By Christina East

When you think of the term ‘successful’, what comes to mind? Images of increasing bank accounts? Sleek cars? Mansion-like homes? Or, is it something completely different? For many of us moms, it’s the dream of being home for our children when they get off the bus, being home to see their first steps, and just plain ‘being there.’ It’s the dream of making a success story of one’s own, while also making a life.

For many working moms, the idea of being at home is a dream-come-true. Most wish to have more flexibility for their families and be a stay at home mom while they are raising young children—and contribute to the family finances. Increasingly, working parents are finding that working from home is an ideal solution, either through telecommuting for an employer or writing-their-own success story.

Currently, 70% of home-based businesses are owned by women, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. It’s a growing trend, so why not consider making the move?

Although there are many types of work from home successes, let’s focus on one: home-based businesses. From providing administrative services and clerical support to acting as a consultant for corporations, there’s a home-based business idea that’s right for you. Before making the switch to becoming a work at home mom, consider the following checklist to develop and plan your business:

1. Develop a business plan. Prior to embarking on a business venture, it’s important to establish your goals. Your first goal should be why you want to be a work at home mom in the first place. Display this clearly to keep you motivated. Secondly, you need to prioritize and establish your business model. For example, if you choose to start a craft business, you need to plan and prepare for your sales goals, what type of materials you will need to get started, if a start-up loan is required, what equipment is needed to make and supply your crafts, and what it will take to sell and deliver your product.

2. Educate. Attend a class at a local community college that will better prepare you to be your own boss. I feel that in order to prepare for any new career, it’s important to learn all that you can about it prior to implementation. For some food-service industries, it may be necessary to take a class on proper food handling and storage. It may also be necessary to acquire certification, depending on the nature of your business.

3. Read everything you can that’s related to your business. Visit your local library or bookstore. There are many books available to work from home moms to help you get started. Another excellent resource is the Internet, such as www.jobsformoms.com. You also want to order a subscription to an industry publication that will spark some new business ideas for you. This may also give you a general idea on what you’ll need to charge for your services. However, I have found that this comes with experience and time.

4. Administrative Duties. As a work from home mom, you will wear many hats, from clerical all the way up to executive-level duties, like establishing an Employer Identification Number and setting up your bookkeeping methods. It’s also imperative to meet with a certified accountant and set up a business checking account to precisely track your deposits and expenditures for tax purposes.

5. Establish a home-office space. Look around your home and find a spot that you will be comfortable working in. This can be an open closet space, a nook in the family room, or a spare bedroom. Just keep practicality in mind while designing your office. For example, if you need to keep an eye on small children while you’re working, then make sure your home office will allow this. Another thought is to ensure that you have some privacy with a curtain, door, or structure. This will enable you to conduct business calls as needed as well as separate your ‘work time’ from your ‘family time’. Slowly purchase any needed equipment that you’ll need to get your office ready for business, including a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, paper supplies, and a good Internet connection. My suggestion is to invest in the core equipment you need, and add as you go. Remember, these are all business expenses!

6. Network. Get out there and meet other work from home moms like yourself who are in business to make money. Join an area leads group that puts small business owners together to market their business. Check with your area’s Chamber of Commerce and consider joining. This will allow you to not only sell your business to key area leaders, but also socialize and meet other business owners. As a work from home mom, you’ll need a support group that allows you to discuss various ideas, talk about your business, and have some fun.

7. Market yourself. Check your local listings to find a graphic designer to professionally design your logo, business card, and letterhead. A local designer can also offer suggestions on colors, printing, and paper stock. A professional look will only help establish your professional image. He or she can also offer you website design services, if needed, for your business. Keep in mind, your image is the first impression a potential client has about you—and your credibility.

8. Start making money!

As a work from home mom, you’ll work hard, work smart, and work to make the level of money you desire. With dedication, creativity, and innovation, you’ll soon be on your way to a successful career as a work from home mom. At your ‘first day of work,’ don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by smiles from your child and a sense of personal achievement—a story that’s been perfectly scripted by its author: you. So, go get started!

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Christina East is a mother of two and a freelance writer and designer for her own business, Creative By Design. For your writing and graphic design needs, contact her at 314.709.2604 or via e-mail at chriscren@yahoo.com.