By David E. Costa
Home based businesses are becoming more and more popular. People are less and less secure in the "traditional" job market. They have reason to look for change. The days of starting with a stable company out of school and continuing into retirement are no more.
In fact, this has always been fantasy. There are many that think home based businesses are scams but the reality is just the opposite. It is the traditional employee-employer relationship that is the scam. Let me explain.
Let's define what we are discussing.
Perform an internet search for any of the following terms: work at home, home based business, business opportunity, work from home, etc. There will be vast differences in the search results and at the same time quite a bit of cross-over as well.
There are two main categories of people searching for these subjects. First, is the person who wants to make money at home....with a job. This means that someone pays them something for their time or the performance of a task. The second group is people who are looking to actually work a business for themselves. They may or may not have any understanding of what that entails, but they are looking nonetheless.
What is the process?
Usually the process starts with (1) cold calling or "friends and family" marketing or (2) the prospect responds to an ad. It really doesn't matter what the business does at this point or what they offer. The early stages all involve lead generation.
Since my business does not rely on cold calling or contacting friends and family, I will focus the professional marketer side of the business.
Respondents to ads are taken to a "filter". This "filter" is a website, telephone hotline or similar screening method. I talk to many people who say the same thing..."I could not tell much about the opportunity by your website". This is done on purpose to separate the tire kickers from the serious. My websites are actually designed to weed out a large portion of the people who make it to my web page.
If you are asked to provide your name and email address (or other information) you have "opted-in", that means you have requested to be contacted by whoever placed the ad. Please realize this before you provide your information. You will be contacted by someone. You are in control. If it is not right for you, simply say so. Professionals will be direct with you and appreciate the same in return. I don't want to waste my time or yours.
The process varies widely from there. This article is not about how to perform lead generation in your home based business. This article is about what a prospective work at home or work from home prospect should consider before they "opt-in" .
What is the Expectation?
Your expectations are your expectations. There is no right or wrong, as long as YOU are following your passion, as long as YOU have a reason bigger than money for wanting to start your new opportunity. If money is your sole motivator, be careful. You may not have thought through this completely.
I will not discuss "jobs" in this article. I simply don't believe that jobs are right for achievers, for people with visions and passions.
So, you have a burning desire to create your own business! Congratulations! The best way to create true freedom is with a business of your own.
Why a home based business? Why not some other kind of business? Is there a difference? A business is a business. I don't even like the "home based" terminology. In almost cheapens the concept. What does it matter where you work from?
A real business requires an investment. It requires start-up capital and it requires a dedicated investment of your time to make it work. If you are talking to someone who is telling you that for $50.00 and 2 hours a day you can make millions....just look somewhere else. Business need not be difficult, but it does require effort.
Create a business plan. It need not be complicated. What kind of "investment" can you make in your own future? Consider the basics, computer, phone, software to make more efficient use of your time, etc.
What about advertising? How will you develop qualified leads for your opportunity?
What kind of business entity will you be? Will you run a sole proprietorship, LLC, Corporation? Do you have an accountant that can help you take advantage of the many tax advantages of becoming an entrepreneur?
Here is the KEY to success!
Have a goal. Write it down.
Realize that you are becoming a business owner. Take that responsibility proudly.
You are not a home based business owner, you are a business owner! You will be compensated in direct proportion to your results, not your efforts. Results matter and they unshackle you!
You will need to make decisions. Continue with certainty as you make decisions to lead you toward your goal!
Now here is where it really gets exciting. Once you make your decision as to what your life looks like, and continue to take action toward that destination, the rest falls into place.
Your decision to pay that initial investment, your decision to be coachable and trainable, your decision to place your advertising, your decision to call people back and ask for a decision....all of this happens before the resources materialize.
Make it happen, find the cash, become the person of YOUR dreams and create abundance for yourself, your family and your associates!
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David Costa is the founder of Renegade Concepts, Inc. (http://www.RenegadeConceptsInc.com). The mission of Renegade Concepts, Inc. is to offer opportunities that help others achieve abundance, follow their passion and enjoy life. David is a leader in network marketing and personal development (http://www.7FigureRenegade.com) and is available for interviews regarding personal development, real estate re-invented, aviation topics and patient safety. With that varied resume, you can see why he call himself, "unemployable...and grateful for it!"
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