire for the type of service you would like to offer.

For example, if you are thinking of starting a dog-walking business, find out how many folks in your area even have a dog, and then how many of those would be interested in having their dogs walked by a stranger. Third, learn the necessary skills. For example, if you are interested in starting a window-washing business, get a job with an already-established window-washing business for a few months or even years so that you can learn everything possible from their example.

Running a Successful Home Business: Myth #3 -- Relaxed Standards

Many people interested in starting a successful home business today are captivated by the notion that if they only worked for themselves, they would not have to wear business dress or work normal business hours. Unfortunately, this attitude is erroneous, because the popular concept of a business in consumers' minds includes accepted dress and conventional hours.

Of course, if you do not receive customers at your home, you may opt to wear your pajamas all day, but as soon as you go out into the public eye, you must look the part of a successful business person if you wish your home business to succeed at all.