◊ Week One
Lesson 01 —
In this first lesson, I'll introduce you to the variety
of reasons why most people want to operate their own home-based
business. We'll take an honest look at the benefits as well as the
challenges of working at home. And then you'll see what it takes to be
an entrepreneur—and if this lifestyle will work for you.
Lesson 02 —
What kind of home-based business should I start? Have
you asked yourself this question? I sure hope so. Because this is one of
the most important issues you need to consider. By thoughtfully
exploring your options, you'll spare yourself costly mistakes that come
with sinking your time, money, and energy into the wrong business. In
this lesson, you'll focus on your talents and abilities so that your
home-based business will be a great fit!
◊ Week Two
Lesson 03 —
Having the right name and look for your home-based
business is essential. In this lesson, you'll find out how to create the
image that will draw customers to you and bring them back time and
again. You'll get creative with names and logos, and then you'll learn
how to protect your work with fictitious name statements, trademarks,
copyrights, and patents.
Lesson 04 —
Did you know that not all businesses are allowed to
operate from a private residence? It's vital that you are familiar with
the rules and regulations for the area you live in—before you start! So
we'll explore zoning laws, licenses, permits, and insurance issues.
◊ Week Three
Lesson 05 —
If you want to— succeed at your business, you need to
write an effective business plan. Your home-based venture is like a road
trip; to get where you want to go, you need a map that shows you where
you're starting from, where your destination is, and which route you
want to take. In this lesson, you will learn how to put together a
step-by-step action plan. This requires thorough research into each area
of your business, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Lesson 06 —
To make your business thrive, you need to market it like
a professional. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to create a
marketing plan. Simply providing terrific products and services is not
enough—you need to know who make up your marketplace, what your
objectives are, and what your competition is up to. Remember, a
home-based business doesn't have a convenient storefront. You've got to
be creative about letting people know what you do.
◊ Week Four
Lesson 07 —
Today, you'll learn a lot about the fine art of selling
your product or service. It's so important to be real, to listen, and to
know how to bargain and close the sale. Sound scary? Many people get
cold feet when it comes to sales. But you don't need to worry. In this
lesson, I'll give you the key to effective selling: Develop
relationships based on trust and credibility.
Lesson 08 —
I'll bet you're just dying to learn about banking,
record keeping, and taxes, right? No? Well, they're not the most
exciting topics, I'll admit, but they are crucial to your business.
Today you'll learn about expenses and deductions, maintaining the
appropriate records for all your revenue, categorizing your expenses,
and keeping track of sales tax. Grab a cup of coffee, and keep your eyes
open for this lesson!
◊ Week Five
Lesson 09 —
Do you know how to set up your office for maximum
efficiency? If not, then you've come to the right place. Conducting your
business from the kitchen table is really not the ideal situation. So
join me and see how to find just the right area in your home that will
allow you to work in a sane and productive fashion. Learn how to set
boundaries for your office, figure out what size office and setup you
need, and make sure your office is ergonomically and aesthetically
pleasing. Taking the time to set up your home office today is an
investment in your future.
Lesson 10 —
Today, we'll delve into getting organized. To some
people, the word organize sounds constricting and limiting—everything
has a place and must be in it at all times. Let's toss that idea right
out the window! The goal in organizing your business is to give yourself
freedom. Whether you're dealing with paperwork or time management, your
system of organization should not restrict or confine you in any way.
Come and see how organizing will work for you and never against you.
◊ Week Six
Lesson 11 —
One thing entrepreneurs often overlook is their
professional image—how their business looks to the outside world. When
your 5-year-old answers the phone and starts playing guessing games with
potential customers, or when your computer equipment still runs on DOS,
you've got an image problem! The impression you make through your image
can bring customers to you or drive them to your competition. So in this
lesson, we'll look at what not to do and what to do regarding your
personal appearance, attitude, and printed materials.
Lesson 12 —
In all your hard work of building a business, you don't
want to forget the most important people: not your customers, but your
family. You'll need to clarify expectations, reach compromises that work
for everybody, and especially set boundaries. In this last lesson,
you'll learn how to protect your work and your relationships and have
fun with both. It's all a matter of balance.
Requirements:
