So the feedback I have been getting from many potential WAHM'ers is that they would love to work from home, but don't have any ideas as to what business they can start. While the possibilities are endless, for those that lack inspiration, we have put together some ideas for businesses that can be run from home.
A word of caution, if you are searching for work from home jobs on the internet, the bulk of what you are likely to find is scams. Be wary of any business that asks you to pay an upfront fee to join etc as any real employer will not require this.
So what can you do then? The possibilities are as wide as your imagination and what people are willing to pay for.
1. Do you have any specific qualifications? You could use these unique skills to start your own specialist business. (I run a consulting business in my field of study from home, albeit in a non-traditional way). For example, an accountant could set up a bookkeeping business or a teacher could give tuition from home (or even online).
2. Do you have any special and unique talents? If you are an amazing artist, an exceptional baker or great at making stuff with your hands, you can use these skills to make and sell something that there is a demand for.
3. Is there something you are incredibly passionate about? Use this passion. If you are great with small children, perhaps you could set up a small daycare facility. If you love ballet or surfing or - whatever it is you like, why not set up an online store relating to your passion? You could also pass your passion on to others and make money at the same time- offer sewing lessons, guitar lessons or baking classes.
4. Is there a clear gap in the market for something and you know that you can fill that gap? Use that as your cue. For example, if you live in a small town with not a single person renting out party supplies, you could fill that gap. If you are surrounded by full time workers with no time to cook, offer a hot home cooked meal or pre-packed lunch service. Private, flexible religious classes for children with busy extra-mural schedules are also in great demand.
5. Writing! If you have a writing background you could do freelance writing, proof reading or copyrighting. If you are inspired, you could even write a book- this is even easier in this day and age with e-publishing. As an income supplement, you could start a blog and earn income from advertising, affiliate programmes, sponsored posts etc.
6. If you have a flair for sales and a good network of people to sell to, you could become an agent for the products of various companies (the usual make-up, pots, weight loss products etc- find something that nobody in your area of influence is selling already). Even better, be your own boss, source your own products and start your own sales based business (either a physical one or a web-based business).
7. If you have decent computer skills and the right equipment, you could provide typing, transcription or data capturing services, or work as a virtual assistant (i.e. handling administration such as emails or scheduling appointments on behalf of a busy executive). Note: be careful with data capturing, while there are lots of legitimate opportunities, there are also scams out there.
8. If you are able to do web design, you could design or test websites from home.
9. Translator- if you are multi-lingual and have good language skills, you could transcribe documents. Try sites such as Translators Cafe.
10. There are some legitimate oppurtunities online. If you are a good photographer, you could sell stock photographs online to sites such as Dreamstime, Shutterstock etc. Or you could do freelance work through sites such as freelancer.com