Home-Based Business for Dummies

by Paul Edwards, Sarah Edwards, Peter Economy, et al.

Book Overview

Thanks to the Internet, home-based businesses are booming. With a home computer and a good idea, you can market and sell almost anything in the world just from home. Whether you're selling homemade jams or working as a business consultant, today's entrepreneur doesn't even have to leave home. Home-Based Business For Dummies , 2nd Edition will help you make your endeavor profitable and successful Ideal for future entrepreneurs who have the urge and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764577638
• ISBN13: 9780764577635
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Be Your Own Boss!

I would classify this book as more of a general overview of all the important things you need to consider before actually starting your business. For particulars you will definitely want to contact a good business attorney and a good accountant. Not to mention, you'll need to interface a lot initially with your local city/state governments to get tax forms and your business license. This book seems to work best if you already have an idea for your business. Granted , they do throw out a few ideas for things like medical billing and place an emphasis on what could be described as services geared towards either elderly folks, or dual income families who are too busy to deal with traditional family type things. If you already kind of know what you think you want to try, this book will primarily help you fine tune your thoughts, and bring them to reality. The section on Managing Money is probably one of the best things anyone can read. Obviously, if you're in business, the goal is to make money. By understanding the basic accounting principles presented in Part II of the book, you'll be well on your way to managing your business money wisely. For general knowledge, my favorite part of the book was Part V. Here you will find Top 10 lists that describe common myths and pitfalls, and even success producing ideas to help you on your journey as a home based business owner. If you have a family, you'll want to take note on the section about what I would call, "The good way to set up your office." Which means, keeping distractions from the spouse and kids to a minimum while you are working at home. There is a section on marketing, but in lieu of just that section alone, I would definitely recommend "Guerilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson. It's a very dry read, but there are a lot of interesting and unique ideas for getting word out about your business with out spending much (if any) money. And when you're in business for yourself, the more advertising you can get for free, the better! I really like the way the authors describe how to get in to the home based business. Meaning, the idea of working at your full-time job (which you may or may not like) while you test the waters with your own venture on the side. That's excellent advice because if your business idea doesn't take off, you're not stuck without any income. Plus you can stay under your current employer's medical plan (A HUGE money saver!) Overall there is so much information in here, it will be hard to take it in all at once. Likewise, as I stated earlier, the most important thing to remember is make sure and check with a professional accountant and lawyer in your area before/as you get started so they can help walk you through the particulars in your area. Every city and state is different in terms of setting up a business when it comes to taxes and getting your license. Bottom line is, if you are semi-seriously considering starting a home based business, do yourself a favor and

The obvious choice for anyone starting a home based business

Paul Edwards shares his great knowledge in yet another book to help anyone start thier own business. This book will answer every question you can come up with and answer it in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. This is why it will help you to become successful. I highly recommend this book, it has great tips, information and ideas to help you start and run your own home based business successfully. Michelle Dunn, Author

Very impressed

I will launch my business in March 2005. I am very excited and nervous. Yet, believe it or not, this great book calmed me right down. It will be a wonderful reference that I go back to time and time again. I was one of the lucky ones that actually found this book BEFORE opening the business. It will save me from making some mistakes. Thanks!

I was home-based 'clueless' until I read this book!

I've worked out of a home-based office for years, but didn't have a clue how many things I didn't know about running an efficient, cost-effective business until I read this book. It's a gem!

Another must read small business book!

I love the books by Paul and Sarah Edwards. They were talking about small, home based businesses before anyone else and their books are thorough to say the least. This one covers everything from the legal to the financial aspects about starting and running a small home-based business.