Get Rich Quick? I don't think so!

Recently I've had a number of emails from people who have told me that they would love to work from home but don't know how. Some of them have mentioned sending off money after they'd read ads telling them to send money for advice on how to have a successful business working from home. Unless you can afford to lose the money, do not respond to these ads. Real working from home opportunities are around, and with the companies who offer these, there is no payment required from you as the potential employee - although some companies do require a fee or deposit if they send materials to you.

If you really want to work from home, think about the following points:

1. What are your skills?
2. What do you hate doing?
3. What kind of work would be your perfect job?
4. How much time can you devote to it?
5. Where in your home could you work?

If you are good with people, then you might consider things like selling party plan merchandise - anything from containers - to party decorations, and from cosmetics to craft supplies. Look at your area. Are there other reps for these companies already? If not, think about the people who live there. Are there many children? If so, then the party decorations could be a good idea, and why not do children's books also (you could ask your local nursery if they'd let you do reading sessions with the children, where you could promote your books as a sideline). You could perhaps keep your samples of cosmetics or craft materials in Tupperware boxes then if anyone says what a great idea it is, let them have one of your brochures. Use one to trade off the other. Don't get carried away with your own purchases though otherwise you'll never make a profit! With the cosmetics, why not take a short course in cosmetology at your local adult education center? Once you have a certificate you could offer manicures or makeovers (for which you could also charge) and sell your merchandise there. Think about your opportunities and use them well.

If you are good with children, there are always people looking for good baby sitters, take a first aid course, then offer your services as a professional baby sitter. Put up an ad in your local library, maternity centre, baby store, etc. Charge by the hour. Many women would love an hour or two to go out shopping without taking the baby, buggy and bulging bag! You could even consider looking into the legalities of looking after children in your own home, either pre-schoolers or after-schoolers.

If you prefer paper or computer to people, take a course in web page design and see if you can set yourself up as a freelance web designer. Once you have the skills, marketing is your major task. Or perhaps you, like me, love to write. There are plenty of opportunities out there for people who have good writing skills. 

I hope that this gives some ideas for those of you who don't really want to leave the house to work. There are jobs out there for stay-at-home moms. You just have to look hard to find them - firstly within yourself to find your true calling, and then outside to find where there is a need for it.

And don't forget: IGNORE THOSE ADS THAT ASK FOR MONEY IN RETURN FOR HIGH EARNINGS WORKING AT HOME - they will have the high earnings, not you, because they are providing nothing in return for your hard-earned cash. Use that money to invest in a good reference book in your chosen field instead, or put it towards marketing yourself once you have decided which path you wish to follow.

Katie-Anne 2001