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How can I start working from home?

You are not alone in wanting to work from home; millions of women (and men) want to and do. The two most common ways people work at home is by doing direct marketing (i.e, selling products for companies) and starting their own business.

You may wish you could start tomorrow, but realistically, it could take six months to a year until you open for business. Experts say the success of new business start-ups is directly connected to the amount of research people put into their business ideas. Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Work out what business or work-from-home opportunity you want to pursue

Three excellent sources for entrepreneurial ideas:

• Public libraries: They are a wealth of information with their business idea and management books, magazines, newspapers, reference publications, listing of business associations, telephone directories and government compilations of statistics, as well as access to the Internet and to other libraries in each system.
• Websites: A multitude of Websites comprise thousands of pages of start-up business ideas and information. Begin with iVillage's own message boards, articles and chats, and then investigate other recommended sites. Get advice and help from www.businesslink.gov.uk or www.rba.co.uk
• You: Assess yourself and your situation. Write a CV for yourself that includes your background, education, training and any on-the-job skills that could possibly be used in a venture. Then look at your hobbies and leisure-time activities, because many businesses result from a person following their 'passion'. Ask yourself how much time you can realistically put into a business venture, considering your present commitments.

2. Tap into additional community resources for help such as:

• Local business organisations. Attend meetings of chambers of commerce and home business associations, or start your own women's business-owners network for start-up tips or to exchange information and referrals.
• Adult evening classes on business start-up, held at your local schools, colleges or learning centres.
• Work or volunteer opportunities for you in the industry of the businesses that interest you, to see whether you like this type of work and for first-hand experience.

3. Do preliminary research of the market potential for the ideas that most interest you

Ask people and business organisations in your area for feedback - pros and cons - about your idea(s). See what other similar businesses exist locally. Is there a special group of customers (a 'niche') who are not being served?

4. Draw up a simple business plan

This does not have to be complicated, but it is essential, because it will put figures down in black and white and give you that essential blueprint for your business venture. It will also help you determine whether you should go ahead or not. Is it too costly? Do customers even exist? Is there a nearby area that would be more receptive to your business's products or services?

If you follow these suggestions, you should have all the basic information you need to choose and get started in a business best suited for you.