Make Me a Hot Mama Magazine: For Stylish Moms, By Stylish Moms.: 2009-03-03

I want to stay home and raise my babies but I also want to still make some money. How can I do that? Staying home and then paying a babysitter or daycare doesn't make sense. My spouse is always busy. My family is great but I don't want to take advantage of them. What do I do?

Hmmm. Have you ever tried running a home business? You can either start one from scratch with a talent that you have - sewing, cooking, crafts, books - you name it. Or you can work with a company that has been around a little while. There are so many out there. Pampered Chef, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Simply Fun, Passion Parties, Wildtree, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Dove Chocolates, BeautiControl, Discovery Toys, Cakes N Crumbs....

My suggestion would be to do some research. Ask the following:

Find out what the starting cost are -

Ask what there monthly/quarterly sales minimums are -

How much are catalogs?

Do you get a website?

Do you have to have so many parties booked before you sign up?

Can you host a party before you sign up to get your started package at a discount?

What is the commision structure?

Is their a start up incentive?

The good thing about doing a home business is you can schedule around your schedule. If you kids are a little older, they can also help you out with a few things. Even putting labels on your brochures is something little hands can help you with.

How are you going to advertise? The obvious one is to contact friends and family and tell them you are starting your own business. Next lots of free spots on the internet to advertise. Join a few local home show vendor shows to help get your name out there. Hang up posters around your town. Run an ad in your local newspaper. Hang up signs at your local college. Possibilities are endless. Just be creative and make your ad stand out from all the ones out there. Swap parties with another home business vendor. Order free business cards from Vistaprint.com.

Keep track of your expenses. Lots of things can be written off, but you need proof. Keep track of your mileage, advertising, business expenses. Contact your Accountant and just get some great advice.

Good luck and I know you can do it. If you find out that the business wasn't for you, then try another one. Giving up is not in your vocabulary.

Julie