AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I can answer questions on how to find a work-at-home job online or off including the best sites for finding jobs, how approach an employer about working at home, and other methods for creating a work-at-home job. I can also answer questions about current trends in telecommuting, how to establish a telecommuting program in a company, and how to maximize productivity while working at home.
Experience I have telecommuted as a social worker, writer, web designer and online researcher. I have provided work-at-home job announcements and tips online since 1998 at my site WorkAtHomeSuccess.com. I am the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home and of the soon to be published The Pajama Mama Guide to Online Employment.
Publications My articles have appeared in various work-at-home and stay-at-home e-zines and web site.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
Awards and Honors Work-At-Home Success has been recognized and received several awards from various online resources.
Expert: Leslie Truex Date: 5/27/2008 Subject: Home based businesses
Question I am looking for a recession proof business. I am considering 3 businesses, in your opinion, does a credit repair business or home inventory business (where you put on video person's possesions for insurance purposes) or being a mortgage protection agent fit in that category?
Any tips will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance."
Answer Hi Sallie,
I don't know the details of each of these businesses, but when I think of recession proof, I think about what do people continue to buy regardless of how the economy is going? Gas and milk are two things but of course can't be sold at home. But you can see what I mean when I choose those. When money is tight (or credit is bad) are people going to pay for credit repair (and can you really provide that)? While it seems like a good choice and maybe even people "need" it, the reality is, people with poor credit usually don't have much money to start with. Since most people have cameras (digital or on their phones), I'm not so sure about the inventory business either. I don't know what mortgage protection is, but most mortgages are insured, and if people are smart they'll buy insurance (life, disability, etc) to cover their mortgage. So I guess I'm not convinced any of these are truly recession proof. People don't always buy what they need. They buy what they want.
If these are business opportunities you're looking at investing in, I'd do more research. These ideas sound good and needed, but I wonder if people would really pay for it. Have you ever paid for these services?
While choosing something recession proof is important, also remember that it takes real commitment to start a business. The most successful home business owners I know started a business based on what they already knew how to do or on something they loved. You may want to inventory your skills, interests, hobbies, talents etc and find something there instead of focusing just on the financial aspect.
