I just read that according to the Small Business Administration’s research in 2003, nearly twenty percent of American households are running some sort of home based business - at least on a part time basis. The SBA also forecasted at that time that the number of home based business owners will continue to rise every year.

Let me ask you, are you ready to take the plunge and start your own work at home enterprise? Even just something small that you can start on the side of your regular job with the hopes of expansion? If you are, you’re not alone. Nearly every hard working person with a pulse has dreamt of quitting the 9 to 5 grind and striking out on his own.

Here’s a few simple steps to stay happy in your home based business…

If you can, print this page to help keep you on track in your business goals and plan. Sometimes it gets very hard to stay focused on the goal when you’re working from home, all alone. This really helps.

Working from home, alone, is not for everyone. It can be difficult to stick to a schedule without anyone looking over your shoulder, and with almost no rewards in the beginning - just the hope that maybe…maybe…this will be the great business idea that gets you away from the grind.

Here’s a few start up tips to ensure you stay inspired.

1. Select An Industry You Enjoy. Select a business you are sure you can do well in and that people are actually willing to pay you money for.
2. Over Plan for The Future. What will you charge? Who will be your customers? How will you reach your target market? How will you market and advertise your business? Why will people want to do business with you? Where will you set up your office?
3. Check out the Legalities Before You Launch. Check local zoning laws and bylaws. Get a business license and register your new business name. Meet withyour local Chamber of Commerce and find out if you need special type of licensing for your business.
4. Get Finances in Order. Set up a bookkeeping system right from the beginning. Open a business account at your bank. Map out your expenses.
5. Set Up Your Home Office.
6. Get Advertising and Marketing. Order business cards and letterhead. Print flyers announcing the new business and opening date. Register a domain name for your business and put up one new webpage a day about your market, your business and your ideas.
7. Get Busy! Determine a work schedule and stick to it.

Find similar: Home Based Business, Home Based Business Inspiration