Home-Based Business For Dummies?

By Paul Edwards, Sarah Edwards, Peter Economy, et al.

Book Overview

Starting a home-based business is a reality that has created wide-open opportunity and success for those who decided to take the plunge--just as it can for you. Setting up a home-based business is also the easiest and least expensive way to become an entrepreneur. But how do you get started? If you're thinking about starting your own business at home or just curious about what it takes, Home-Based Business For Dummies is the all-in-one guide to making it happen ... and making it profitable. Whether you need information on marketing your business, pricing your products and services, or understanding legal do's and don'ts, this book has what you need to succeed as a home-based business--including twenty-five cost-saving tips for setting up a home office. Home-Based Business For Dummies explains an incredibly wide variety of information that will help you become a successful entrepreneur from the comfort of your own home. This accessible, hands-on g uide offers step-by-step advice on every aspect of setting up shop at home, from picking the right business for you and selecting office equipment to presenting a professional image to potential clients and customers. You'll also discover how to: Make the transition to a home-based business Tap fourteen sources of start-up funds Choose the right health care coverage Create an effective marketing campaign Use pricing strategies to come out on top Harness the power of the Internet to grow your home-based business Set boundaries between home and work Deal with insurance and taxes Home-Based Business For Dummies is filled with useful information, tips, and checklists. From exploring e-commerce options to dealing with financial and legal issues, Home-Based Business For Dummies provides you with the very best ideas, concepts, and tools for starting and successfully operating your own home-based business.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764552279
• ISBN13: 9780764552274
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.4" x 1.0" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

Be Your Own Boss!

I would classify this book as more of a general overview of all the important things you need to consider before actually starting your business. For particulars you will definitely want to contact a good business attorney and a good accountant. Not to mention, you'll need to interface a lot initially with your local city/state governments to get tax forms and your business license. This book seems to work best if you already have an idea for your business. Granted , they do throw out a few ideas for things like medical billing and place an emphasis on what could be described as services geared towards either elderly folks, or dual income families who are too busy to deal with traditional family type things. If you already kind of know what you think you want to try, this book will primarily help you fine tune your thoughts, and bring them to reality. The section on Managing Money is probably one of the best things anyone can read. Obviously, if you're in business, the goal is to make money. By understanding the basic accounting principles presented in Part II of the book, you'll be well on your way to managing your business money wisely. For general knowledge, my favorite part of the book was Part V. Here you will find Top 10 lists that describe common myths and pitfalls, and even success producing ideas to help you on your journey as a home based business owner. If you have a family, you'll want to take note on the section about what I would call, "The good way to set up your office." Which means, keeping distractions from the spouse and kids to a minimum while you are working at home. There is a section on marketing, but in lieu of just that section alone, I would definitely recommend "Guerilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson. It's a very dry read, but there are a lot of interesting and unique ideas for getting word out about your business with out spending much (if any) money. And when you're in business for yourself, the more advertising you can get for free, the better! I really like the way the authors describe how to get in to the home based business. Meaning, the idea of working at your full-time job (which you may or may not like) while you test the waters with your own venture on the side. That's excellent advice because if your business idea doesn't take off, you're not stuck without any income. Plus you can stay under your current employer's medical plan (A HUGE money saver!) Overall there is so much information in here, it will be hard to take it in all at once. Likewise, as I stated earlier, the most important thing to remember is make sure and check with a professional accountant and lawyer in your area before/as you get started so they can help walk you through the particulars in your area. Every city and state is different in terms of setting up a business when it comes to taxes and getting your license. Bottom line is, if you are semi-seriously considering starting a home based business, do yourself a favor and

The obvious choice for anyone starting a home based business

Paul Edwards shares his great knowledge in yet another book to help anyone start thier own business. This book will answer every question you can come up with and answer it in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. This is why it will help you to become successful. I highly recommend this book, it has great tips, information and ideas to help you start and run your own home based business successfully. Michelle Dunn, Author

Very impressed

I will launch my business in March 2005. I am very excited and nervous. Yet, believe it or not, this great book calmed me right down. It will be a wonderful reference that I go back to time and time again. I was one of the lucky ones that actually found this book BEFORE opening the business. It will save me from making some mistakes. Thanks!

I was home-based 'clueless' until I read this book!

I've worked out of a home-based office for years, but didn't have a clue how many things I didn't know about running an efficient, cost-effective business until I read this book. It's a gem!

Another must read small business book!

I love the books by Paul and Sarah Edwards. They were talking about small, home based businesses before anyone else and their books are thorough to say the least. This one covers everything from the legal to the financial aspects about starting and running a small home-based business.