6 Home-Based Busines to Consider

Here are six home-based businesses worth considering. 

1. Computer Specialist/Consultant

As computer specialist or consultant, you will cater for the computer needs within a business entity, a department or a small or medium scale business. You will have to be an all around programmer, technical and business adviser, depending on your potential customer's needs. You will work closely with a variety of people within the business, from managers to computer users, including how to install and upgrade equipment or software. You may also be asked to conduct training and to solve other related business problems.

Your knowledge and skills: You will have to be up-to-date with technical knowledge of hardware and software. You must also understand how the business or department works for your target customers. You must be resourceful and be able to communicate with a variety of people. If you specialize in a specific area, such as financial systems, hardware installation or programming, you should have an overall an expertise of the procedures and requirements of the field, so you can provide comprehensive solutions.

2. Copywriter

Copywriters know how to put across the key benefits of a product or service using clear, concise descriptions and call-to-action writing. As a freelance copywriter you will help a variety of businesses to capture the attention of perspective customers and motivate them to buy their products or services. They may work on a range of materials, including advertisements, media release, direct-mail brochures, media kits, annual reports, instruction manuals, grant proposals, feature stories and video scripts.

Your knowledge and skills: Be it simple or complex, you must be able to synthesize information into a clear, interesting and compelling message. Information and curiosity help take a fresh approach to describe a product and service.

3. Company Training and Development Trainer

While many large organizations have support in-house staff, more and more are turning to outside trainers who specialize in one or more areas.  

Your knowledge and skills: As a trainer, you need to be able to present information effectively to a wide variety of audiences, different industries and areas of discipline. For example, good organizational and writing skills will be necessary in preparing proposals and course materials. Good interpersonal skills will also help you to sell your programs to management decision-makers, as well as inspire students during their learning process.  

4. Desktop Publishing Service

Desktop publishing software programs, along with ongoing improvements in computer technology, have eliminated many of the time-consuming and costly steps in preparing printed materials, such as typesetting and related concerns. Therefore, an increasing number of businesses can now afford to produce a variety of internal and external communications, such as newsletters and directories. Some desktop publishers run a booming business from home, while others may temporarily work on-site for companies.

Your knowledge and skills: In addition to computer skills and an extensive knowledge of desktop publishing software, as a desktop publisher, you must be able to write clearly and have a working knowledge of the elements of good design. You must know printing practices and procedures. Interpersonal skills are also essential, especially if you plan to work with customers who are new in design and print production.

5. Employment Recruiter

You can call it headhunting or matchmaking, but employment recruiters are paid by employers to find qualified people to fill jobs in a variety of industries. It can be technical, management, or other professional jobs. Because of overwhelming amount of work done on the telephone, many recruitment companies have resorted to home-based businesses with one or two employees.

Your knowledge and skills: In addition to knowing the trends and types of people needed in a specialized industry, as a recruiter, you must have the knack at judging characters of your recruits. In developing relationships between companies and prospective recruits, you must be tenacious and patient.

6. Event Planner

From private parties to major business conventions, event planners handle all the details – from planning the budget to developing presentations. Corporations, nonprofit organizations and associations, use event planners to pull together arrangements for conventions, fund-raising events, banquets, hospitality and sales meetings, and inaugural celebrations.

Your knowledge and skills: As an event planner, it is essential that you possess excellent organizational skills, resourcefulness and grace under pressure. You must enjoy working with a wide range of people.