Are you ready to start a home-based business but aren’t sure how to make the venture a success? Most people who try working from home as independent owners suffer from first-timer jitters, and that’s understandable. Not only is the quest a lonesome one, at least in the beginning, but it entails financial risk and the need to learn numerous new skills.
The initial hurdle is technical. You need to make sure you have enough computing power and a fast enough internet connection to support the kind of work you’ll be doing. Then, consider adding an MBA to your resume via online degree programs. Solo e-commerce practitioners must keep meticulous financial records and use blogging to promote themselves. The following suggestions can help you get your e-commerce, home-based company off to a roaring start.
Get the Right Computer Equipment and Connections
Do a thorough assessment of your computer and peripheral equipment setup. Remember, your private residence will be your official office for the foreseeable future, so make certain you have a fast internet connection, printers, fax machines, scanners, two phone lines, and an online backup resource for emergencies. Your digital marketing strategy will never get off the ground if you do not have the right equipment to push it through. You’ll also need the requisite amount of office equipment and a very comfortable, ergonomic computer chair. Even with frequent breaks, it’s imperative to find a chair and desk combination that is perfectly adapted to your height and posture.
Get an MBA Degree
Having the right set of intellectual tools goes a long way in e-commerce. The challenge is about more than the technical savvy to set up sites, manage blogs, and do other IT-related chores. Successful e-commerce merchants who operate from their homes need a broad base of business knowledge that only an MBA (master’s in business administration) can deliver. In addition to the challenge of learning a large amount of complex material, degree candidates have to find a way to pay for it all. The most efficient way is to take out education loans from private lenders. If you need an MBA loan, turn to private sources for the terms and conditions that suit your needs as a home-based business owner.
Keep Track of Expenses
For tax and budgeting purposes, maintain a detailed accounting spreadsheet of all your business-related spending. Don’t rely on your standard software. Instead, keep a separate journal that includes nothing but what you spent money on, when you spent it, and whom you paid. There are dozens of no-cost apps designed for this specific purpose. Review the data monthly to see where you can cut costs.
Maintain an Active Blog
Whether you include it on your main website or not, publish a blog that covers topics and news related to your main products and services. If you hate to write content or don’t have the time, buy inexpensive blog pieces from a professional service. Include a news feed and add at least three new articles per week to keep things fresh. Readers are potential customers, so remember that people need a reason to view your blog. By keeping it topical and straightforward, you’ll bring in more business.
