The Home-Based Business Kit »

D-M Boulay received her undergraduate degree from Boston College, and both her Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management and her law degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. A veteran of the Vietnam War and past critical care nurse, she started her own law practice 25 years ago. Since then, she has helped many other entrepreneurs to start and manage their own businesses.

Ms. Boulay is an arbitrator and mediator of business disputes. She is past president of the Minnesota As

Diana Brodman Summers received her JD from DePaul University College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Roosevelt University. She is an arbitrator for both the Cook and DuPage County mandatory arbitration programs and was recently appointed to the Liquor Commission for the City of Downers Grove. Ms. Summers is an active member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the American Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Ms.

The Home-Based Business Kit is designed to help the reader identify the information needed to start a home business based on a hobby or special interest. It helps the reader think through all aspects of what is needed and the practical steps to take in order to get underway. These resources include financial as well as promotional assistance, at both the state and federal levels.

Introduction
10 Steps to Making Your Home-Based Business a Success
Section I: Evaluate Your Home for Business
CHAPTER 1: Why Start a Home-Based Business?

The Desire for Financial Independence

The Dream of Working for Yourself

The Need to be Creative

Your Personal Reasons for Starting a Home-Based Business

Don’t Quit Your Day Job
CHAPTER 2: Kinds of Home-Based Businesses

Providing Services to Others

Professional Businesses

Craft Businesses

Child-Oriented Businesses

Foods and Edibles

eBay

Portable Businesses

Franchises

Getting Ideas for a Home Business
CHAPTER 3: Is Your Home the Right Place for a Business?

Zoning and Other Local Laws

Business Address

Image

Home Office Furniture

Home Office Equipment

Phone Lines

Parking
CHAPTER 4: A Home-Based Business and Your Family

Family Support and Distractions

Naysayers

Friends and Neighbors

Security
Section II: Start Getting Organized
CHAPTER 5: Prioritize Your Ideas

Your Time is Valuable

Choose a Business You Can Grow to Love

Identify Your Goals

Create a Daily Activity List

Analyze Your Activity List

Focus Your Initiative

Identify Your Business Skills

Know Your Personal Limitations

Develop Balance in Your Life
CHAPTER 6: Use Your Time, Wisely

Prioritize Your Tasks

Plan Your Time

Too Much Work and Not Enough Time

Control Your Interruptions

Project Scheduling Challenges

Inventory SchedulingChallenges
Section III: Develop Your Plans
CHAPTER 7: Make a Business Plan

Start-Up Action Plan

The Importance of a Business Plan

Developing a Business Plan

Writing a Business Plan

Presenting Your Business Plan

Putting Your Business Plan to Work

Sample Business Plan
CHAPTER 8: Make a Marketing Plan

Determine the Marketability

Learn About the Competition

Spot Trends

Think Outside the Box

Write a Marketing Plan

Home-Based Business Marketing Plan

Truth in Advertising

Implementing Your Marketing Plan

Networking

Set Your Pricing Policy

Discounts

Legal Issues for Pricing

Tracking Your Prices
CHAPTER 9: Make a Financial Plan

Personal Savings

Inheritance or a Gift

Credit Cards

Debit Cards and ATM Cards

Equity in Your Home

Loan from Family or Friends

Promissory Note

Buying on Time

Renting or Leasing Equipment

Line of Credit

Retirement Funds

Banks and Credit Unions

The Small Business Administration

Assistance for Veterans

Budget
Section IV: Put Your Plan into Action
CHAPTER 10: Legal Considerations


State Registration

Business Structure

Employer Identification Number

Licenses, Permits, and the Collection of Taxes

Zoning Regulations
CHAPTER 11: Basic Business Setup

Naming Your Company

Bank Account

Credit Cards

Telephone Systems

Computer Hardware

Computer Software

Office Equipment

Tips on Acquiring Equipment and Furniture

Business Cards, Letterhead, and Envelopes
CHAPTER 12: Use Business Experts to Your Advantage

The Attorney

The Accountant

The Insurance Agent

Business Records
Section V: Manage Your Business Relationships
CHAPTER 13: Working with Customers

Developing Solid Customer Relations

Customer Service Principles

Customer Satisfaction Policy

Customer Payment Policies

Preparing Invoices

Extending Credit

Payment Problems

Refund Policies

Disputes

Conflict Management Policy

Contracts and Customer Relationships
CHAPTER 14: Working with Vendors

Negotiation Guidelines

Negotiating Contracts with Vendors
CHAPTER 15: Working with Employees

Choose the Correct Employment Category

Write a Job Description

Interview Process

Check References

The Decision Process

Employment Compensation

Employer Tax Responsibilities
CONCLUSION
GLOSSARY
APPENDIX: Secretary of State Contact Information
INDEX