Home-based businesses
Many people find that the best way to balance work and family commitments is to run a business from their own home. This has been made easier with the help of PCs, broadband and email. This section looks at home businesses that are both computer based and those that are not.
Freelance copywriter/sub-editor/proofreader
If you have a publishing or media background, then you may decide that setting up as a freelance copywriter, sub-editor or proofreader will provide you with the flexibility you need to juggle family commitments.
While freelancers generally work to deadlines, you will be able to choose how much work to take on, and what hours you wish to work. All you need is a home computer and email address, and assuming you have these, start-up costs are negligible.
CV writer
A CV writer prepares CVs and covering letters in consultation with clients. Contact may be in person, over the phone or online. You will need to be able to write clearly and succinctly. The market for CV writers is very competitive.
Database developer
Freelance database developers design systems that store and manage a company’s data, and will often be brought in for ad hoc projects. You will need a background in database development. It is likely you will need to spend time with the client specifying the project and training staff.
Ebay trader
Ebay traders aim to make a profit by selling goods using online auctions. About 160,000 individuals currently make a living from eBay while countless others use it to supplement their income.
While you can pick and choose your hours, it can be a time-consuming business as you need to factor in time for answering bidders’ questions, packing and posting goods, organising new listings, as well as keeping an eye on the market and buying your goods to sell.
No formal training is required to start trading on eBay, but there are courses and books which can help you to optimise sales and profits.
Clothing alteration service
A clothing alteration service provides customers with quick adjustments to clothing such as taking in dresses or shortening trousers. You should be skilled in sewing and working with different fabrics.
Dressmaker
Dressmakers provide customers with a personalised service, including measurements, creating the pattern, fittings and finishing. Demand for dressmakers is increasing. Formal training is not essential, but you should have some experience.
Home sewing and embroidery service
You can offer various services including textile repairs, embroidering logos onto clothing and linen. Thriving but competitive industry, as it appeals to people interested in developing a business with low overheads.
This is part of a series of articles, be sure to catch the rest of the series!
{{post id=”business-ideas-to-fit-in-with-family-life-part-1″ text=”Part One”}}
{{post id=”business-ideas-to-fit-in-with-family-life-part-2″ text=”Part Two”}}
{{post id=”business-ideas-to-fit-in-with-family-life-part-3″ text=”Part Three”}}
{{post id=”business-ideas-to-fit-in-with-family-life-part-4″ text=”Part Four”}}
{{post id=”business-ideas-to-fit-in-with-family-life-part-5″ text=”Part Five”}}
Information supplied by Business Link
For more information on franchises, visit Franinfo