Expert: Sue Lewis - 12/14/2005

Question
Hi Sue,

How would a person go about finding a legitimate, home-based business to get involved in?  My wife was asking me about envelope stuffing but everything I read about that indicates that it is a scam.  We are both unhappy in our jobs and would love to be able to work from home.  Can you give me some ideas of legitimate, home-based businesses, and how to get started in one?  

Thanks in advance!
Joe

Answer
Hi,

Just about any interest or skill can be turned into a business. What would you really like to do? Is there something you are passionate about?

Envelope stuffing is almost always a scam as are many other things you will see promoted online. Avoid anything to do with assembling things, too. You likely won't even earn back the fees they charge.

Having a business that earns enough to support you isn't easy and will take time to build. You will need to spend a lot of time working your business, often more time than you spend at your jobs, so be sure that you will enjoy what you are doing.

If you are stuck for ideas, check out some of the opportunities listed at Entrepreneur magazine: http://www.entrepreneur.com  These are legitimate business opportunities.

But the best course is always doing something for yourself. Look at your community for a need that you can fill. Buy an existing home based business (that's what we did).  There is a good section on the Small Business Administration website to help you: http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html

Good luck

Sue